Penicillin: Triumph and Tragedy

Introduction; 1. Illness, drugs and wonder drugs before penicillin; 2. Penicillin from organised science; 3. Creating the brand in the era of propaganda; 4. Making penicillin across the world; 5. The carefree culture and the third industrial revolution; 6. Fighting resistance with technology; 7. Doctors, patients and the brand; 8. Animals, resistance and committees; 9. In face of catastrophe; Conclusion

[A] Terrific book. History of Philosophy and Life Sciences ...very impressive. The Journal of BJHS ...well written and based on outstanding research. Journal of the Historical Association ...an entensively researched and gripping saga...an enjoyable read...the story unfolds like a political thriller; the plot just as thrilling as the best fiction. Dr Tina Matthews, The Bulletin of The Royal College of Pathologists Bud has an engaging and flowing style that allows him to tell the story in a thorough yet gripping way. This is a scholarly but very readable book; Bud's long-standing interest in the history of penicillin clearly shows in the depth and thoroughness of his analysis. Stuart Anderson, Notes and Records of the Royal Society, 62, 335-336 A thorough and approachable review...a fascinating story. His prose is...precise and eminently authoritative. His data is superbly referenced. John Dwyer, TLS ...A fascinating overview of the development and marketing of penicillin. Allen F Shaughnessy, British Medical Journal a compelling perspective on the achievements of 20th-century medicine, and how they have given rise to new challenges for the 21st. Jon Turney, THES [An] insightful and thorough history. Financial Times This is a serious and thorough text from OUP, with a number of important messages for doctors and patients alike. Dr Jeremy Sager, Univadis Review ...a story full of human interest that general readers will enjoy. A highly detailed account of how we arrived at what may be the threshold of a post-antibiotic age, containing a wealth of medical and social history. Jo Whelan, New Scientist This extremely well-written and exhaustively researched book is invaluable in understanding the story of penicillin I. Richman, Choice Reviews Online Bud's volume offers much food for thought. The Lancet Penicillin: Triumph and Tragedy is essential reading for anyone who wants to gain a complete view of the social history of penicillin and the story of medicine in the last