Polio

An American Story

By: David M. Oshinsky

Narrated by: Jonathan Hogan

Pulitzer Prize, History, 2006

This comprehensive and gripping narrative covers all the challenges, characters, and controversies in America's relentless struggle against polio. Funded by philanthropy and grassroots contributions, Salk's killed-virus vaccine (1954) and Sabin's live-virus vaccine (1961) began to eradicate this dreaded disease.

Author David M. Oshinsky, a multiple New York Times Notable Book winner and University of Texas professor, is a leading American political and cultural historian.

©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!
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Terrific book on the American history of Polio

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

Awful narration

The story is so so interesting but with too much details so it's get boring. And narration is just awful, voice of narrator is irritating.

More interesting than I expected

This book was far more interesting than I expected. I listened to it as a follow up to Mr.Oshinsky's latest book "Bellevue: Three Centuries of Medicine and Mayhem at America's Most Storied Hospital". Though i didn't find it quite as fascinating as the Bellevue book, this was a well written, fascinating story about a truly frightening disease, the politics of medicine and reminds the reader of a disease that today we care very little about but not all that long ago gripped the US and much of the world in terror for over 40 years.

Very enlightening book, even though I had Polio when I was six years old.

I now live with the effects of polio and losing strength. I am now 70 8 years old and even though I live with my family. I'm afraid I'm going to end up in a nursing home. And that just as well b death.

Wonderful History

This was a comprehensive and thoughtful medical history. It should appeal to anyone who grew up in the 40’s or 50s. Also , those who are now dealing with COVID will understand better some of the public health measures. They will appreciate how quickly today’s COVID vaccine became available.

Polio

I am a survivor! I walk with a limp! But I’m lucky! I can walk!
I have under gone several operations
, many types of physical therapies!
I’m nearing age 73! And smiling!

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!