"[An] intriguing and insightful real-life medical mystery. . . Extensively documented and sprightly written, Guillemin's medical detective story is a valuable addition to understanding the apocalyptic world of biological weapons."
—Publishers Weekly "A compelling and marvelously researched history. Guillemin delivers an expert account of the shock, fear, challenges and twists resulting from the 2001 anthrax attacks on America and its psyche."—
The Honorable Tom Ridge, first secretary, U.S. Department of Homeland Security"American Anthrax is a riveting read, taking us inside the complex and multilayered investigation of the anthrax letter attacks. In this 10th anniversary year of 9/11, the book is a major contribution to the debate about what security threats remain and how best to address them."
—Clark Kent Ervin, former Inspector General of the Department of Homeland Security"In this tale of a terrorist armed with germs, Jeanne Guillemin expertly reveals the complex, arduous and frustrating investigation into the anthrax letters, and the disturbing impact on America of a crime with lethal pathogens that ended without a trial or conviction."
—David E. Hoffman, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Dead Hand: The Untold Story of the Cold War Arms Race and Its Dangerous Legacy"Guillemin tells the story of the anthrax attacks in tantalizing detail: how our government–the Centers for Disease Control, FBI, Postal Service, and Army–responded to the anthrax cases that appeared shortly after 9/11. We now know the 2001 American anthrax came from within the US defense establishment, yet the anthrax helped willful leaders justify the invasion of Iraq. An honest and engaging account of an often misunderstood crisis."
—Anthony Robbins, MD, MPA, Professor of Public Health, Tufts University and Past-President, American Public Health Association"
American Anthrax is a gripping story of a series of human tragedies at the collision of behavior, biology and bureaucracy. It underscores the crucial importance not only of public health readiness but of basic science in controlling dangerous disease outbreaks, however they emerge."
—David R. Franz, former commander, USAMRIID"
American Anthrax vividly describes, in meticulous detail, the confusion and panic after lethal anthrax letters were sent through the mail in the aftermath of the attacks on the World Trade Center. Uncoordinated and often unprepared government institutions had to work together and, more difficult, learn to deal with biological forensics while confronting the combined pressures of continuing danger, public fears, and the political demands of an administration eager to make the case for foreign attack. This is a remarkable combination of history, politics, science, and psychology. A splendid book."
—Philip Heymann, Professor at Harvard Law School, coauthor of Laws, Outlaws, and Terrorists, and former Deputy Attorney General
Owner Reviews, Ratings, Comments and Criticism
An interesting story well told about the Anthrax letters shortly after 9/11. Alas, there are no neat conclusions, only endless struggles to find out who sent the letters.
