Title: And the Band Played On: Politics, People, and the AIDS Epidemic
Author: Randy Shilts
First published November 1, 1987
660 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780312241353 (ISBN10: 0312241356)
Rating: 4.37
Overview
In the mid-1980s, the death of Rock Hudson brought the AIDS epidemic to the forefront of the American consciousness. But what few people knew at the time was that this disease had already spread across the nation, killing thousands of people and becoming the greatest health crisis of the 20th century.
Randy Shilts set out to answer the troubling questions that were being asked: How did this epidemic spread so far before it was taken seriously? What happened?
In his book, And the Band Played On: Politics, People, and the AIDS Epidemic, Shilts expertly weaves together the disparate threads of this complex story, exposing every evasion and contradiction at the highest levels of the medical, political, and media establishments. He reveals how the epidemic spread out of control because the federal government put budget ahead of the nation’s welfare, health authorities placed political expediency before public health, and scientists were more concerned with international prestige than saving lives.
But amidst the chaos and corruption, there were also stories of heroic individuals in science, politics, public health, and the gay community who struggled to alert the nation to the enormity of the danger it faced. Shilts pays tribute to these heroic people while also delivering a stinging indictment of the institutions that failed the nation so badly.
In And the Band Played On, he provides a comprehensive and compelling account of an epidemic that forever changed the trajectory of American history.
About the Author
Randy Shilts, a trailblazing American journalist and author, was widely respected for his contributions to the LGBTQ+ community. He reported for The Advocate and the San Francisco Chronicle, in addition to working as a journalist for various TV stations in the Bay Area.
Editoral Review
And the Band Played On: Politics, People, and the AIDS Epidemic by Randy Shilts is a groundbreaking work of investigative journalism that examines the devastating impact of the AIDS epidemic on the United States. First published in 1987, the book provides a powerful and deeply personal account of one of the most significant public health crises of the 20th century.
Randy Shilts, an openly gay journalist and author, writes with empathy and insight about the lives of those affected by the AIDS epidemic, including gay men, drug users, and hemophiliacs. He tells the stories of scientists, activists, and politicians who fought to understand the disease and provide care and support for those who were suffering.
Shilts approaches his subject with a clear-eyed determination to uncover the truth about the origins of the epidemic and the government’s response. He provides a detailed history of the early years of AIDS, from the first cases among gay men in San Francisco to the discovery of the virus that causes the disease.
One of the strengths of And the Band Played On is the way that Shilts weaves together personal stories with broader historical and political context. He takes readers on a journey through the complex web of social and cultural factors that contributed to the spread of the disease, including homophobia, denialism, and government inaction.
Shilts is a master storyteller, and his writing is vivid and engaging. He brings his characters to life with vivid descriptions and dialogue, making the reader feel as though they are right in the middle of the action.
He also skillfully builds tension and suspense throughout the book, making it difficult to put down. However, the book is not without its flaws.
Shilts has been criticized for some of his editorial choices, particularly his decision to name names and assign blame for the spread of the epidemic. Some also argue that his focus on the early years of the epidemic neglects the experiences of people who contracted the disease later on.
Despite these limitations, And the Band Played On is an essential book for anyone interested in public health, social justice, or the history of LGBTQ+ rights. It provides a powerful reminder of the human cost of political inaction and the importance of compassion and empathy in the face of crisis.
Overall, I would highly recommend And the Band Played On to anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of the AIDS epidemic, its impact on American society, and the ongoing fight for justice and equality. This book is a masterful work of journalism and a testament to the power of storytelling to inspire change.
4.5/5.
