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Hepatitis B:
The Hunt for a Killer Virus
Baruch S. Blumberg

Book Description | Table of Contents
Introduction [HTML] or [PDF format]

ADDITIONAL REVIEWS:

"This book shows that it is not the orderly, directed research program that leads to the Nobel, but rather the workings of the orderly, observant mind. . . . If poetry is a free-ranging , idealized representation of an idea, than this is poetry . . . and poetry should be read regularly for relaxation, for inspiration, and for ideas."--Paul J. Schmidt, New England Journal of Medicine

"Readers will find much to enjoy and absorb in Blumberg's fascinating personal story."--Robin A. Weiss, Science

"Blumberg chronicles with uncanny humor his research team's accidental discovery of HBV, their daily laboratory routines and methodology of research experimentation of HBV, and the eventual development of medicine's first viable cancer vaccine."--Choice

"This book is highly informative and entertaining. It offers a clear account of how basic scientific research is conducted and of the excitement of scientific discovery."--Science Books and Films

"The hepatitis B story is more than a fascinating chronicle of a major discovery. . . . The discovery of this deadly virus and the vaccine against it--a vaccine sharply decreasing the infection rate worldwide and probably the first effective cancer vaccine--was one of the great triumphs of 20th century medicine."--Biology Digest

"In this unapologetically personal memoir, the author tells the story of hepatitis B from his own perspective. . . . [T]he book becomes a distinctive part of hepatitis B history, and it will be an invaluable resource for medical historians in the future."--Bud C. Tennant, Nature Medicine

"Blumberg comes across as self-deprecating and erudite in his book, which is filled with allusions as varied as Robert Frost, Dante and Michael Crichton. . . . As his book shows, Blumberg is not merely brilliant. He is wise."--Marie McCullough, The Philadelphia Inquirer

ADDITIONAL ENDORSEMENTS:

"Hepatitis B is one of the world's most common viruses--and one of the top ten killers. Unlike much else in our often gloom-filled world, it looks likely that HBV will be effectively controlled, and possibly eradicated, within the next decade. If so, Baruch Blumberg will deserve a large share of the credit. But this book is much more than a scientific success story. It vividly conveys the existential adventure of science: the surprises, disappointments, exhilaration, and dull routines whose results serve us all so well."--Robert M. May, President of the Royal Society

"A thoroughly engaging history of one of the most important medical discoveries of the century, recounted with keen insight, lively wit, and remarkable humility. Rarely is one afforded such an opportunity to learn firsthand from a world-class scientist how new paradigms in biology result from relentless questioning and intellectual passion."--Jerome Groopman, Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, author of The Measure of our Days

"A pioneer in the field, Blumberg has a unique insight and perspective. He clearly presents a superb account of the story of hepatitis B virus discovery and argues, interestingly, how such a discovery can mirror the general process by which scientific ideas evolve, including the contributions of chance, good fortune, intelligence, and hard work."--Tonse N. Raju, Professor of Pediatrics, University of Illinois at Chicago, author of The Nobel Chronicles

"Baruch Blumberg, Nobel-prize winner for his discovery of the hepatitis B virus, has never before woven all the strands of the story into a full tapestry. What makes the story doubly fascinating is the world-wide public health importance of hepatitis B, as much of a killer as AIDS. Blumberg is an eloquent writer giving a fascinating account. General readers and experts alike will find this an enjoyable book, not least for the vivid touches that feel first-hand."--Jenny Stanton, History Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine

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File created: 11/5/2009

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