Palaeopathology and Evolutionary Medicine

An impressive volume focusing on the integration of paleopathology—the study of disease, health and the challenges to health in the past—and evolutionary medicine—the study of health in an evolutionary context. The book successfully integrates the two fields, giving both new strengths and revised aspirations in addressing common goals. It offers new opportunities for the development of a more informed understanding of health and well-being, including, but not limited to, aging, reproductive health, immune function, inflammation, microbiomes, and diet and nutrition. * Evolution, Medicine, & Public Health *
Timely and forward-thinking, this decidedly collaborative work leads the fields of paleopathology and evolutionary medicine towards promising new directions. Kudos to the co-editors and all contributors for demonstrating that disease in the past and modern medicine can no longer be divided by "then" and "now", but rather, is bound by themes germane to humans throughout the millennia. * Anne L. Grauer, Department of Anthropology, Loyola University Chicago, USA *
This highly innovative and insightful volume brings together a wide range of topics and perspectives from a variety of disciplines. It both highlights the importance of taking a deep-time perspective to understanding our present health, and clearly demonstrates how this can be achieved through the presentation of a diverse range of studies that cover millennia of human history. The future of the field looks bright! * Sarah Inskip, UKRI FLF, School of Archaeology and Ancient History, University of Leicester, UK *
Palaeopathology and Evolutionary Medicine: An Integrated Approach is an impressive collection of contributions by a range of scientists working to apply emerging insights about the ancient past with contemporary medical challenges. Ambitious in the breadth of subjects covered, it presents not only a much needed and up-to-date view of the field, it offers a contextualized understanding of why and how ancient pathologies can be used to better understand contemporary medical challenges. * Barbara Natterson-Horowitz MD, Harvard Medical School, UCLA Division of Cardiology, USA *
Finally, a comprehensive authoritative book on paleopathology! It has long been needed and puts paleopathology in its proper evolutionary framework, to the benefit of both fields. The dead really can teach the living! I was especially delighted to see detailed coverage of classic issues such as problems associated with the back and childbirth, integration with developmental biology, and coverage of crucial topics such as cancer, stress, and infectious disease. Highly recommended. * Randolph M. Nesse, Departments of Psychiatry and Psychology and the Institute for Social Research, The University of Michigan; Center for Evolution and Medicine, Arizona State University, USA *
There is much of value here for anyone interested in the intersection of paleopathology and evolutionary medicine. * Richard A.Richards, New Biological Books *