Deborah Blum's The Poison Squad meticulously explores early 20th-century food regulation, drawing praise for its vivid storytelling and historical depth. Critics commend its engaging narrative and thorough research. Some find the scientific detail dense and the pacing uneven, but overall, it is lauded for illuminating an important, yet overlooked chapter in public health history.

Readers who enjoy investigative journalism, historical contexts, and food safety would relish The Poison Squad by Deborah Blum. Comparable to works like Upton Sinclair's The Jungle and Eric Schlosser’s Fast Food Nation, it appeals to those interested in the history of consumer protection and public health.

The Poison Squad by Deborah Blum follows chemist Dr. Harvey Washington Wiley, who, upon becoming Chief Chemist at the USDA in the late 1880s, uncovers widespread food adulteration and contamination. Determined to improve food safety, Wiley conducts human experiments and spearheads advocacy efforts, ultimately influencing legislation that mandates safe food practices and targets unscrupulous manufacturers. The book details exploitative manufacturing tactics endangering consumers, including children.

Deborah Blum

Adult

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Nonfiction

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Overview

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The Poison Squad Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1, Chapters 1-3

The Poison Squad Part 1, Chapters 1-3 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 4-6

The Poison Squad Part 1, Chapters 4-6 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 7-8

The Poison Squad Part 1, Chapters 7-8 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 9-12

The Poison Squad Part 2, Chapters 9-12 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 13-15

The Poison Squad Part 2, Chapters 13-15 Summary & Analysis

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Key Figures

The Poison Squad Key Figures

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Themes

The Poison Squad Themes

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The Poison Squad Index of Terms

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Important Quotes

The Poison Squad Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The Poison Squad Essay Topics

The Poison Squad Further Reading & Resources

The Poison Squad: One Chemist's Single-Minded Crusade for Food Safety at the Turn of the Twentieth Century

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