SPLENDID SOLUTION Jonas Salk and the Conquest of Polio

Jonas Salk decided early in his life that he wanted to make a significant mark in history. After discovering the joy of chemistry and the challenges of fundamental research, he settled on medicine. During WWII, he was the principal developer of the first effective flu vaccine. After the war, he turned his attention to polio, eventually developing the killed-virus vaccine that now has the world on the edge of eradicating the crippling virus. Jeffrey Kluger’s story captures the drama and personal intrigues of scientific research, showing how jealousy and personal pique sometimes shape what happens and doesn’t happen. Michael Prichard’s clear, steady tone carries the reader, especially through detailed passages about research techniques and chemistry. At times, his voice sounds almost stentorian, but overall he does a good job, with no histrionics. R.C.G. © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/SEP 05]