The correct answer is option 4, William H. McNeill. Plagues and Peoples is a book written by McNeill, an American historian and author. In this book, McNeill explores the relationship between infectious diseases and human history. He argues that epidemics of diseases such as plague, smallpox, and malaria have greatly influenced the course of human civilization, shaping social, economic, and political developments. McNeill`s book offers a unique perspective on the impact of infectious diseases on human societies throughout history.

Option 1, W.L. Thomas, is not the correct answer. There is no known book called Plagues and Peoples written by W.L. Thomas.

Option 2, Rachel Carson, is also not the correct answer. Rachel Carson was an American marine biologist and conservationist, known for her book Silent Spring, which focused on the detrimental effects of pesticides on the environment.

Option 3, David Cannadine, is not the correct answer either. David Cannadine is a British historian, but he is not the author of Plagues and Peoples.