The Spirit of Swiftwater: 100 Years at the Pocono Labs [Hardcover]

Jeff Widmer (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1998

The chronicle of the pioneers of immunization who fought against the odds to establish this form of health care as standard public policy in America. Spanning the century, this casebound volume takes readers behind the scenes to view the struggles and triumphs of the people and companies that shaped modern medicine. Contains 144 archival and contemporary photos, plus glossary and index.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

For the past 25 years, Jeff Widmer has written nationally and internationally for magazines such as Advertising Age, Philadelphia and National Geographic World. In the early 1990s, his nationally syndicated column on music and spoken-word audio appeared in newspapers across the country.

From the Author

Like many people, I used to take vaccines for granted. I guess you do if you're healthy. But at the turn of the century, the protection offered by this kind of preventive medicine was by no means guaranteed, and a public backlash ensued. Researching these stories gave me a much deeper appreciation of the struggles of these pioneers, and the importance of public policy in this area. While manufacturers today receive much of the credit for advances in the field, I find the most compelling stories are those of the people who risked their finances and reputations so others could lead healthier lives.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 148 pages
• Publisher: Univ of Scranton Pr (November 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0940866749
• ISBN-13: 978-0940866744
• Product Dimensions: 11.8 x 9.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,557,291 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Thorough historical perspective of a leader in vaccines, October 15, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Spirit of Swiftwater: 100 Years at the Pocono Labs (Hardcover)

Jeff Widmer's thoroughly documented historical perspective of the vaccine industry in the US as seen through the history of one of its leading contributors is also entertaining reading. The author's style is an easy blend of history and country charm, supported with illustration, personal interviews, and historical artifacts. Ever wonder how small pox vaccine was made? His story reminds us all how great medical advances rise from dedicated individual efforts. He masterfully blends amidst the successes, and failures, of one set of such efforts the backdrop of world wars, economic depression, politics, savy business, and killer epidemics over the past 100 years. Also a great insight into how one part of corporate America grew from small beginnings.