AIDS and the Arrows of Pestilence [Hardcover]

Charles F. Clark (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 1994

A medical doctor examines the cultural forces behind the HIV epidemic and provides a provocative argument that even with effective science, people will not be able to stop AIDS without making major changes in the way societies function. With concrete solutions to the ever-increasing problem of AIDS, Clark offers a road map to ending the epidemic. 8-page color insert.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Many books now available deal with the AIDS crisis (e.g., Simon Watney's Practices of Freedom, LJ 10/1/94), but Clark's sends mixed messages. At times it is an accurate recounting of the AIDS epidemic; at times it lapses into broad generalizations that are not universally accepted. Clark (Univ. of South Florida Center for HIV Education and Research) purports to offer a new "cultural" approach to dealing with AIDS, recommending male and female condom ads and education, the legalization of heroin and cocaine use, and specialized medical personnel dealing only with AIDS/HIV patients. As revolutionary as some aspects of this approach may sound, Clark does not confront the larger, more looming issue of homophobia, which hinders adequate treatment and research on HIV and also places gay men in situations where the transmittal of HIV is more likely to occur. Despite its drawbacks, this book does give an informative background on AIDS and other epidemics. Appropriate for public and academic libraries.
Lee Arnold, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

AIDs is only the most recent of humanity's long history of plagues, Clark maintains. Only when society adequately deals with the sources of the disease can it battle AIDS. Clark advocates an adjustment in public attitudes and habits rather than a medical or social cure, imparting some important facts about how AIDS was spread (primarily through heterosexual intercourse) and how it can be halted. -- Midwest Book Review

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 190 pages
• Publisher: Fulcrum Publishing; First Edition edition (August 1, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1555911463
• ISBN-13: 978-1555911461
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,575,691 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A "Must Read", January 16, 2000

By 

Gary B. Ihlefeld, DDS (Muscatine, IA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: AIDS and the Arrows of Pestilence (Hardcover)

This book should be a "must read" for all of our elected officials, clergy and health care workers. It lends rational views as to why we NEED to "alcoholize" our presently illegal drugs. The book gives an interesting, easy to read history of past epidemics from the beginning of written history, and how the various cultures and societies dealt with them. A fascinating review of the syphilis epidemic in this century reveals the flaws in our present methods of controlling the AIDS epidemic.

5.0 out of 5 stars The way of reformation, January 11, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: AIDS and the Arrows of Pestilence (Hardcover)

This is an excellent book that would benefit society as a whole, if, as another reader mentioned, the leaders of the world read it. His book has intruiging and compelling arguments on several present day issues.