Human history is now believed to be influenced by natural forces and non-human factors. Tim Marshall explains how geography shapes the fate of nations in “Prisoners of Geography” (2015), while Peter Frankopan adds climate to the mix in “The Earth Transformed” (2023). Jonathan Kennedy’s “Pathogenesis” (2023) explores how plagues altered history, with a focus on the Black Death. The bacterium Yersinia pestis, originating in Kyrgyzstan, caused three pandemics, including the Black Death in 1345, which devastated Western Europe. Surprisingly, the aftermath of the plague led to economic growth, technological advancements, and even the rise of European dominance. This historical analysis by Belich challenges traditional narratives and highlights the significant impact of plagues on global events.
https://www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v46/n21/tom-shippey/blame-the-gerbils