Scourge provides a definitive account of the dramatic story of smallpox by a leading "expert on biological and chemical weapons" (The New York Times). Jonathan B. Tucker traces the history of the smallpox virus from its first recorded outbreak around 3700 b.c. through its use as the first biological warfare agent in human history, and draws some decisively important lessons for the future. In a timely debate, Tucker addresses the ever-growing concerns about the proliferation of the deadly smallpox virus and its use by terrorist organizations. Explaining how the eradication of the disease in the late 1970s encouraged military research and production of the virus, he exposes the failure of the Russian government to secure its remaining coldwar stockpiles, and evaluates the past and present measures undertaken by the United States to counter the existing dangers of a smallpox attack. Ultimately, he passionately argues for the strengthening of the existing legal ban on the development and possession of biological weapons. Impeccably researched, Scourge is as arresting as it is indispensable, and as William Beatty in Booklist raves, Tucker "has a sense of both the detail and the broad sweep of history that helps him make the story of smallpox as disease and as weapon fascinating and frightening."
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In this volume, Jonathan Tucker addresses the ever-growing concerns about the proliferation of the deadly smallpox virus and its use by terrorist organizations.
"A concise, suspenseful, and scientifically accurate narrative. - The New York Times Book Review "Tucker describes the ravages caused by the disease and succinctly traces its role in history.... The book is difficult to put down." - Publishers Weekly"
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Produktdetaljer

ISBN
9780802139399
Publisert
2002-09-26
Utgiver
Vendor
Grove Press / Atlantic Monthly Press
Vekt
467 gr
Høyde
228 mm
Bredde
152 mm
Aldersnivå
G, 01
Språk
Product language
Engelsk
Format
Product format
Heftet
Antall sider
304

Forfatter