Details the stories of the three most serious and damaging diseases in history: bubonic plague, smallpox, and AIDS.

Study of three of the deadliest epidemics in human history: the Black Death, smallpox, and AIDS. Though separated by centuries, these very different diseases evoked eerily similar social, political, and cultural reactions, each leading to new advances in science and medicine.

Out of the East -- Between two raging fires -- Looking for scapegoats -- A changed world -- The plague returns -- The mysterious death of a Pharaoh -- Smallpox conquers the New World -- Inoculation : godsend or danger? -- Dr. Jenner's marvelous vaccine -- The end of smallpox? -- A mysterious new disease -- Frustrations and fears -- One mystery is solved -- An actor named Rock -- A normal happy teenager -- Losses and memorials -- No end in sight.