Description

An Elegant Defense: The Extraordinary New Science of the Immune System: A Tale in Four Lives by Matt RichtelAmazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Elegant-Defense-Extraordinary-Science…A magnificently reported and soulfully crafted exploration of the human immune system–the key to health and wellness, life and death. An epic, first-of-its-kind book, entwining leading-edge scientific discovery with the intimate stories of four individual lives, by the Pulitzer Prize–winning New York Times journalist.“An Elegant Defense by Matt Richtel is one of those rare nonfiction books that transcends the genre. On one level it is a fascinating and engrossing account of the latest, and quite astonishing, discoveries involving the human immune system and how it works. But it is also a story about people facing mortality, about the passion of scientists searching for truth, and a meditation on death and how all of us struggle with the ultimate mystery. Heartfelt and moving, full of compassion, love, and the human drama, this is the work of a writer of high ethical character who is grappling with big issues and deep humanistic problems. What an inspiring and wonderful read. I highly recommend this extraordinary book.” —DOUGLAS PRESTON, #1 bestselling author of The Lost City of the Monkey GodEditorial ReviewsReview“One of those rare nonfiction books that transcends the genre. … A fascinating and engrossing account of the latest, and quite astonishing, discoveries involving the human immune system. … An inspiring and wonderful read. … I highly recommend this extraordinary book.” (DOUGLAS PRESTON, #1 bestselling author of The Lost City of the Monkey God)“Vividly told. … Explicates for the lay reader the intricate biology of our immune system. … Richtel succeeds in this formidable task.” (JEROME GROOPMAN, New York Review of Books)“In this thorough investigation, Richtel details the explosion of knowledge over the past 70 years. … He weaves into his narrative four case studies [that] add a moving personal dimension.” (BBC, “10 Books to Read This Month”)“Matt Richtel’s An Elegant Defense is a comprehensive and engaging primer on the body’s ‘ever-vigilant, omnipresent peacekeeping force.’ The immune system plays an essential role in fighting infections and cancer and in regulating our normal health. Read this superb book to better understand one of the enduring mysteries of human biology.” (SANDEEP JAUHAR, New York Times bestselling author of Heart: A History)“An expert examination of the immune system. … Richtel illuminates a complex subject so well that even physicians will learn.” (Kirkus, STARRED review)“Richtel approaches this essential subject with awe, his writing meticulous and empathic.” (Booklist, STARRED Review)“A hard-to-put-down account of the body’s first line of defense.” (Publishers Weekly)About the AuthorMatt Richtel is a Pulitzer Prize–winning New York Times reporter and bestselling nonfiction and mystery author. He lives in San Francisco with his wife, Meredith, a neurologist, and their two children. In his spare time, he plays tennis and piano and writes (not very good) songs. Visit him online at www.mattrichtel.wordpress.com.