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The Year the World Went Mad

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The Year the World Went Mad

By: Mark Woolhouse
Narrated by: Mark Elstob
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About this listen

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.

©2022 Mark Woolhouse (P)2022 W F Howes
History & Commentary Science & Technology Great Britain

Critic Reviews

"Fascinating." (Tom Whipple, The Times)

"Devastating." (Harry de Quetteville, The Sunday Telegraph)

"A glorious example of great science communication." (Fiona Fox, Science Media Centre)

What listeners say about The Year the World Went Mad

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Excellent book written by a scientist

When many people argue against lockdowns they often suggest the virus is not real or dangerous. The author clearly understands just how dangerous and deadly the virus is, yet he strongly suggests other methods than lockdowns could reduce the death toll without severe collateral damage.

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Enlightening about Covid!

Super interesting scientific perspective on the pandemic. Highly recommend listening to this for insight.

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so very boring and self-focused.

Narration is fine, content boring, author likeability low, desire to turn it off extreme.

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