Summary of The Mosquito

The Mosquito is a nonfiction book by Timothy Winegard about the role of mosquitos in history. The book examines how the mosquito has affected war, politics, medical science, economics, and culture throughout the centuries. Winegard traces the history of the insect from its first appearance in 200 million years ago to its impact on modern warfare and geopolitics. He discusses the medical advances made to counter mosquito-borne diseases, like malaria and yellow fever, and how the insect has acted as a vector for destroying economies, subjugating people, and even becoming a scapegoat for military losses. He argues that the mosquito is more than just an annoying insect — it is a global power with the capability to decide outcomes and shape history.