Whorton, James C.
The Arsenic Century: How Victorian Britain was Poisoned at Home, Work, and Play
- ISBN 13:
- 9780199605996
- author:
- Whorton, James C.
- format:
- Paperback
- publisher:
- Oxford University Press, USA
- language:
- English
- Publication Year:
- 2011
- Pages:
- 440
- Dimensions:
- 19.2 x 12.8 x 3.6 cm
- Genre:
- British & Irish history
- Condition:
- New
- Availability:
- Item usually sent within 4 working days
Description
The Arsenic Century: How Victorian Britain was Poisoned at Home, Work, and Play by James C. Whorton In 19th-century Britain, arsenic was ubiquitous - present in every home, workplace, and social setting. Kept for pest control, it was often mistaken for sugar or flour, leading to accidental ingestion. The white powder was also used in green dyes, affecting everything from food to clothing. Whorton's meticulously researched book explores the widespread presence of arsenic in Victorian daily life, weaving together medical, legal, and popular literature to paint a vivid picture of its insidious impact. From the emergence of arsenic as a household hazard to its frequent use in murder and suicide, The Arsenic Century sheds light on a dark chapter in British history. The book ultimately reveals how the widespread poisoning caused by arsenic in Victorian Britain set a precedent for environmental poisoning dramas that continue to this day.