From Thomas Mann to John Green, how authors and books shape our understanding of TB

Over the centuries, from Thomas Mann to John Green, many authors have attempted to tell the story of TB, or stories of people with TB, via books, poems, art, and films. Books, in particular, have helped us better understand the disease, its history, and its impact on people. This Editorial is a celebration of a selection of books and authors who have made important contributions, broadly grouped under four categories: historical; fiction; personal narratives; contemporary. Collectively, these books underscore the fact that TB has always thrived on racism, prejudice, poverty, and injustice, and continues to do so, even today. The book about the end of TB, sadly, is yet to be written.