A is for Arsenic: The Poisons of Agatha Christie by Kathryn Harkup (English) Pap

Description: A is for Arsenic by Kathryn Harkup Fifteen novels. Fifteen poisons. Just because its fiction doesnt mean its all made-up . . . FORMAT Paperback LANGUAGE English CONDITION Brand New Publisher Description Shortlisted for the BMA Book Awards and Macavity Awards 2016Fourteen novels. Fourteen poisons. Just because its fiction doesnt mean its all made-up ...Agatha Christie revelled in the use of poison to kill off unfortunate victims in her books; indeed, she employed it more than any other murder method, with the poison itself often being a central part of the novel. Her choice of deadly substances was far from random – the characteristics of each often provide vital clues to the discovery of the murderer. With gunshots or stabbings the cause of death is obvious, but this is not the case with poisons. How is it that some compounds prove so deadly, and in such tiny amounts?Christies extensive chemical knowledge provides the backdrop for A is for Arsenic, in which Kathryn Harkup investigates the poisons used by the murderer in fourteen classic Agatha Christie mysteries. It looks at why certain chemicals kill, how they interact with the body, the cases that may have inspired Christie, and the feasibility of obtaining, administering and detecting these poisons, both at the time the novel was written and today. A is for Arsenic is a celebration of the use of science by the undisputed Queen of Crime. Notes Now in paperback, this looks at the science behind 14 Agatha Christie novels in which the murderer uses poison. Looks at each different poison, how they interact with the body, and the feasibility of obtaining, administering and detecting them, both at the time the novel was written and today. Author Biography Kathryn Harkup is a chemist and author. Kathryn completed a doctorate on her favourite chemicals, phosphines, and went on to further postdoctoral research before realising that talking, writing and demonstrating science appealed a bit more than hours slaving over a hot fume-hood. For six years she ran the outreach in engineering, computing, physics and maths at the University of Surrey, which involved writing talks on science topics that would appeal to bored teenagers (anything disgusting or dangerous was usually the most popular). Kathryn is now a freelance science communicator delivering talks and workshops on the quirky side of science.@RotwangsRobot Table of Contents 1. Dame Agathas Deadly Dispensary2. A is for Arsenic – Murder is Easy3. B is for Belladonna – The Labours of Hercules4. C is for Cyanide – Sparkling Cyanide5. D is for Digitalis – Appointment with Death6. E is for Eserine – Crooked House7. H is for Hemlock – Five Little Pigs8. M is for Monkshood – 4:50 from Paddington9. N is for Nicotine – Three Act Tragedy10. O is for Opium – Sad Cypress11. P is for Phosphorus – Dumb Witness12. R is for Ricin – Partners in Crime13. S is for Strychnine – The Mysterious Affair at Styles14. T is for Thallium – The Pale Horse15. V is for Veranol – Lord Edgware DiesAppendixGlossaryBibliography Review A is for Arsenic: The Poisons of Agatha Christie has lethal charm. Harkup leads every chapter with a literary quote, then proceeds to tell us what the poison is, how and under what circumstances it kills, some real-life instances of its use and what role it plays in the Christie plot ... good fun. * The Washington Post *This book is fascinating, and anyone who is interested in the myriad painful and unpleasant ways in which people can be killed will relish it. * The Times *Harkup superbly captures the texture of Christies books, the sunshine and the surreptitious villainy. * Daily Mail *A cracking compendium of Christies poisonings ... A Is For Arsenic will appeal to any fan of Christies work, but as a potted history of poisons, antidotes and medicines it has much wider reach than that. * BBC Focus *Fact and fun packed, A is for Arsenic looks at why certain chemicals kill, how they interact with th body, and the feasibility of obtaining, administering and detecting these poisons. * Agatha Christie Website *An enjoyable, alphabetical overview of the renowned mystery writers frequent weapon of choice. * Washington Independent Review of Books *A knockout analysis of poisons used in Christies novels and short stories … Each chapter gives riveting information on the poisons chemical makeup, how it kills, whether theres an antidote, its history and its use in Christies works and in real life ... This is an absolutely bravura chemical compound. * Booklist *If you are coming to Agatha Christies work for the first time, an avid fan, have an interest in crime or toxicology, or just like being taken on an adventure through time, A is for Arsenic is a must read. * Chemistry World *A killing read that combines scientific expertise with fan-based knowledge. * Saga * Promotional Fourteen novels. Fourteen poisons. Just because its fiction doesnt mean its all made-up ... Review Quote "Remember the homicidal glee of that old Cary Grant movie Arsenic and Old Lace? Those adorable aged aunts, earnestly luring lonely old men to their house so they could knock them off with poison-laced elderberry wine? If you liked that, youll like A IS FOR ARSENIC: THE POISONS OF AGATHA CHRISTIE; it has a little of that lethal charm . . . And while its essentially good book-club-style fun, the book has a practical application: For every poison, it offers some antidotes." -- Washington Post "Chemist Harkup delves deep into the history and science behind more than a dozen lethal substances, introducing each through its appearance in Christies writing. You dont have to be familiar with the likes of Miss Marple or Hercule Poirot, however, to enjoy Harkups detailed, near-gleeful dip into what she calls Christies deadly dispensary." -- Discover "Intriguing and illuminating . . . This compilation should please mystery fans, true crime readers, and lovers of popular science." -- Publishers Weekly "This would be a perfect reference for anyone writing murder mysteries and is scientific enough to be used as a textbook . . . The addition of real-life cases and comparisons to Christies works make this a nice little murder mystery of its own. Fear not, shes careful not to spoil the endings of the classic novels." -- Kirkus Review "If youre an Agatha Christie fan, read this book. If youre a forensic-science fan, read this book. If you know someone harboring a grudge and an unseemly interest in poison, hide this book. Harkup, a chemist, has written a knockout analysis of poisons used in Christies novels and short stories . . . This is an absolutely bravura chemical compound." --starred review, Booklist Promotional "Headline" Fourteen novels. Fourteen poisons. Just because its fiction doesnt mean its all made-up ... Feature A unique exploration of the world of poisons and forensic toxicology through the prism of Agatha Christies novels Details ISBN1472911326 Year 2016 ISBN-10 1472911326 ISBN-13 9781472911322 Format Paperback Author Kathryn Harkup Short Title A IS FOR ARSENIC Language English Media Book Subtitle The Poisons of Agatha Christie Place of Publication London Country of Publication United Kingdom Pages 320 Imprint Bloomsbury Sigma Publication Date 2016-11-03 UK Release Date 2016-11-03 NZ Release Date 2016-11-03 Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing PLC DEWEY 615.9 Illustrations Black and white illustrations throughout Audience General AU Release Date 2016-11-22 We've got this At The Nile, if you're looking for it, we've got it. With fast shipping, low prices, friendly service and well over a million items - you're bound to find what you want, at a price you'll love! TheNile_Item_ID:100684751;

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