Poison: The History of Potions, Powders and Murderous Practitioners

Fun to read

So I purchased this book because it looked like fun an ohh boy was it. All of the history details made reading this book much more fun, like the pages on jack the ripper and the parts about England earlier in the last century were very interesting. I new history had a lot to do with death but poisoning an what came of certain prisoner's really had me going. I really loved the lay out of the poisons an where they individually played a role and even some of the answers to what to compounds did it was quite mesmerizing. Although I bought and read the book I am definitely keeping this one and rereading it in the future I was also thinking of making it a family keep sake and writing on the front empty pages. I also hope to find more books as knowledgeable as this one. So five stars for me!

This book isn't Exactly what I thought is was but still interesting it has story's about people who died of poisoning who when and how. If you like this type of thing it's a good read. With photos

Excellent book on the science of poisons and history of poison use with prominent targets over the centuries. The writing is entertaining and captures the reader. I learned so much and it’s such a beautifully illustrated book. Highest recommendation!

Lots of great pictures and info

I wish it was more in depth about plants and such, as I enjoy learning about all kinds of botanicals, but for a casual read - not bad. It has mostly brief intro into kinds of poisons and some historical examples, that's about it. Towards the end of the book it gets too political, goes into spy and cold war stuff and blames Russia for pretty much every political attempt to assassination, forgetting that all of those poisons that were developed originally by USSR had great opportunity to be spread across all former Soviet republics (and farther) in the late 90s during the fall of USSR, whether through theft or corrupt members of the military, lol.

I feel like I learned so much from this book and since then i have looked for any familiar plants in my area and thank god that i have been unsuccessful at finding any in my yard lol

I read the book more so out of curiosity about the history, it was super insightful. I read the book in two settings simply because i had to go to work. I could hardly put it down. There is little tidbits about each poison and famous poisonings (by poison) which i thought was really cool. It goes into the science but not enough to become textbook like as i already own enough textbooks i was glad this wasn't heavy into the science but more -medical description for the non medical person. If you’re thinking of buying it, then just buy it. It was a fun, pleasant, short book. 5 out of 5 stars for me.Also, the books structure was like any other book i’ve owned. Sturdy and beautiful. Only one typo on page 12 but its hardly noticeable or worth mentioning.