Reviews
"Practitioners and users of epidemiology need a thorough grounding in both theory and methods of the discipline. Whilst many books address the latter, until Nancy Krieger's groundbreaking work there was no sustained presentation of epidemiological theory that could be recommended to students and seasoned practitioners alike. This book will become a landmark in advancing the field. It reminds us that why we do epidemiology is as important to understand as how to do it." --George Davey Smith, Professor of Clinical Epidemiology, University of Bristol; Co-Editor, International Journal of Epidemiology "With erudition and passion, Krieger has produced the first comprehensive assessment of epidemiological theories concerning the major drivers of group differences in health by race, class, and place. She lays bare the sociology of epidemiological knowledge and leaves no doubt that epidemiological theories, for good or ill, can have powerful consequences for the people's health." --Sherman James, Susan B. King Professor of Public Policy, Duke University "In Epidemiology and the People's Health, Nancy Krieger tackles the challenges that face epidemiology in the 21st century. How does epidemiology help to improve health? Her response tackles how poor health tracks along social divides, and then she asks: 'why?' Perhaps a simple question, but in answering Krieger leads us across centuries and continents with a rigor that I can only describe as fearless. The result is sweeping in scope, both scholarly and succinct, detailed and synthetic, moving from complex concepts to concrete examples with depth, clarity and wit." --Mary Bassett, African Health Initiative, Doris Duke Charitable Foundation; former Deputy Commissioner, New York City Health Department "Without a doubt, Nancy Krieger is the most brilliant social epidemiologist of her generation. In this masterful volume, she displays a colossal breadth and depth of knowledge of historical and contemporary epidemiological theories in context, their scientific, social, and political roots and their implications. Writing fluently, passionately, and authoritatively, Krieger shows the connections, past and present, among epidemiologic theory, methodology, practice, and, ultimately, the people's health. Not only does Krieger study epidemiological theory, she seeks to change it -- with her highly original and well-grounded eco-social approach that integrates biological, social, and political processes.... Every epidemiology and public health student, professor, and practitioner should read and reread this book." --Anne-Emanuelle Birn, Professor and Canada Research Chair in International Health, University of Toronto "In this masterful volume, Krieger displays a colossal breadth and depth of knowledge of historical and contemporary epidemiological theories, their scientific, social, and political roots and their implications for methodology, practice, and, ultimately, the people's health. She not only studies but seeks to change epidemiological theorywith her highly original ecosocial approach. Every epidemiology and public health student, professor, and practitioner should read and re-read this book." --Anne-Emanuelle Birn, Professor and Canada Research Chair in International Health, University of Toronto "From miasma to contagion, germ to gene, Krieger artfully traces the history and debates surrounding diverse epidemiologic theories, unearthing a buried theoretical past. This book is not only informative, it is transformative--providing the historical foundation needed to re-imagine and recreate contemporary population health approaches that fully promote health equity." --Karina L. Walters, William P. and Ruth Gerberding Endowed University Professor and Director, Indigenous Wellness Research Institute, University of Washington School of Social Work
