Pointing out that the AIDS pandemic and threat of biological terrorism have reinforced fascination with historical plagues, Byrne (European history, Belmont U., Nashville, TN) overviews the Black Death of 1347- 52 that wiped out much of medieval Europe; medical, cultural, and civic responses to it; and theories on the plague's demise. Biographies and primary documents provide further insights into the times. He includes a timeline, glossary, and annotated bibliography covering general studies of disease in history; medieval medicine; scientific literature on bubonic plague; alternative views of the Black Death's cause; and demographic, and its economic, social, cultural, and religious effects. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)