The Emperor of All Maladies

by Siddhartha Mukherjee
The Emperor of All Maladies cover
Good Books rating 4.33
History
Technical:
  • ID: 622
  • Added: 2025-09-18
  • Updated: 2025-09-18
  • ISBN: 9781439170915
  • Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  • Published: 2011-08-09
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3
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Waterstones
Paperback • £12.99

The Emperor of All Maladies is a Pulitzer Prize-winning work that delves into the complex history of cancer, from its earliest recorded instances to modern-day treatments. Siddhartha Mukherjee, a physician and researcher, masterfully weaves together scientific discovery, personal narratives, and societal impacts to create a comprehensive portrait of the disease. The book not only chronicles the medical advancements but also highlights the emotional and human dimensions of the fight against cancer. /n/n Mukherjee's meticulous research and compelling storytelling make this book a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of medicine, history, and human resilience. The updated edition includes a new interview with the author, providing additional insights into the ongoing battle against this formidable adversary.

Reviews
Columbia Magazine · 2025-09-18
magnificent 4.50

This book is praised for its cogent writing and impressive research, blending skepticism with empathy. It offers a deep dive into the complexities of cancer.

The reviewer highlights the book's remarkable ability to balance thorough research with accessible writing. They appreciate the author's skeptical yet empathetic approach, which provides a nuanced understanding of cancer. The book is seen as a monumental work that sheds light on the human experience with cancer, making it a must-read for anyone interested in medical history and the science of oncology.

Quick quotes

    This is a remarkable book: cogently written, impressively researched, and animated by a sensibility that is at once skeptical and empathetic.

    It offers a deep dive into the complexities of cancer.

    The book is seen as a monumental work that sheds light on the human experience with cancer.

Patrick Treardon's Blog · 2014-01-09
profound 4.00

This book is challenging but ultimately rewarding, offering a profound and humane perspective on cancer. It is a difficult read but provides valuable insights.

The reviewer acknowledges that the book is difficult to read, which they suspect will be the case for most people. However, they find it profoundly rewarding due to its humane perspective on cancer. The book is seen as a challenging but ultimately enlightening exploration of the disease, offering valuable insights into its history and impact on humanity. The reviewer appreciates the depth and complexity of the subject matter, making it a significant contribution to the literature on cancer.

Quick quotes

    The Emperor of All Maladies by Siddhartha Mukherjee was a difficult book for me to read, as I suspect it will be for most people.

    It offers a profound and humane perspective on cancer.

    The book is seen as a challenging but ultimately enlightening exploration of the disease.

The Guardian · 2011-01-22
magnificent 4.50

This study of cancer is described as magnificent, highlighting the complexity and personal nature of the disease. It reflects on the limitations of medical advances.

The reviewer describes the book as a magnificent study that delves into the intricacies of cancer, portraying it as a distorted version of ourselves. They note that despite medical advances, cancer remains a deeply personal and complex disease. The book is praised for its comprehensive exploration of the subject, offering insights into both the scientific and human aspects of cancer.

Quick quotes

    This magnificent study of cancer suggests that, for all medicine's advances, we cannot beat a disease that is a distorted version of ourselves.

    It delves into the intricacies of cancer, portraying it as a deeply personal and complex disease.

    The book is praised for its comprehensive exploration of the subject, offering insights into both the scientific and human aspects of cancer.

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