In this accessibly written analysis of smallpox policy, Koplow (By Fire and Ice), Georgetown University law professor and one-time deputy counsel at the U.S. Department of State, begins with two major points: smallpox has killed millions of people over the millennia, and the eradication of naturally occurring smallpox from the world has been one of humankind's most amazing success stories. Koplow brings readers up to date on the ongoing debate over whether the last known quantities of the smallpox virus, currently stored in Atlanta, Ga., and Novosibirsk, Russia, should be destroyed. While Koplow adequately presents all sides, his approach, unfortunately, only scratches the surface. (Readers will find a much more comprehensive and informative read in Jonathan Tucker's recent offering, Scourge, or Richard Preston's just released Demon in the Freezer.) Although Koplow asserts that his goal is to help readers decide whether smallpox should be eradicated, some of his chapters—"Environmental Law and Policy" and "World Health Organization" for example—are only marginally relevant to his purpose. (Jan.)
