Historian Simon Schama on Pandemics, Vaccines and the Health of Nations
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Historian Simon Schama on Pandemics, Vaccines and the Health of Nations

The Impact of Medicine on Human History

About the Event:

During our era of COVID, many of us felt as if we were living through “unprecedented times,” but was our experience really that unique? Pandemics have been around as long as people. Join esteemed historian and bestselling author Simon Schama with author and Richard W. Leopold Professor of History Deborah Cohen for a conversation exploring the profound impact of pandemics on human history. From bubonic plague to COVID-19, Schama uncovers the intricate relationship between disease, vaccines, and the collective health of nations and shares the often-unheard stories of people whose pioneering work has changed the face of modern healthcare in the face of one of our most deadly enemies: the pandemic.

A book signing will follow this program.


  • Chicago Humanities is pleased to partner with the Seminary Co-op Bookstores, a Chicago not-for-profit bookstore whose mission is bookselling. Pre-order your copy of Foreign Bodies: Pandemics, Vaccines, and the Health of Nations through the Chicago Humanities Box Office and save 20% while supporting local, independent bookselling. Add books to your cart when adding tickets. Your receipt will contain a book voucher, which you will show to the bookseller on-site to pick up your book(s).
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Simon Schama

Simon Schama

Simon Schama is University Professor of Art History and History at Columbia University in New York. His award-winning...

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Deborah Cohen

Deborah Cohen

Deborah Cohen is the Richard W. Leopold Professor of History at Northwestern. Her most recent book is Last Call at...

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[Event tile image description: The event image at the top left is a photo of Simon Schama in front of a white wall. Image credit by Elinor Williams. ]