An Elegant Defense: The Extraordinary New Science of the Immune System

Paperback, 448 pages

Published March 23, 2020 by William Morrow Paperbacks.

ISBN:: 978-0-06-269849-0

From New York Times science journalist Matt Richtel, An Elegant Defense is an acclaimed and definitive exploration of the immune system and the secrets of health. Interweaving cutting-edge science with the intimate stories of four individual patients, this epic, first-of-its-kind book “give[s] lay readers a means of understanding what’s known so far about the intricate biology of our immune systems” (The Week).

The immune system is our body’s essential defense network, a guardian vigilantly fighting illness, healing wounds, maintaining order and balance, and keeping us alive. It has been honed by evolution over millennia to face an almost infinite array of threats. For all its astonishing complexity, however, the immune system can be easily compromised by fatigue, stress, toxins, advanced age, and poor nutrition—hallmarks of modern life—and even by excessive hygiene. Paradoxically, it is a fragile wonder weapon that can turn on our own bodies with startling results, leading …

From New York Times science journalist Matt Richtel, An Elegant Defense is an acclaimed and definitive exploration of the immune system and the secrets of health. Interweaving cutting-edge science with the intimate stories of four individual patients, this epic, first-of-its-kind book “give[s] lay readers a means of understanding what’s known so far about the intricate biology of our immune systems” (The Week).

The immune system is our body’s essential defense network, a guardian vigilantly fighting illness, healing wounds, maintaining order and balance, and keeping us alive. It has been honed by evolution over millennia to face an almost infinite array of threats. For all its astonishing complexity, however, the immune system can be easily compromised by fatigue, stress, toxins, advanced age, and poor nutrition—hallmarks of modern life—and even by excessive hygiene. Paradoxically, it is a fragile wonder weapon that can turn on our own bodies with startling results, leading today to epidemic levels of autoimmune disorders.

An Elegant Defense effortlessly guides readers on a scientific detective tale winding from the Black Plague to twentieth-century breakthroughs in vaccination and antibiotics, to today’s laboratories that are revolutionizing immunology—perhaps the most extraordinary and consequential medical story of our time. Drawing on extensive new interviews with dozens of world-renowned scientists, Richtel has produced a landmark book, equally an investigation into the deepest riddles of survival and a profoundly human tale that is movingly brought to life through the eyes of his four main characters, each of whom illuminates an essential facet of our “elegant defense.”

2 editions

Allyson M W Dyar reviewed Elegant Defense, An : The Extraordinary New Science of the Immune System by Matt Richtel

Review of 'Elegant Defense, An : The Extraordinary New Science of the Immune System' on 'Goodreads'

4 stars

Pulitzer Prize winning author Matt Richtel puts his journalistic expertise to an exploration of the complex subject of human immunology

Having just recently read and reviewed the excellent book, “A Journey into the Mysterious System That Keeps You Alive” by Philipp Dettmer, I was skeptical that author Richtel’s book would tell me something I didn’t know.

Whereas author Dettmer takes an in-depth look at the human immunity system, author Richtel describes the journeys of several patients and concentrates on his childhood friend who has lymphoma.

What I most enjoyed was the history of the discovery of immunology and some of its secrets. While I was familiar with the details of immunology, I wasn’t aware of all the scientists and their contributions.

I found that the book started out slow and honestly, had I not been interested in the subject, I probably would have abandoned it. However, I can say that …

Pulitzer Prize winning author Matt Richtel puts his journalistic expertise to an exploration of the complex subject of human immunology

Having just recently read and reviewed the excellent book, “A Journey into the Mysterious System That Keeps You Alive” by Philipp Dettmer, I was skeptical that author Richtel’s book would tell me something I didn’t know.

Whereas author Dettmer takes an in-depth look at the human immunity system, author Richtel describes the journeys of several patients and concentrates on his childhood friend who has lymphoma.

What I most enjoyed was the history of the discovery of immunology and some of its secrets. While I was familiar with the details of immunology, I wasn’t aware of all the scientists and their contributions.

I found that the book started out slow and honestly, had I not been interested in the subject, I probably would have abandoned it. However, I can say that I’m glad I stuck with it because I eventually found it a worth-while read.

An Elegant Defense: The Extraordinary New Science of the Immune System: A Tale in Four Lives isn’t for everyone but if you have a curiosity about immunology, you’ll likely enjoy this read.