Red Madness: How a Medical Mystery Changed What We Eat
Traces the pellagra epidemic that spread throughout the American South a century ago, drawing on real-life cases to describe its physical and cultural impact as well as related medical reports, news articles and scientific investigations.

One hundred years ago, a mysterious and alarming illness spread across America's South, striking tens of thousands of victims. No one knew what caused it or how to treat it. People were left weak, disfigured, insane, and in some cases, dead. Award-winning science and history writer Gail Jarrow tracks this disease, commonly known as pellagra, and highlights how doctors, scientists, and public health officials finally defeated it. Illustrated with 100 archival photographs, Red Madness includes stories about real-life pellagra victims and accounts of scientific investigations.
ISBN | 9781590787328 |
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Author | Gail Jarrow |
Number of Pages | 192 |
Reading Level | 7.6 |
Publisher | Penguin Random House |
Book Dimensions | 7.5 x 5.25 in. |
Shipping Weight | 3 lbs |
Special Price | $16.95 |