Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

Science geeks and armchair detectives will soak up this non-lethal, humorous account of the role poisons have played in human history. Perfect for STEM enthusiasts!

For centuries, people have been poisoning one another--changing personal lives and the course of empires alike.

From spurned spouses and rivals, to condemned prisoners like Socrates, to endangered emperors like Alexander the Great, to modern-day leaders like Joseph Stalin and Yasser Arafat, poison has played a starring role in the demise of countless individuals. And those are just the deliberate poisonings. Medical mishaps, greedy "snake oil" salesmen and food contaminants, poisonous Prohibition, and industrial toxins also impacted millions.

Part history, part chemistry, part whodunit, Poison: Deadly Deeds, Perilous Professions, and Murderous Medicines traces the role poisons have played in history from antiquity to the present and shines a ghoulish light on the deadly intersection of human nature . . . and Mother Nature.

Reviews provided by Syndetics

School Library Journal Review

Gr 5-8-The author of Poop Happened and Bugged: How Insects Changed History delves into the torrid history of poisons both accidental and purposeful. Albee explains early on that she has chosen to sidestep warfare and genocide and focus primarily on the Western cultures with which she is most familiar, though she doesn't mention how freely she has speculated about historical deaths that occurred before toxicology screens could corroborate suspicions. The author provides a varied and engrossing exploration of toxic substances and their use and misuse throughout millennia. Chapters are roughly in chronological order and overflow with sidebars, photos, and "Tox Boxes," which each highlight a single poison and its properties. The author avoids diving too deeply into chemical and biological minutiae, and the format and content combine for a quick pace. Touching on hazardous occupations, political intrigue, personal vendettas, and tainted food, among many other gruesome situations, Albee tracks the halting scientific advancements that have improved protections and saved lives, often as a result of hideous setbacks. The rapid-fire style and punny captions impose a certain levity, even when death and injury are covered, which may not suit more sensitive readers. But the extensive back matter will surely win the hearts of librarians and other fact-minded folks. VERDICT Ideal for readers, including reluctant ones, who delight in the science and scare factor of poisons or grotesque medicine.-Robbin E. Friedman, Chappaqua Library, NY © Copyright 2017. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Booklist Review

*Starred Review* Once the convulsing bodies and pools of vomit are cleared away, readers will find a tantalizing history of poisons, which they'll be hard-pressed to put down. Having previously covered topics like poop and bugs, Albee is a pro at homing in on subjects that kids love, and this is no exception. Clearly stating that this is not a how-to guide, she swiftly moves through the eras of human history, from prehistory to modern times, not only highlighting popular poisons and poisoners but also the social conditions and level of scientific knowledge defining each age. Unsurprisingly, murderous royalty occupy many pages poisoned enema, anyone? but so do commoners, who were often victims of hazardous jobs (e.g., Radium Girls), adulterated food, poisonous medicines, and toxic dyes. Chapters are short and boast reader-friendly layouts with cartoon illustrations, archival photos and advertisements, and an array of boxed content. This includes frequent Tox Boxes that call out specific poisons and their effects; Poisoned or Not? asides featuring dubious deaths; dangerous professions, such as painters, hat makers, and match makers; and Drop Dead Gorgeous notes on toxic beauty treatments. While there are shocking and disgusting facts aplenty, Albee also discusses the rise of toxicology and forensic science, and the much-needed emergence of food and drug regulation. Her light tone makes this morbid, well-researched study a sinister indulgence.--Smith, Julia Copyright 2017 Booklist

Horn Book Review

A breezy text traces the use and abuse of medicines and poisons from prehistory to the twenty-first century. The entertaining narrative combines with liberally scattered cartoons, archival illustrations, and photographs. Myriad related sidebars are also included: "Tox Box" highlights specific poisons; "Poisoned or Not?" covers dubious deaths; "Nice Work If You Can Survive It" discusses occupations with poison risk; etc. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind. (c) Copyright 2018. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Kirkus Book Review

The roles poisons have played in history from ancient times to the present are presented in this frequently ghoulish, occasionally cheeky chronicle.Albee explains that "as long as humans have lived in social groups, poisons have played a part." She explores the impacts poisons, both natural and manufactured, have had on history, crime, medicine, science, religion, slavery, jobs, advertising, and everyday life. Poison was used to end the lives of such famous and infamous figures as Socrates, Alexander the Great, Rasputin, Joseph Stalin, and Yasser Arafat, numerous Roman emperors, and more than a few popes. With poisons such as arsenic and strychnine easily available in pharmacies until the early 20th century, murder by poison was not limited to the notable and powerful. Poisoning fell out of favor with advances in forensic science and toxicology. Albee also discusses the applications of poisons in medical treatment; these were often detrimental or fatal to the patient but could be beneficial, as in chemotherapy for cancer. The countless lives affected by greedy "snake oil" salesmen, food contaminants, and industrial toxins are also explored. Complementing the narrative are sidebars highlighting specific poisons, unresolved questions, and unsolved mysteries. Albee's approach to the subject is lively, accessible, and likely to inspire many readers to delve deeper. A compelling, entertaining, and informative introduction to a sinister aspect of human history. (timeline, glossary, resources, notes, bibliography) (Nonfiction. 10-14) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.