In "Eradication," acclaimed historian of medicine Nancy Leys Stepan embarks on a meticulously researched journey through the ambitious, often controversial goal of disease eradication. With a narrative as engaging as it is enlightening, Stepan delves into the historical and moral complexities surrounding the efforts to obliterate diseases such as polio, malaria, and Guinea worm disease from the face of the Earth. Through the lens of eradication campaigns from the early twentieth century to the present, she explores the shifting tides of public health strategies, the evolution of medical technologies, and the critical roles played by international health organizations. At the heart of this exploration is the compelling figure of Dr. Fred Lowe Soper, whose zealous campaigns against a litany of diseases exemplify the relentless drive and myriad challenges of eradication efforts. Stepan's narrative is far from a simple chronicle of medical triumphs; it is a profound examination of the ethical and practical dilemmas that accompany the pursuit of an absolute end to disease. With a balanced eye, she presents the debate between the proponents of eradication and those who argue for the prioritization of primary health care and broader health improvements. "Eradication" is not just a history of disease control but an insightful commentary on the recurring dream of a disease-free world. Stepan argues convincingly that, under the right circumstances, the goals of eradication and primary health care need not be at odds. Instead, they can converge in powerful strategies that elevate the health and well-being of the world's most vulnerable populations, offering a hopeful vision for the future of global health.