In 1918, a terrifying disease swept the globe, killing at least forty million people and preying on the young and healthy. Even Eskimos living in remote outposts in the frozen tundra were sickened and killed in huge numbers. But perhaps the most frightening thing of all was that the killer was a strain of virus that comes around every year - flu. Scientists have recently discovered shards of the flu virus frozen in victims bodies in Alaska. Gina Kolata recreates this amazing discovery with the high drama of an adventure story. Delving into the history of the flu and previous epidemics, detailing the science and the latest understanding of this mortal disease, Kolata addresses the prospects for a great epidemic recurring, and most importantly, what can be done to prevent it.'Terrifying ...Kolata's informative study is also a thrilling detective story' Daily Mail'Big ideas, high stakes and the aftermath of tragedy on a colossal scale'Times Educational Supplement'The clarity and readability of a microbiological Conan Doyle ...Kolata follows a specific, enthralling scientific quest' Evening Standard'Fascinating scientific history' Guardian