Disaster and Human History: Case Studies in Nature, Society and Catastrophe

Natural disasters have played an integral role in human history. Volcanic eruptions have been credited with the fall of civilizations, pandemic diseases have affected multiple generations, and massive famines have killed or impoverished millions. But in many cases, "natural" disasters are anything but. Famines are almost invariably caused by or related to domestic and international wars, diseases are either intentionally or unintentionally spread, and, while humans play little to no role in producing volcanoes and other earth phenomena, the impact of these events are worsened by human decisions.

This book examines the relationship between humanity and the natural environment through the lens of natural disasters, where the interaction comes into sharpest focus.

Instructors considering this book for use in a course may request an examination copy here.

Benjamin Reilly is an environmental historian working at Carnegie Mellon University's branch campus in Qatar. His publications have included French Revolutionary ideological discourse, information on lactose tolerance amongst Arabian Bedouins, and Europe's long engagement with the Eternal City of Rome. He lives in Doha, Qatar.