The Aspirin Wars: Money, Medicine, and l00 Years of Rampant Competition (Hardcover)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The fierce, global competition for a share of the $25 billion analgesic trade based on aspirin, the 100-year-old, multipurpose drug, and its derivatives (Bufferin, Alka Seltzer etc.), and rival analgesics (Tylenol, Advil etc.) is vividly recounted here by Mann (coauthor of The Second Creation ) and economist Plummer. They portray such scientists as German chemist Carl Duisberg, who developed aspirin from a form of coal tar, and recall WW I- and WW II-connected international episodes concerning aspirin's exploitation, along with court battles between manufacturers and suits brought against them for false claims by federal regulatory agencies. The authors of this significant report note that while researchers are still probing the secrets of how aspirin works, recent studies have confirmed its value for prevention and treatment of heart attacks and strokes, further intensifying competition among analgesic manufacturers. Photos.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

The authors detail the history of the marketing of aspirin as a drug from its introduction in 1899 to the present. They carefully researched the business, medical, and legal literature to supplement information obtained through interviews with numerous scientists, businesspeople, and government officials. Some of the events they describe include the activities of Farbenfabriken Bayer in the United States in the early 1900s, Sterling's purchase of the Bayer name of aspirin, the Food and Drug Administration's regulations in labeling and advertising of aspirin, the introduction of competing products such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, and recent claims that aspirin will reduce the risk of heart attacks for healthy people. The authors also provide numerous literature references. Highly recommended for business and medical collections of public, university, and special libraries.
- Bruce Slutsky, St. John's Univ. Lib., Jamaica, N.Y.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 420 pages
• Publisher: Knopf; 1st edition (November 5, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0394578945
• ISBN-13: 978-0394578941
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 6.8 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,133,779 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A most facinating case study of international Business, February 1, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: The Aspirin Wars: Money, Medicine and 100 Years of Rampant Competition (Paperback)

I first picked up this book in the bargain bin at my college bookstore for only $1.00. It is probably the most interesting non-fiction book I have ever read. Even though it concentrates on the trials and tribulations of aspirin, it gives an interesting picture of over-the-counter drug marketing and promotion during the 20th century. The book is well researched, with liberal footnotes.

The main storyline for the book is about the story of Farbenfabriken Bayer (later IG Farben and Bayer AG) and Sterling Drug, the US owners of the Bayer name (they bought it during an auction of German properties during WWI) It well documents the battle between the two owners of the Bayer name for the Bayer tradmark; a battle that lasted well over 60 years.

One unexpected part of the book was the chapter regarding drug marketing in Latin America. The techniques used there in the mid-20th century closely resemble the patent medicine hucksters in America in the late 1800's.

About the last fourth of the book is dedicated to the recent surge in discoveries of aspirin's use for heart-attacks, stroke, and other clotting related disorders. This is probably the most dry part of the book, but it is still pretty good.

In conclusion this is an excellent book for anyone interested in the history of the drug industry or mass marketing.

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A keystone book to any library, July 20, 1999

By A Customer

You are not a pharmacist until you read this book. Nor are you a doctor, lawyer or Indian chief. Every historian, military expert, and anyone with intellectual curiosity will feel compelled to read it.

Those who have read Ayn Rand, George Orwell and Plutarch will include this tome as a lifetime "must read".

Sadly, it is currently out of print.