This is a book on a controversial topic - about the risks that have accompanied human life for centuries and how people learned to avoid them in their natural desire for longevity. While just 100 years ago people died primarily from infectious diseases, today the leading causes of death in industrialized countries are heart disease, stroke and cancer. By studying such statistics, we can understand how previous generations lived, learn from their mistakes, borrow the best and create something new. From medieval famine and now half-forgotten scurvy to modern obesity; from the discovery of vitamin C and basic rules of sanitation and hygiene to stem cell therapy, DNA editing, genetic engineering - covering the topics of the causes of human death across many generations and health issues, Professor of the University of Manchester Andrew Doig saturates his story with the most interesting facts from the field of history and culture , politics, law and economics. The topic of bad habits and all kinds of addictions is particularly highlighted. A fascinating story of the accumulation of medical knowledge, amazing advances and hopes for the future.

“The way we live has changed so radically that it affects the way we die. The purpose of this book is to show how this happened. In addition to learning how we live and die today, we will also look into the future and see what the next health revolution awaits us, when many of today's causes of death will be overcome through the use of new technologies such as stem cells, organ transplants and genetic engineering . Thus the story of the causes of human death and how we have dealt with many of them is also the story of the development of medical knowledge and social organization, the story of achievements and prospects.” (Andrew Doig)

The book was included in The Guardian's list of recommended non-fiction titles for 2022, The Times' list of the best books of 2022. Times and Observer Event Book of the Year 2022