From Horror to Hope

[Levy] describes how war affects population health in different forms and dimensions, ranging from injuries, mental and reproductive health, to (non)communicable diseases, and he identifies subpopulations at particular risk, from children to military personnel. He covers the effects of different types of weapons, as well as legal and ethical aspects of war. Importantly, Levy proposes what role public health professionals can play in preventing war and promoting peace. His book will be of interest to public health students and practitioners wishing to obtain an overview of these long-neglected topics. The breadth of the topics Levy covers is impressive. * American Journal of Public Health *
[This book] brings together a wealth of research and knowledge with a clear and essential objective, written in an accessible way with a reader friendly structure. It is a book that is urgently needed in our times. * Medicine, Conflict and Survival *
[This book] is a superbly organized, encyclopedic, and system synthesis of the health impacts [of war]...drawn from more than 800 unique sources...[It] presents an incredible amount of content -- decades of research and policy -- in an approachable and fairly compact package suitable for academics and practitioners alike. It is an ideal starting point for those interested in health, conflict, and peace, and an appropriate review for those more experienced in preventive practice wishing to reacquaint themselves with a rigorous, scientific demonstration of the health impacts, consequences, and harms of war. * New Solutions: A Journal of Environmental and Occupational Health Policy *
...an excellent and scholarly contribution to the understanding of the extensive and pervasive negative impacts of war...Documents the interconnectedness and relationship of the various negative impacts of war and conflict and draws a line from war to impaired health, chronic illness, early death, as well as future societal problems...The highlight...[is] the inclusion of profiles of numerous heroes of global public health who, through their commitment in giving of themselves while helping others, exemplify the best of our humanity. * Annals of Global Health *
The book demonstrates the public health approach to war with Levy applying his erudite epidemiological thinking and analysis to showcase how war is so terrible for people, communities, and the planet and what can be done in response. * Health and Human Rights Journal *
An encyclopedic tour de force! Replete with history, data, and human stories, this book will first horrify and then inspire readers to take action. * Kathleen Rest, Former Executive Director, Union of Concerned Scientists *
A superb read on the impact of war on global public health, this book is also an inspirational tribute to the health professionals facing the daunting reality and consequences of war. It is overall a timely reminder of the importance of public health education, research, and practice as pillars of promoting peace, social justice, and respect for human rights. * Michelle A. Williams, Dean of the Faculty, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health *
Barry Levy's powerful book documents the horror and pain that humankind perpetuates on ourselves. He exposes not just the disruption and destruction of people directly impacted by armed conflict, but explains the profound danger war represents to the collective health of our people and the planet. The book's profiles in hope show us ordinary people devoting their energies to craft extraordinary movements and resistance to the wanton destruction of human life. Readers will find the confidence, understanding, and hopefully the courage to join Dr. Levy and his colleagues. * Linda Rae Murray, Former President, American Public Health Association *
From Horror to Hope is one of those rare books that comprehensively and clearly reviews what we know about a critical global issue of our time. Barry Levy offers an important prescription for health professionals not simply to aid wars' victims but to engage in the work of preventing them. * Leonard Rubenstein, Professor, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health *
In From Horror to Hope, Barry Levy has done an extraordinary job helping us understand the importance of mobilizing and motivating ourselves for the hard work of prevention. Pursuing his topic with the tenacity of a bulldog, the analytical capabilities of a first-class epidemiologist, and the compassionate heart of a saint, he has become a world expert on preventing the health impacts of war. Dr. Levy has done the world a great service with this text. * Mark L. Rosenberg, Assistant Surgeon General, USPHS (Ret.) and founding Director, CDC's National Center for Injury Prevention and Control *
Levy gives due attention to the disproportionate impact of war on non-combatants and vulnerable populations, especially women, children, and the displaced...This valuable and encyclopedic resource should be of serious interest to scholars in various relevant fields, policy makers, and public health officials, as well as undergraduate and general readers. * Choice *