Chemical and Biological Weapons in Our Times (Single Title: Social Studies: Current Events) [Library Binding]

Herbert M. Levine (Author)

Editorial Reviews

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Gr. 8-12. The release of sarin into the Japanese subway is a memorable and horrifying event in recent history. This volume begins its exploration of the controversial topic of chemical and biological weapons by describing the steps leading up to this tragic event; the effects of sarin on a contaminated person; the steps taken to prevent further contamination; and finally an attempt to understand the motivation behind the attack. Subsequent chapters compare chemical and biological weapons, consider their ramifications and historical use, and explore steps being taken to minimize their impact. Moral and social implications are also explored, with examples ranging from smallpox-infested blankets used to infect Native Americans to the chemical weapons employed^B during the Gulf War. Black-and-white photos enhance the text, and care has been taken to ensure that they are not too graphic or offensive. This is a balanced exploration of the subject, combining science, history, and philosophical commentary to provide an interesting, informative look at a multifaceted issue. Heather Hepler
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product Details

• Library Binding: 128 pages
• Publisher: Franklin Watts (June 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0531118525
• ISBN-13: 978-0531118528
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 2.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,246,746 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Rudimentary, at best... and no "recipes"!, August 30, 2001

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barry it "reader" (HB., CA USA.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Chemical and Biological Weapons in Our Times (Single Title: Social Studies: Current Events) (Library Binding)

I can't believe this is a textbook for an undergraduate biology course at UCLA. It's written at about a sixth grade reading level; the author has a perverse need to define words like "vaccine" and "virus", words that should already be common knowledge to anyone interested in the topic. Only children would be impressed by the rudimentary vocabulary and easy reading level, but I can't imagine a child reading a book on the subject of bioterrorism! Besides this failing, the book does give a broad (though altogether too basic) overview of bioterrorism today, though numerous other books accomplish the same task much more effectively. If you are a UCLA undergrad planning on taking the bioterrorism course, DON'T buy this book - the online class notes cover the material in its entirety (and are free, sans printing costs...) and are more thorough. If you are a general (adult) reader, I would recommend that you purchase a different book on the topic. If you are a kid who desires to fulfill a sinister fantasy about killing everyone in your town with biological and chemical weapons, you are probably still too advanced for this book, and besides, don't expect any recipes or formulas (those are contained in the UCLA course notes; concentrate on your schoolwork so you can get into that school...).