In the late 1700s Europe, smallpox had made its mark on public health for decades and showed no signs of slowing down. But it is around this time period when the clever, inquisitive, and powerful Catherine the Great sought to protect herself and her son from the disease. When she happened to come across some literature written by experienced physician Thomas Dimsdale, the catalyst for the historical partnership followed. The Empress and the English Doctor: How Catherine the Great defied a deadly virus by Lucy Ward details the experiences and moments of each of the titular characters’ lives that led them to each other, jump started mass inoculation and eventually eradication against smallpox. 

The illness did not discriminate based on status, wealth, or age – and those infected showed very visible and often disfiguring symptoms. It came for everyone, and it was difficult to hide it. Naturally, physicians and scientists worked tirelessly to find a cure or protection against it – enter inoculation. Thomas Dimsdale was one of the few who could publish his findings from inoculating hundreds of patients, and ultimately developed a guide for the medical community to perform in other countries. Thomas Dimsdale played a significant role – but Catherine the Great lifted him to a level he wouldn’t have reached on his own. 

I might have found a new idol in The Empress and the English Doctor. Catherine the Great was, for a lack of better words, a boss ass bitch. Besides the fact that she overthrew her husband and earned her place as Empress of Russia, she was intelligent, curious, defied gender roles, and openly explored her sexuality. After all the work she’d done to get where she was, she wasn’t about to let a disease weaken her country. So she partnered with Thomas Dimsdale, publicly underwent inoculation, and ultimately changed the course of mass inoculation in Europe. 

And that’s just scratching the surface. Lucy Ward does a much better job of describing the historical partnership between these two exceptional people. So many details – such as the damage smallpox caused, other contributors to mass inoculation, and the fact that so many attitudes and patterns are parallel to today’s pandemic times – are worth diving into. Ward fantastically develops a compelling story out of real events with The Empress and the English Doctor. Her talent for storytelling allows the reader to really absorb and appreciate how challenging yet significant this accomplishment was at the time. 

My only complaints are that the chapters were very long, and the story gets really dense at times. Yet, I understand, because there is a lot that goes into this story. Plus, it could just be a personal preference. Nevertheless, I love finishing a book that makes me feel smarter after reading it. And The Empress and the English Doctor did that for me. 

I was so excited for Lucy Ward to join us for a Cantina Conversation. We talked about the research that went into this book, what was most fascinating to her about this ordeal, and plans for the future. Pre-order The Empress and the English Doctor: How Catherine the Great defied a deadly virus, available June 7, and keep an ear out for the interview on The Nerd Cantina Show podcast.