The gruesome disease typhus, transmitted by body lice, afflicts the desperate: refugees, soldiers and ghettoised peoples. The Nazis, who equated the louse with "parasitic, subhuman" Jews, so feared the disease that they granted special status to the Polish scientist Rudolf Weigl, the only one who could make an effective vaccine. Weigl's laboratory became a centre of intellectual activity and resistance. Among his assistants was Ludwik Fleck, later sent to Buchenwald, where he deceived the Nazis and undermined their medical trials. Drawing on extensive research and interviews, Arthur Allen tells a harrowing story of two brave scientists, who put their training to the best use, at the highest personal risk.

About the Author
Arthur Allen has written for the New York Times Magazine, the Washington Post, The Atlantic, the Associated Press, Science, and Slate. His books include Vaccine: The Controversial Story of Medicine's Greatest Lifesaver. He lives in Washington, where he writes about health for Politico.

Reviews
"... absorbing story..." -- The Bookseller
"This fascinating story is told well by Arthur Allen, an American journalist. The book is a fitting memorial to the heroism of Weigl and Fleck." -- Theodore Dalrymple - The Times



Book Information
ISBN 9780393351040
Author Arthur Allen
Format Paperback
Page Count 402
Imprint WW Norton & Co
Publisher WW Norton & Co
Weight(grams) 496g
Dimensions(mm) 211mm * 140mm * 25mm