EBOOK
American Anthrax
Fear, Crime, and the Investigation of the Nation's Deadliest Bioterror Attack
Jeanne Guillemin(0)
About
From Jeanne Guillemin, one of the world's leading experts on anthrax and bioterrorism, the definitive account of the anthrax investigation
It was the most complex case in FBI history. In what became a seven-year investigation that began shortly after 9/11-with America reeling from the terror attacks of al Qaeda-virulent anthrax spores sent through the mail killed Bob Stevens, a Florida tabloid photo editor. His death and, days later, the discovery in New York and Washington, D.C. of letters filled with anthrax sent shock waves through the nation. Federal agencies were blindsided by the attacks, which eventually killed five people. Taken off guard, the FBI struggled to combine on-the-ground criminal investigation with progress in advanced bio-forensic analyses of the letters' contents.
While the criminal eluded justice, disinformation swirled around the letters, erroneously linking them to Iraq's WMD threat and foreign bioterrorism. Without oversight, billions were lavished on biomedical defenses against anthrax and other exotic diseases. Worst of all, faith in federal justice faltered.
American Anthrax is a gripping tale of terror, intrigue, madness, and cover-up.
It was the most complex case in FBI history. In what became a seven-year investigation that began shortly after 9/11-with America reeling from the terror attacks of al Qaeda-virulent anthrax spores sent through the mail killed Bob Stevens, a Florida tabloid photo editor. His death and, days later, the discovery in New York and Washington, D.C. of letters filled with anthrax sent shock waves through the nation. Federal agencies were blindsided by the attacks, which eventually killed five people. Taken off guard, the FBI struggled to combine on-the-ground criminal investigation with progress in advanced bio-forensic analyses of the letters' contents.
While the criminal eluded justice, disinformation swirled around the letters, erroneously linking them to Iraq's WMD threat and foreign bioterrorism. Without oversight, billions were lavished on biomedical defenses against anthrax and other exotic diseases. Worst of all, faith in federal justice faltered.
American Anthrax is a gripping tale of terror, intrigue, madness, and cover-up.
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Reviews
"[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