Pulling no punches and dodging no controversy, Proctor dives into the politics of cancer research. Given the disease's high media profile and the money lavished on battling it, why has its death rate continued to climb? Proctor (History of Science/Pennsylvania State Univ.; Racial Hygiene: Medicine Under the Nazis, 1988, etc.) focuses on the ways in which special interests ranging from the Tobacco Institute to Dupont Chemicals have influenced cancer research. The notion that cancer is ``a disease of civilization''—implying that it is an inescapable cost of progress—goes back to the 19th century, when it was learned that pollutants such as chimney soot from coal fires could cause cancer. More recently, the link between cancer and the byproducts of industry has been forged by researchers like Wilhelm Heuper, who fought a long battle to establish the case against occupational cancer hazards, and writers like Rachel Carson, whose own life was cut short by the disease. As with many others who pointed the finger of blame at large industries, they were vilified as crackpots, Luddites, and enemies of progress. Proctor discusses in detail the campaigns waged by PR firms to discredit evidence that tobacco or asbestos might be serious carcinogens: He dissects such familiar arguments as the unreliability of animal tests, or the balancing of ``unproven'' health risks against the economic costs of reform. Proctor estimates that as many as 600,000 cancer deaths may be attributable to foot-dragging by the Reagan and Bush administrations on regulation of industrial hazards. But the book offers little comfort to those who would demonize only Republicans. Not even Jimmy Carter escapes criticism for his firing of an HEW secretary who was too quick to blame the tobacco industry for marketing a carcinogen. Essential reading for anyone concerned with the debate on issues of public health and medical research.
Pub Date: March 29, 1995
ISBN: 0-465-02756-3
Page Count: 368
Publisher: Basic Books
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1995
BOOK REVIEW
This is not the Nutcracker sweet, as passed on by Tchaikovsky and Marius Petipa. No, this is the original Hoffmann tale of 1816, in which the froth of Christmas revelry occasionally parts to let the dark underside of childhood fantasies and fears peek through. The boundaries between dream and reality fade, just as Godfather Drosselmeier, the Nutcracker's creator, is seen as alternately sinister and jolly. And Italian artist Roberto Innocenti gives an errily realistic air to Marie's dreams, in richly detailed illustrations touched by a mysterious light. A beautiful version of this classic tale, which will captivate adults and children alike. (Nutcracker; $35.00; Oct. 28, 1996; 136 pp.; 0-15-100227-4)
Pub Date: Oct. 28, 1996
ISBN: 0-15-100227-4
Page Count: 136
Publisher: Harcourt
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1996
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
An extravaganza in Bemelmans' inimitable vein, but written almost dead pan, with sly, amusing, sometimes biting undertones, breaking through. For Bemelmans was "the man who came to cocktails". And his hostess was Lady Mendl (Elsie de Wolfe), arbiter of American decorating taste over a generation. Lady Mendl was an incredible person,- self-made in proper American tradition on the one hand, for she had been haunted by the poverty of her childhood, and the years of struggle up from its ugliness,- until she became synonymous with the exotic, exquisite, worshipper at beauty's whrine. Bemelmans draws a portrait in extremes, through apt descriptions, through hilarious anecdote, through surprisingly sympathetic and understanding bits of appreciation. The scene shifts from Hollywood to the home she loved the best in Versailles. One meets in passing a vast roster of famous figures of the international and artistic set. And always one feels Bemelmans, slightly offstage, observing, recording, commenting, illustrated.
Pub Date: Feb. 23, 1955
ISBN: 0670717797
Page Count: -
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: Oct. 25, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1955
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