Knickerbocker Book Circle

Fall 2013 Book Discussion: The Poisoner’s Handbook by Deborah Blum

The Knickerbocker Book Circle is a lively discussion group grounded in New York City history. Each season, the Knickerbockers will discuss a non-fiction title highlighting an aspect of the city’s fascinating past.

The Poisoner's Handbook is a tale of chemistry and detection, poison and murder. In early twentieth-century New York, poisons offered an easy path to the perfect crime. Science had no place in the Tammany Hall-controlled coroner's office, so corruption ran rampant. However, the appointment of a new chief medical examiner helped New York become a pioneer of forensic science.

Discussions are moderated by Carmen Nigro, Librarian of the Milstein Division of U.S. History, Local History and Genealogy.