Bioterrorism and Biocrimes: The Illicit Use of Biological Agents Since 1900 [Paperback]

W. Seth Carus (Author), Center for Counterproliferation Research (Author), National Defense University (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1410100235 | ISBN-13: 978-1410100238 | Publication Date: September 24, 2002

The working paper is divided into two main parts. The first part is a descriptive analysis of the illicit use of biological agents by criminals and terrorists. It draws on a series of case studies documented in the second part. The case studies describe every instance identifiable in open source materials in which a perpetrator used, acquired, or threatened to use a biological agent. While the inventory of cases is clearly incomplete, it provides an empirical basis for addressing a number of important questions relating to both biocrimes and bioterrorism. This material should enable policymakers concerned with bioterrorism to make more informed decisions. In the course of this project, the author has researched over 270 alleged cases involving biological agents. This includes all incidents found in open sources that allegedly occurred during the 20th Century. While the list is certainly not complete, it provides the most comprehensive existing unclassified coverage of instances of illicit use of biological agents.

Product Details

• Paperback: 220 pages
• Publisher: Fredonia Books (NL) (September 24, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1410100235
• ISBN-13: 978-1410100238
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,884,436 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating, but not up-to-date, February 11, 2003

By 

Kurt A. Johnson (North-Central Illinois, USA) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Bioterrorism and Biocrimes: The Illicit Use of Biological Agents Since 1900 (Paperback)

In this fascinating book, the authors look at the uses that biological agents have been put to, from 1900 to 2000. In a scholarly, no-nonsense manner, the uses of biological agents for terrorism or crime are examined, leaving no stone unturned. The early chapters examine the agents used, how they were acquired, how they are used, and the purposes for their use. Subsequent chapters look at case studies of the actual use of biological agents, their threatened use (often when no actual agents where possessed), cases where groups or individuals were found to possess such agents, and finally groups that are apparently looking to acquire biological agents (including Osama bin Laden's Al-Qaida).

I have read a group of books on bioterrorism lately, and I must say that this one ranks right up there with the best of them. Not a doomsday book, instead, this book treats it as another subject for study, allowing the user to get a realistic feel for how biological agents have been used up to the year 2000.

And, it is in my last point that my real complaint against this book lies. As this book only covers bioterrorism and biocrimes through 2000, it does not cover the 2001 anthrax attack against American governmental officials and media personalities. This attack was definitely the most effective bioterrorist attack yet, and no historic study can be considered complete without it.

But, I must say that I read the 2002 edition, and subsequent editions might be edited to take this bioterrorist attack into account. If that happens, then I will be the first to declare the book a bioterrorism masterpiece. As it is, it is still a very good book, one well worth reading for anyone interested in bioterrorism.