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The Arsenic Century: How Victorian Britain Was Poisoned At Home, Work, And Play (2010)

by James C. Whorton(Favorite Author)

3.89 of 5 Votes: 3

ISBN

0199574707 (ISBN13: 9780199574704)

languge

English

genre

History & Biography

publisher

Oxford University Press, USA

review 1: Fascinating history of arsenic -- its uses and misuses - throughout the 19th century. Incorporating case studies, trials, industrial accidents - and non-accidents - James Whorton does an outstanding job of explaining what happened and why -- and who was involved. (Basically: everybody.) Social history at its best, and a grim reminder of what can happen when untested substances are used. Highly recommended.
review 2: As a comprehensive look at the impact of one chemical on life in 19th century Britain, this book could have titled, "Everything You Always Wanted to Know about Arsenic, But Were Afraid to Ask." Arsenic was common and inexpensive. Uses for the chemical ranged from murder to wallpaper. I intended to research a few questions for a story I'm working on,... more but ended up reading the entire book. Editing to remove duplications would have been appreciated. I enjoyed the deft touches of humor, such as "Sheep dip stories could be recounted till the cows come home." less

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