The astonishing history of palmistry and biometrics –
from occult physicians to the very foundations of modern science and medicine.
University of Chicago Press
November 2025
Ingenious and fascinating, this is history at its best.
– Janet Browne, Harvard University
Compelling.
– Simon Schaffer, University of Cambridge
An unexpected joy.
– David Stack, University of Reading
Upcoming events
Tues 11 Nov 6-7pm
Cambridge, Heffers Bookshop
In conversation with Simon Schaffer
Mon 17 Nov 6:30pm
Manchester, Blackwells
In conversation with Ana Carden-Coyne
Tue 18 Nov 7.00pm
Edinburgh, Blackwells
In conversation with Richard Oosterhoff
Thur 20 Nov 6.30pm
Hatchards, Piccadilly, London
Join Alison as she discusses her new book
Fri 21 Nov 7.00pm
British Library, Mapping the Mysterious
Chaired by Travis Elborough
Tues 25 Nov 4.30pm
Oxford Research Centre in the Humanities, Magdalen College
Join Alison as she discusses her new book
Alison Bashford
Alison Bashford’s books combine the history of science and medicine, the history of ideas, and global history, across scales both grand and intimate. How did our strange, wondrous, and dangerous twenty-first century come to be?
