The Emperor of All Maladies

By Siddhartha Mukherjee

Categories: History

Physician and oncologist Siddhartha Mukherjee's 2010 book is a biography of cancer, from its first descriptions in the ancient world to modern treatments. Mukherjee traces early surgeries, the rise of chemotherapy and radiation, the discovery of the genes behind cancer and the campaigns to defeat it. He weaves this history together with the stories of his own patients, and examines both the courage of doctors and patients and the misconceptions and hubris that have held back progress.

Recommended by 4 people

• Peter Attia
• Cathie Wood
• Bill Gates: “I loved Mukherjee's 2015 TED Talk and his brilliant book about cancer, The Emperor of All Maladies.”
• John Green: “Crash Course: Biology enthusiasts, I am a huge fan of The Emperor of All Maladies, also, great title.”