Deborah Blum

Deborah Blum is an American science journalist and author known for her work in popular science writing. She won a Pulitzer Prize for her series on primate research and has written several books, including 'The Poisoner's Handbook' and 'The Poison Squad'. Blum is also the director of the Knight Science Journalism program at MIT.

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. The Poisoner's Handbook

    Murder and the Birth of Forensic Medicine in Jazz Age New York

    Set in the early 20th century, this gripping narrative delves into the pioneering work of New York City's first medical examiner and his toxicologist partner as they revolutionize forensic science. Against the backdrop of Prohibition and rampant crime, the duo employs groundbreaking techniques to solve mysterious deaths and combat the era's "invisible" killers—poisons. Through a series of real-life cases, the story highlights the evolution of toxicology and its crucial role in the justice system, offering a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of science, law, and human nature.

    The 8464th Greatest Book of All Time
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  2. 2. The Poison Squad

    One Chemist's Single-Minded Crusade for Food Safety at the Turn of the Twentieth Century

    "The Poison Squad" by Deborah Blum tells the compelling story of the fight for food safety in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. At a time when food products were often contaminated with harmful chemicals, Dr. Harvey Washington Wiley, a dedicated chemist, led efforts to expose these dangers and push for regulatory reforms. His work, alongside activists, journalists, and supportive food producers, played a crucial role in the eventual passing of the 1906 Food and Drug Act. The book highlights the challenges and triumphs of those who stood against corporate interests to protect public health.

    The 10450th Greatest Book of All Time
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