Poison: An Illustrated History delves into humanity’s fascination with toxic substances. From ancient court intrigues to modern forensic breakthroughs, this lavishly illustrated volume explores the diverse roles poisons have played in science, medicine, religion and crime.
Tracing episodes from Cleopatra’s alleged use of arsenic to the development of lethal injection, each chapter combines vivid imagery with expert insights. Discover how ergot mold sparked Salem’s witch trials, why nicotine once served as an insecticide and the mysterious potency of cone snail venom.
Key topics include
- Historic cases: Mary Ann Cotton, Jane Stanford and more
- Cultural impact: witchcraft panics, ritual use and mythology
- Scientific breakthroughs: ergot, LSD precursors and botulinum toxin
- Medical and forensic uses: executions, treatments and research
Whether you’re drawn by true crime, medical history or scientific discovery, this book offers a compelling narrative that illuminates how poisons have shaped human events across centuries.