The Poisoner's Handbook
By Deborah Blum
- Release Date: 2010-02-18
- Genre: Pharmacology & Toxicology
Description
Equal parts true crime, twentieth-century history, and science thriller, The Poisoner's Handbook is "a vicious, page-turning story that reads more like Raymond Chandler than Madame Curie." —The New York Observer
“The Poisoner’s Handbook breathes deadly life into the Roaring Twenties.” —Financial Times
“Reads like science fiction, complete with suspense, mystery and foolhardy guys in lab coats tipping test tubes of mysterious chemicals into their own mouths.” —NPR: What We're Reading
A fascinating Jazz Age tale of chemistry and detection, poison and murder, The Poisoner's Handbook is a page-turning account of a forgotten era. In early twentieth-century New York, poisons offered an easy path to the perfect crime. Science had no place in the Tammany Hall-controlled coroner's office, and corruption ran rampant. However, with the appointment of chief medical examiner Charles Norris in 1918, the poison game changed forever. Together with toxicologist Alexander Gettler, the duo set the justice system on fire with their trailblazing scientific detective work, triumphing over seemingly unbeatable odds to become the pioneers of forensic chemistry and the gatekeepers of justice.
In 2014, PBS's AMERICAN EXPERIENCE released a film based on The Poisoner's Handbook.
Reviews
LOVED IT
5By SarahSecret66This book fought its way to the top and said "I AM YOUR FAVORITE." It's a narrative telling of the history of forensics, with humor and poise. It's gritty, and doesn't gloss over or make things pretty, telling it like it is. You find yourself rooting for Norris and Gettler as they battle not only murderers, but society and the government, as well. I don't really read many nonfiction books, but this one by far has reminded me of my love and passion for the history of things, forensics, and chemistry. A must read.Fascinating story of the birth of ME's offices.
5By CarrotBeanI've been a criminal lawyer for more than 20 years. This was a book about crime that even I could enjoy.Great read
5By rbk970I was totally engrossed as I read about the birth of forensic medicine. The author has artfully woven the tales of the criminals with the tales of those who traced their actions trhough a trail of poison, death, and gore: most often to convict them, occasionally to exhonorate those accused.Loved reading
4By this_girl_ is_PoiSonGreat book!Loved it!
5By ChapwomanI learned so much about prohibition and the rise of forensic toxicology. This book is interesting, informative and fun to read!Incredibly smart, inspiring, and lots of fun
5By Rssnkgp02This was an excellent book--riveting in its portrayal of both the heroes and the villains, but especially the heroes, Drs. Norris and Gettler. The heroes inspire you by their capacity as scientists, but even more in their capacity as good citizens in the currents of their times. The author does an excellent job of coloring Great Depression America, so as to further highlight the protagonists' achievements. This book was was so smart and witty--not to mention diabolically fun--that I challenge that there are few activities more enjoyable than reading (or listening on my ipad) this book on a carefree afternoon.Must read!
5By MartinwuffIf you like forensics, this is a must read. A well written look into the history of American forensic medicine and its early days in New York City. Fantastically written, easy to read. You don't need a chemistry background or science degree to enjoy this book!Poisoners handbook
5By GaryjsimmFantastic ! If you like light chemistry and heavy history this book is for you.
