The Rules of Contagion

One of the Best Books of 2020 — Financial TimesOne of the "Most 2020 Books of 2020" — Washington PostOne of the Best Science Books of 2020 — The Times of LondonOne of the Best Science Books of 2020 — The GuardianFrom fake news to COVID-19, a "smart and engaging" (New York Times) look at why the science of outbreaks is the science of modern lifeIt’s undeniable that we live in a world shaped by outbreaks. Whether it’s pandemic disease, misinformation, or violence, grasping why exactly some things spread is essential for understanding the world around us. In The Rules of Contagion, Adam Kucharski uncovers the crucial factors driving outbreaks, exploring what it actually means for something to “go viral.” He offers compelling insights into human behavior, ultimately showing us how we can all get better at predicting outbreaks—and how they can be stopped. Revised in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, this is a comprehensive and essential guide to our times.