Snake Oil [Paperback]

John Diamond (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 5, 2001

At the time of his death from cancer on 1 March 2001, journalist and broadcaster John Diamond had completed six chapters of what was to be "an uncomplimentary look at the world of complementary medicine". These chapters, based on his own experience and on researched fact, which were emailed each week to his editors at Random House, are both personal and poignant, hard hitting and controversial, tackling the issues raised by alternative medicine with total candour and his usual wit. The second half of this book features some of the best of Diamond's writing, including a selection of emails to colleagues and friends, articles from "The Times" and the "Jewish Chronicle" and other publications, together with excerpts from his final notebook. For seven years he wrote an immensely popular weekly column in "The Times" which, following his diagnosis with cancer, was given over to following the progress of the disease. As well as gaining him a Columnist of the Year award, it resulted in an avalanche of mail from thousands of his readers.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

John Diamond died on March 1st 2001. He was one of Britain's most prolific journalists, columnists and broadcasters, having worked for most of the national papers and presented numerous radio and television series. He was married to Nigella Lawson, with whom he had two children. Dominic Lawson is Editor of the Sunday Telegraph. Previously he was Editor of the Spectator. He introduced John Diamond as a columnist at both titles. He was also John Diamond's brother-in-law.

From AudioFile

With wit, informality and -- thank heaven! -- common sense, LONDON TIMES journalist John Diamond attacks the modern mountebanks of alternative medicine. Diamond was dying of cancer as he was researching this book. Far from making him more credulous or more cynical, his disease gave him a razor-sharp eye for the truth. You know this man researched his subject thoroughly. Neil Pearson gives the right touch to the text, light but not frivolous. There is no self-pity in the writing (which is very good), or in the execution. Y.R. © AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine --This text refers to the Audio Cassette edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 296 pages
• Publisher: Random House (July 5, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0099428334
• ISBN-13: 978-0099428336
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,567,122 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Snake Oild by John Diamond, October 3, 2005

By 

Dr. Richard Sallie "Sallier" (Nedlands, Western Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Snake Oil (Paperback)

A must-read book for anyone treating patients with Cancer, for anyone with Cancer or for anyone involved with patients with any illness. An amazingly courageous man and extraordinarily moving story.

7 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Just a short note, November 18, 2002

By 

"schatjes" (Sarasota, Florida United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Snake Oil and Other Preoccupations (Audio Cassette)

Dear interested readers, although I live in the US I ordered from Amazon UK to get a hold of the paperback version of this book. I just received it this weekend. The 6 chapters which were available for "snake oil" are quite medical and speaks mostly about the fact that most alternative medicine is never been proven to work. I haven't read it all yet, so I can't not yet get specific
the most part of the book are articles written by John from 1989 till a few days before his untimely death. The topics are as varied as they come: Geneva, Yiddish, cancer, book reviews etc. Those are mostly more upbeat written then the first 6 chapters.

To conclude: I love his writing style. I'm sorry I haven't gotten a chance to see or hear any of his shows like in the UK. He leaves behind a great legacy.

1 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Cynicism and half truth, March 8, 2007

By 

Tony Dougan (South East UK) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Snake Oil (Paperback)

This is a terrible book written in a debunking polemical style but offering nothing of hope or evidence for its claims. As usual Dawkins writes in his usual evangelical style and mirrors that which he professes to despise. As for Dominic Lawson! No comment!