Horrors of History: People of the Plague

Well-researched and rich with ghastly details, this third historical fiction novel in the Horrors of History series brings young readers into the Spanish Flu epidemic of 1918.

World War I is almost over. Thrilled that the Liberty Parade has won them a day off of school, Harriet and Harry run up and down Broad Street–where a boatload of Navy sailors from Boston have just brought the influenza to Philadelphia. Over the next two months, fully a quarter of the city will be stricken with the flu. Thousands will die. And the City of Brotherly Love will never be the same. 

Actual and fictionalized victims and survivors, like heroic young Barium Epp and Philadelphia Department of Public Health and Charities director Dr. Wilmer Krusen, help weave together a gripping account of the flu that rocked the nation and the city that fought back in the early days of epidemiology and public health.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs