In "Epic Measures," Jeremy N. Smith weaves the thrilling narrative of Dr. Christopher Murray's audacious quest to dissect the complexities of global health. At the heart of this saga is the Global Burden of Disease study, an endeavor as monumental and transformative as the Human Genome Project, designed to answer humanity’s most pressing question: How do we live and die? Spearheaded by Murray, a visionary at the intersection of medicine and economics, this groundbreaking work seeks to map the contours of human health and disease across the globe. Through meticulous research and data analysis, Murray challenges long-held assumptions and confronts the world's leading health organizations with uncomfortable truths about our health systems, pushing for a paradigm shift in how nations conceive of and allocate resources for health. Smith's account is not just a chronicle of a scientific milestone; it's a compelling look at the man behind the mission. Christopher Murray emerges as a charismatic, controversial figure, a maverick whose drive for precision in health metrics earns him both adversaries and allies, including a pivotal $100 million grant from Bill Gates. "Epic Measures" captures the spirit of a relentless crusader whose unyielding commitment to evidence-based health policies promises to redefine public health. It's a story of how one man's unwavering resolve to quantify health can illuminate the path to a better quality of life worldwide, challenging us to rethink how we measure, value, and improve our collective wellbeing.