The Rules of Contagion: Why Things Spread and Why They Stop by Adam Kucharski is an acclaimed nonfiction science book that delves into the fascinating patterns behind how things — from infectious diseases to financial crises and viral trends — spread through societies. Awarded accolades by The Observer, The Times, New Statesman, and Financial Times, this timely and insightful work examines the hidden forces that govern outbreaks in a world more connected than ever.
Kucharski, an epidemiologist and expert in disease modelling, takes readers on a compelling journey through case studies, scientific discoveries, and social behaviours that explain how ideas, behaviours, and illnesses propagate. From the role of superspreaders to the spread of misinformation and innovations, the book draws surprising parallels between epidemics and everyday social phenomena, offering clear explanations grounded in real-world events — including the COVID-19 pandemic.
This thought-provoking title is ideal for readers interested in science, sociology, public health, and behavioural economics. The Rules of Contagion is a good book for anyone curious about the hidden patterns behind human behaviour and the spread of ideas, and how understanding these rules can help predict and manage future outbreaks of all kinds.
