Claude Quétel is a French historian. The author of two dozen books, he has won a number of prizes for his work.

'Outstanding ...' The Independent on Sunday 'A rich, extensive and flexible review ... reading of basic importance ... well-documented cultural guide through history.' Times Literary Supplement'A jolly good read, and an extremely useful summary of knowledge on the subject.' European History Quarterly'A well-researched and robust survey... Quetel spans the centuries, and offers important cross-cultural insights. His book can be heartily recommended.' History'This lively, often entertaining and well-informed book, by a historian who is unusually conversant with the medical aspects of his subject, is not only an accomplished piece of social history; it also stands as a warning that deserves to be heeded.' French History'The volume can be highly recommended as a stimulating introduction to the subject.' Medical History'Lively and illuminating book that examines the disease from a host of different angles.' Wilson Library Bulletin'A thorough, well researched book and above all, a good read!' Canadian Journal of History

• Acknowledgements. Introduction: Syphilis as a Cultural Phenomenon.1. A Terrifying Affliction (1495-1519).2. A Much-disputed Origin.3. The Great Pox (Sixteenth-Century).4. From Pestilence to Disease (The Seventeenth and Eighteenth Centuries).5. The Nineteenth-century Impasse.6. The Great Turning Point (around 1900).7. Madmen and Heredos.8. Syphilis Everywhere (Between the Wars).9. The Pox and the Prostitute.10. The End of the Terror (1945 to the Present Day).Conclusion: From Syphilis to AIDS.Notes.Bibliographical Notes.Chronology.Index.

Claude Quétel is a French historian. The author of two dozen books, he has won a number of prizes for his work.

'Outstanding ...' The Independent on Sunday 'A rich, extensive and flexible review ... reading of basic importance ... well-documented cultural guide through history.' Times Literary Supplement'A jolly good read, and an extremely useful summary of knowledge on the subject.' European History Quarterly'A well-researched and robust survey... Quetel spans the centuries, and offers important cross-cultural insights. His book can be heartily recommended.' History'This lively, often entertaining and well-informed book, by a historian who is unusually conversant with the medical aspects of his subject, is not only an accomplished piece of social history; it also stands as a warning that deserves to be heeded.' French History'The volume can be highly recommended as a stimulating introduction to the subject.' Medical History'Lively and illuminating book that examines the disease from a host of different angles.' Wilson Library Bulletin'A thorough, well researched book and above all, a good read!' Canadian Journal of History

• Acknowledgements. Introduction: Syphilis as a Cultural Phenomenon.1. A Terrifying Affliction (1495-1519).2. A Much-disputed Origin.3. The Great Pox (Sixteenth-Century).4. From Pestilence to Disease (The Seventeenth and Eighteenth Centuries).5. The Nineteenth-century Impasse.6. The Great Turning Point (around 1900).7. Madmen and Heredos.8. Syphilis Everywhere (Between the Wars).9. The Pox and the Prostitute.10. The End of the Terror (1945 to the Present Day).Conclusion: From Syphilis to AIDS.Notes.Bibliographical Notes.Chronology.Index.