Hosack's Folly

Hosack's Folly is a 2005 historical novel written by Australian author Gillen D'Arcy Wood. Based on the life of renowned New York physician Dr. David Hosack, the story takes place in 1820s Manhattan during an impending yellow fever epidemic.

The story begins with a recounting of the legendary duel between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr at Weehawken, New York in 1804. The prologue tells of how Hamilton brought among his crew a young doctor, David Hosack, who tended to Hamilton following his fatal wounding at the hands of Burr.

Jumping forward 20 years into the future, Dr. Hosack and apprentice Albert Dash realize a yellow fever outbreak is upon them after treating a man who is killed by the disease. Hosack sends his apprentice to discover all he can about where their patient may have contracted the disease, and eventually comes upon the conclusion that it was brought in the hull of a ship, the Belladonia, from Kingston, Jamaica. Hosack and Dash at once begin a campaign for a quarantine of the Manhattan docks, as this is the only way to prevent an epidemic.

Concurrently, a powerful coalition including Manhattan Mayor Van Ness, newspaper editor Eamonn Casey, and socialite John Laidlaw concoct a plan that includes Casey's candidacy for governor of New York, in order to put in place a plan for the construction of an aqueduct that would provide water to all of Manhattan. Upon hearing Hosack's call for a quarantine on the docks, Casey begins a smear campaign in his paper to discredit Hosack, because a quarantine on the docks would make an aqueduct impossible.

During this time, Albert Dash is instructing Casey's daughter, Virginia, in the study of botany. Virginia is learning much from Dash, and has developed a strong passion for her tutor. Telling him is impossible however, as Albert is engaged to her best friend Vera, the daughter of John Laidlaw and aspiring stage actress. The clashes among Dash and Vera's socialite lifestyle create tensions among him and the upper class of Manhattan, who do not believe he is a good fit for Vera.

The smear campaign on Doctor Hosack proves successful, and his call for quarantine is overruled at a hearing. Sensing victory in their grasp, the group behind the aqueduct plan begins pitching their idea, which seems very promising because of the lack of clean, drinkable water in the city.

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