Poison: The History of Potions, Powders and Murderous Practices

An illustrated, colorful history of the uses and misuses of poison, from the ancient world to today. Learn about hemlock, lead, opium, ergot, strychnine, chloroform, cyanide, sarin, thallium, anthrax, dioxin, and more. And read the stories of poisonings both intentional and accidental, including the deaths of Socrates, Cleopatra, Mary Blandy, Rasputin, Yushchenko, and many more. The Jamestown Poisonings, the Jonestown Massacre, the misdeeds of the Medicis, the Washington Anthrax attacks and more historical episodes are examined. Illustrations, photos, and newspaper clippings add depth and visual interest. For those obsessed with true crime, history, brutal politics, and the dangerous properties of natural (and unnatural) substances.