Splendid Solution.

SPLENDID SOLUTION. Jeffrey Kluger. 2005. Read by Michael Prichard. 11 cds. 13.05 hrs. Tantor Audio. 1-4001-0149-2. $37.99. Vinyl; content, author, reader notes. SA

The first major outbreak of polio occurred in the US in 1916. By the mid-1950s, the number of children afflicted and the length of its season had increased significantly. The National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis collected money and allocated it to groups whose work promised to control its reach. Kluger tells the technical and human story of Jonas Salk and his dedicated staff as they developed the first successful vaccine. The story unfolds against a backdrop of pressures and controversy. Should they be working on live viruses, as proposed by Albert Sabin, or killed ones? Which is most ethical: blind controls or observed groups? How can they be sure drug companies follow the recipe exactly? Will Salk's marriage endure and three sons thrive? How many children died or were crippled each year? How does one do a field study involving 1.8 million children? Basil O'Connor of NFIP kept the money coming and coordinated the effort inasmuch as he could. Journalist John Cohen kept the country accurately informed but there was much misinformation around too, some of it inflammatory. Prichard's mellifluous voice wears well over a long audiobook, and Kluger's storytelling style brings to life this amazing 20-year effort. Edna Boardman, Libn., Bismarck, ND

S--Recommended for senior high school students.

A--Recommended for advanced students and adults. This code will help librarians and teachers working in high schools where are honors and advanced placement students. This also will help extend KLIATT's usefulness in public libraries.