A Washington Post Best Book of 2001, Scourge provides a definitive
account of the dramatic story of smallpox by a leading "expert on
biological and chemical weapons" (The New York Times). Jonathan B.
Tucker traces the history of the smallpox virus from its first recorded
outbreak around 3700 B.C. through its use as the first biological
warfare agent in human history, and draws some decisively important
lessons for the future. In a timely debate, Tucker addresses the
ever-growing concerns about the proliferation of the deadly smallpox
virus and its use by terrorist organizations. Explaining how the
eradication of the disease in the late 1970s encouraged military
research and production of the virus, he exposes the failure of the
Russian government to secure its remaining cold-war stockpiles, and
evaluates the past and present measures undertaken by the United States
to counter the existing dangers of a smallpox attack. Ultimately, he
passionately argues for the strengthening of the existing legal ban on
the development and possession of biological weapons. Impeccably
researched, Scourge is as arresting as it is indispensable, and as
William Beatty in Booklist raves, Tucker "has a sense of ... history
that helps him make the story of smallpox as disease and ... weapon
fascinating and frightening." Scourge has been acclaimed as "a concise,
suspenseful and scientifically accurate narrative." -- The New York
Times Book Review" Tucker's fascinating, revealing book affords the
reader a sobering look at this new type of warfare...." -- Chris
Patsilelis, Houston Chronicle -- "[Tucker] reports the debate
evenhandedly and with telling detail." -- David Brown, The Washington
Post Book World
