John William McNeill

John William McNeill (1913-2014) was an influential American historian known for his work on environmental history and the impact of diseases on human societies. His most notable book, "Plagues and Peoples," published in 1976, explores how infectious diseases have shaped civilizations throughout history. McNeill emphasized the interconnectedness of human populations and the environment, advocating for a broader understanding of historical events beyond traditional political narratives. His interdisciplinary approach combined history with ecology, highlighting how health crises can influence social structures and cultural practices across different eras. McNeill's scholarship has significantly shaped modern historical thought on disease and society.