Author of ‘Ghost Map’ to speak Oct. 26 at UVa-Wise

Steven Johnson, bestselling author of “Ghost Map,” the book chosen as this year’s freshman reading, will lecture on Oct. 26 at The University of Virginia College at Wise.

The public is invited to join students, faculty and staff for Johnson’s 1 p.m. presentation in the Fred B. Greear Gymnasium. The lecture is free and a book signing follows.

The freshman reading is part of the College’s goal to help new students define their identities while exposing them to other cultures. The shared reading experience serves as a class-building exercise to allow all freshmen to engage in the same learning activity regardless of their major.

“Ghost Map” chronicles the 1854 cholera outbreak in London and various attempts to end the deadly epidemic. Johnson tells the story of Rev. Henry Whitehead as he struggled to care for his neighbors’ spiritual and physical well-being during the outbreak. “Ghost Map” vividly portrays Dr. John Snow and his deep convictions regarding the disease transmission as noted scientists dismissed his evidence and research.

The Washington Post said “Ghost Map is “a medical thriller, detective story and paean to city life” and that Johnson’s “account of the deadly outbreak and its modern implications is a true page turner.”

Johnson is the best-selling author of six books on the intersection of science, technology and personal experience. “The Invention of Air” and “Everything Bad is Good For You” are among Johnson’s notable books. A social critic and technologist, Johnson has created three influential Web sites and has appeared on television shows such as “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart” and “The Charlie Rose Show.”

For more information, contact the Office of College Relations at 276-328-0130.

Posted August 14 2009