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Poison: Deadly Deeds, Perilous Professions, and Murderous Medicines


Poison: Deadly Deeds, Perilous Professions, and Murderous Medicines
By Sarah Albee
Crown Books for Young Readers, 2017. J Informational. 192p.

Did you know that deadly radium used to be touted as a wonder drug and was added to everything from water to makeup to lollipops? Did Joseph Stalin die of natural causes or was he poisoned by one of his inner circle?

From assassins to snake oil salesmen to industrial contaminants, poison has been playing a role in world history for centuries. This clever book tells the story of poison – both natural and manufactured – through the ages, with humorous illustrations, informative “tox boxes,” and fascinating historical anecdotes. A great history and STEM read.

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