In January 2020, leading epidemiologist Professor Mark Woolhouse learned of a new virus taking hold in China. He immediately foresaw a hard road ahead for the entire world, and emailed the Chief Medical Officer of Scotland warning that the UK should urgently begin preparations. A few days later he received a polite reply stating only that everything was under control.

In this astonishing account, Mark Woolhouse shares his story as an insider, having served on advisory groups to both the Scottish and UK governments. He reveals the disregarded advice, frustration of dealing with politicians, and the missteps that led to the deaths of vulnerable people, damage to livelihoods and the disruption of education. He explains the follies of lockdown and sets out the alternatives. Finally, he warns that when the next pandemic comes, we must not dither and we must not panic; never again should we make a global crisis even worse.

The Year the World Went Mad puts our recent, devastating, history in a completely new light.

About the Author

Mark Woolhouse OBE is Professor of Infectious Disease Epidemiology at the University of Edinburgh, a post he has held for over twenty years. Well-known and respected in his field, he has received numerous awards and has been introduced on the Today Programme as 'one of Britain's most senior scientists'. Since January 2020 he has been heavily involved with the UK's response to COVID-19. He is a member of two high-level government advisory bodies: SPI-M for the UK (a subcommittee of SAGE) and the C19 Advisory Group for Scottish Government.

Reviews

'So many issues clarified and insights eloquently expressed. This will be an essential book.'

'A unique record of the pandemic year by an insider.'

'Vital reading for understanding where we're currently at.'

* Stylist *

Fascinating

* The Times *

Devastating

* The Sunday Telegraph *

A glorious example of great science communication.

* Science Media Centre *

A compelling read, comprehensively laying out the case against lockdowns alongside clear explanations of basic epidemiological concepts, and fresh insights from the front line of scientific advice during the pandemic.

* The Scotsman *

A confronting and fascinating look at the UK's mishandling of the coronavirus pandemic

* Monocle *



Book Information
ISBN 9781913207953
Author Mark Woolhouse
Format Hardback
Page Count 320
Imprint Sandstone Press Ltd
Publisher Sandstone Press Ltd
Weight(grams) 540g
Dimensions(mm) 240mm * 165mm * 30mm