Polio

An American Story

By: David M. Oshinsky

Narrated by: Jonathan Hogan

New York Times Notable Book author and acclaimed University of Texas professor David M. Oshinsky is a leading American political and cultural historian. Garnering the 2006 Pulitzer Prize in History, this comprehensive and gripping narrative covers all the challenges, characters, and controversies in America’s relentless struggle against polio.

As poliomyelitis stalked the land, its paralyzing grip terrified millions. But for each victim of polio’s paralysis, 99 others unknowingly contracted and spread this insidious virus. A summertime predator, crippling poliovirus usually targeted children—especially boys. When Franklin D. Roosevelt contracted polio in 1921, however, the arduous search for a cure—funded by private philanthropy and grassroots contributions—received an all-important boost. Eventually, research leading to Jonas Salk’s killed-virus vaccine (1954) and Albert Sabin’s live-virus vaccine (1961) offered hope for eradicating this dreaded disease.

“Narrative history doesn’t get much better.”—Booklist, starred review

©2005 David M. Oshinsky (P)2007 Recorded Books

Comprehensive history

I wanted to learn about polio and its history for a research project, so this was a perfect book for that. It can be a little dry at times just because of the nature of the subject matter - there's a lot of background needed to really understand the history. I did space out at times, but I don't fault the book for that. It was interesting enough to listen to on a long drive without putting me to sleep. I learned a lot, which is what I set out to do.

In the US today, we take for granted that we won't get polio. It gave me new understanding and appreciation for how far medicine has come in 100 years. When I was a child I knew several older people who still suffered effects of polio. We probably all knew someone. It's not an issue in my generation, but it was really not that long ago.

great read

loved it really learned alot about a topic in history I've always been fascinated with

Fascinating

This Registered Dietitian and her Microbiologist husband (both born in the 50's) truly enjoyed this audiobook - the science, the history, and the "my parents must have been scared to death of this thing I have never had to fear in my lifetime" moments. Such thorough research but not dry at all - fascinating listen!
Audible 20 Review Sweepstakes Entry

Terrific book on the American history of Polio

Very much enjoyed listening to this book and learning some American history along the way..

Wonderful health history!

I thoroughly enjoyed this intriguing book! We should never forget the endelible mark that has been left on our past from this disease!