“World War Z” was inspired by the growing awareness that human society’s increasing interconnectedness has created an ever-increasing potential for disaster. Disease outbreaks could bloom in one corner of the world and then quickly spread from city to city and from country to country. In “World War Z“ the zombie pandemic was spread by two factors; the migration of refugees fleeing the oppressive government in China, and the illegal trafficking of human organs. These factors spread fear in the public about the real-world possibility of diseases spreading through these means.
Historical Context
Since the turn of the 20th century, the world has seen no less than 16 pandemics that spread worldwide, killing uncounted millions and deeply traumatizing hundreds of millions of people through loss of jobs and family members. The outbreak of the SARS epidemic in 2002-2003, the threat of bird flu, and the H1N1 pandemic in 2009 added to this sense of unease. There was a real fear of a global pandemic, underpinning much of the narrative of “World War Z.“
Another influential factor is the role of established media companies and private individuals in the spread of unverified information, known as misinformation, and out-rightly false information, disinformation.”World War Z” explores the ways the media can be used to manipulate public opinion, and how this can profoundly impact the way that people respond to crises.
The novel also highlights the dangers of relying on hearsay and rumors in times of crisis, and how this can spread false information and panic. With the establishment of Radio Free Earth by the United Nations, began the first concerted push-back against false information, with the station dishing out information to the people and for the people. It strived to root out superstition, misinformation, and disinformation among individual citizens—bringing them together.
Max Brooks’ Background
Max Brooks was born in New York City on May 22, 1972, to the legendary filmmaker Mel Brooks and the Academy Award-winning actress, Anne Bancroft. Growing up with parents considered to be Hollywood royalty, Max was exposed to the arts and entertainment from a young age.
Despite his parents’ success, Max had a challenging childhood as he struggled with dyslexia, which made reading and writing difficult for him. However, he developed a strong interest in storytelling, particularly in the horror and science fiction genres. His love for these genres was influenced not only by his parents’ work but also by his fascination with survival, disaster scenarios, and history.
Mel Brooks attended private schools in New York City and Los Angeles, where he eventually overcame his learning difficulties with the help of his mother, who retired from acting to care for him. His upbringing in a creative household, combined with his experiences overcoming dyslexia, helped shape his unique perspective as a writer.
Critical Response
Mel Brooks’ “World War Z” garnered some anticipation prepublication, and became a sensation once published in September 2006, receiving widespread critical acclaim. Critics praised Max Brooks for bringing fresh ideas to the zombie genre, and his ability to blend horror with social and political commentary. Many reviewers also praised “World War Z” for being more than just a horror novel; its sharp critique of global politics, human nature, and the failings of institutions in the face of catastrophe easily set it apart. Brooks’ ability to weave in these layers of meaning was widely praised.
Most surprisingly, the United States Army praised the book for its meticulous detail and realistic portrayal of military tactics, geopolitical strategies, and cultural responses to the zombie apocalypse. Reviewers appreciated Brooks’ research and his ability to make the outlandish premise of a zombie outbreak feel plausible.
Literary Context
Max Brooks was heavily inspired by legendary horror writers including H.G. Wells, Stephen King, Richard Matheson, and John Wyndham. The format of “World War Z” was heavily inspired by Studs Terkel’s oral history books chronicling personal accounts during World War Two.
Cultural Context
“World War Z” is deeply influenced by the global anxieties and concerns of the early 21st century, particularly those related to political instability, terrorism post-9/11, pandemics, and government failures during crises.
The early years of the 21st century were wracked with global conflicts. The “War on Terror” and other conflicts, such as those in Afghanistan and Iraq, shaped the narrator’s exploration of military strategies, highlighting the ineffectiveness of conventional tactics against unconventional threats, as seen in the fictional Battle of Yonkers. The story also mirrors the heightened fears of pandemics, like SARS and avian flu, illustrating how quickly a virus (or in this case, a zombie outbreak) can spread and the challenges of containment in a globalized world.
Disillusionment with government and institutional failures, particularly following events like Hurricane Katrina, is a key influence, as the book portrays governments as slow to act or self-serving, leading to widespread disaster.
Modern Relevance
Max Brooks has partnered with the military several times since the publication of “World War Z,” culminating with the U.S. Strategic Command’s 2011 real-world “counter zombie dominance” contingency plan, a joint operations training program using scenarios Max developed.
