Wonderful rave review for Ghost Map in the Wall Street Journal's weekend edition:
This is a marvelous little book, based to a large extent on the essays delivered to an academic colloquium, just as was Dava Sobel's "Longitude" (1996). Yet "The Ghost Map" is a far more ambitious and compelling work. What Mr. Johnson shows us is that the crucial test of a mega-city is whether it can digest its own waste. That whole vagabond London crew of scavengers, bone-pickers and rag-gatherers were not just pitiable victims of the System. In providing their unofficial janitorial services, as Mayhew perceived so well, they were "engaged on one of the most important of social operations" and deserved respect as well as sympathy. Victorian Londoners depended on them as utterly as they (and we) depend on the incessant operation of zillions of microbes.
I checked today. We haven't gotten your book yet. But I'm so excited. I shortlisted quite a few. I'm going to sell the crap out of that book! :)
Posted by: Peter | October 21, 2006 at 12:48 AM
Ghost map is absolutely brilliant. Infectious disease page-turner that is seeped in science yet compulsively readable? You are a genius and I'm thrilled the media is showering you with much deserved accolades. Your eclectic oeuvre groupies await the next book - pray tell what worthy subject shall be accorded the honor of your attention?
Posted by: vknyc | October 23, 2006 at 11:45 AM
To Whom It May Concern:
I am a fan of Steven's writing and would like him to endorse my upcoming book by Praegar Press.
How can I contact him?
Dr. Michael A. Rousell
Posted by: Michael A. Rousell | October 28, 2006 at 12:17 PM