33 pages • 1 hour read
Richard PrestonThe Demon in the Freezer
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2002A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Richard Preston’s The Demon in the Freezer explores the history of bioweapons, focusing primarily on smallpox. The book begins with the 2001 anthrax attacks and the fear that smallpox might have been used instead. It then delves into the global effort to eradicate smallpox led by D.A. Henderson, the storage of the virus in U.S. and Russian labs, and the ethical debate over keeping or destroying these virus stocks, highlighting the enduring threat of modified smallpox. The book contains descriptions of bioweapons and epidemic diseases, which may be distressing.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Richard Preston's The Demon in the Freezer offers a gripping narrative on bioterrorism, focusing on smallpox and anthrax. Readers praise its detailed, accessible scientific explanations and engaging storytelling. Some criticize its sensationalism and pacing, feeling it occasionally dips into melodrama. Overall, it’s a thought-provoking and timely read.
Who Should Read The Demon in the Freezer?
A reader who enjoys The Demon in the Freezer by Richard Preston is likely fascinated by true stories of bioterrorism, epidemiology, and emerging infectious diseases. They would also appreciate books like The Hot Zone by the same author and The Coming Plague by Laurie Garrett, which delve into similar themes of deadly pathogens and global health threats.