The Moth in the Iron Lung: A Biography of Polio

I'm only halfway through the book - I'd read it in one setting, but I'm trying to process it all! The author starts with isolated cases of "infantile poliomyelitis" 'way back in the early 1800's, where it was blamed on "teething." (What did children have for teething medication? Mercury-based concoctions. It is hard for us to believe in this day and age... no, wait, I've got 7 mercury-laden fillings in my mouth right now.) As farmers & communities began to spray first arsenic-based "Paris Green" in the late 1800s to control insects, and then lead arsenate (lead & arsenic mixed together), more cases of paralysis and poisoning appeared, but with no detectable source of "infection." When the public began to question possible toxicity from pesticides, they were shouted down and mocked - but not challenged with actual scientific data, as far as I can tell so far in the book. From the book: "Reports of children killed by arsenic poisoning began to surface, and authorities - who had worked tirelessly to enforce the mandatory application of pesticides - blamed the deaths on improper spraying techniques by reckless farmers." Reading the accounts of baffled doctors and public health authorities has me shaking my head in astonishment and saying, "The more things change, the more they stay the same." Very engagingly written, and HARD to put down! I'll update when I'm done with the book.

I certainly cannot call this a book about the poliovirus, simply because the evidence that Forrest presents documents that the majority of "polio epidemic" was unlikely caused by any of the strains of the poliovirus. The evidence over the last 100 years clearly points to the chemicals like arsenic, lead, and DDT that we placed on our food, in our environment, and even directly on our children. However, it is easier to blame mother nature than our fellow countrymen for allowing our children to become ill and even succumb to death by our own hands. It is more comfortable to fight a virus, then to blame our system for progressing too fast and too dangerous with chemicals that we know little about their longterm effects. If we do that, then we are against "science" and advancement. It is a shame we cannot compromise and advance carefully with new products until we are sure (longterm) that the effects will not end in illness and death. The book discusses this disease with an easy to read and understand method that Forrest is able to convey. After reading this book, you will know more about the "polio epidemic" than any doctor or nurse you run into. This is the most comprehensive books on paralysis that I have read in 40 years. My background from the 1970/80s is in the pharmaceutical field (biostatistician) including work with vaccination testing and design. I feel that the lessons we should have learned with pesticides (and other chemicals in our environment) likely have been missed or forgotten.

I notice that with these books, the "anti vax", that MOST negative reviews, are not verified purchases, and only insult people calling them quakes and psuedo science, with no reason. clearly never reading these books. Vaccines are the new Tabaco of the medical community. It is made very clear by DEFINITION OF THE CDC itself, that by their own standards, classify vaccines as unsafe and ineffective, in several different ways. Completely contradicting anytime they say it IS safe and effective. These anti vaccination books are proof of just that. Anyone who reads the actual science on vaccines, will turn "anti vaxxer". This book is a must read. Polio rates had already declined to the levels, that they claimed came from vaccines. They changed the definition of polio several times so that they COULD say, "the people no longer have polio". This book goes great with Dr Devra Davis "Disconnect", and "Contagion myth" by a Dr whose name escapes me at the moment. and "back to eden". not he revised version that contradicts everything Kloss said but his orignial work if you can get one. Highly recommended read for those both for and against vaccines

This is a brilliant work. Beautifully told, the story consists of many diverse threads of history, and Forrest Maready weaves them together into the logical fabric of truth that all can now easily understand. I challenge ANYONE who believes that "polio was a simple virus to be vanquished by vaccines" to read or listen to this book. Prepare for new depths of understanding to unfold before you. We deserve the truth, and this author has done humanity a monumental service by gathering this information and telling us this hidden history. I purchased the audio version of this book, and most highly recommend it to all who dare or care to understand the devastation of modern disease, and how society must wise up and look behind the simple stories we have been told if we are to create health. The Moth in the Iron Lung should be required reading/listening for ALL medical, scientific and governmental professionals as well as parents.

I agree with Sally - it was hard to put this book down, which is why I read it in two sittings. Many people think they know all they need to know about polio, but this book presents its hidden real history in an engaging way, juxtaposing apparently unrelated stories of local life with medical theories and developments, all culminating in revelations that will make you question everything you've ever been told about this fearsome disease. Highly recommended!

Forrest Maready has written a most compelling, interesting book with "The Moth in the Iron Lung"! Anyone who cares about public health or is a health conscious individual needs to read this book about the polio epidemics of the 20th century. Maready presents a compelling chronology of inadvertent, human-caused, catastrophic events from 1869 in Boston and through the present day in countries like India. The Moth in the Iron Lung reads like a suspense thriller of community health. You’ll find out how most of poliomyelitis outbreaks historically were man-made. Find out why polio affected mostly children year after year in the warmest seasons and quietly stopped each fall and winter. Why did it take “medical scientists” 40+ years to conclude that a polio virus is only one of many causes of poliomyelitis? Can we say for sure that the polio vaccine is the reason we have virtually no polio outbreaks today in the US and in most other counties of the world? A brilliant and easy book to read.

Important read for getting an unvarnished, and likely much more correct than the widely promoted, propaganda laced representation of polio history. Compelling portrayal that makes an effort to canvass many data points that may weigh in to events for reader consideration.

Couldn't put it down. A most important book. On par with Rachel Carson's landmark book, Silent Spring.

Incredible. This book, along with Crooked, is doing a great service for many as we gather the facts about diseases of the past and the present. This information will help us make better decisions about our health and the health of our children. Thank you Forrest.

The story we learned in school about our mid-century victory over polio is a fairytale that continues to be unravelled. Maready puts together a very readable history of forgotten details of how and when what we know as "polio" got started, and how it progressed. There was much more behind paralytic poliomyelitis than a ubiquitous enterovirus vanquished by vaccines, as others have reported as well. The book is concise and I only wish there was more, but it compliments his YouTube video series My Incredible Opinion, albeit with the humor and snarky wit dialed way back.

I'm only halfway through the book - I'd read it in one setting, but I'm trying to process it all! The author starts with isolated cases of "infantile poliomyelitis" 'way back in the early 1800's, where it was blamed on "teething." (What did children have for teething medication? Mercury-based concoctions. It is hard for us to believe in this day and age... no, wait, I've got 7 mercury-laden fillings in my mouth right now.) As farmers & communities began to spray first arsenic-based "Paris Green" in the late 1800s to control insects, and then lead arsenate (lead & arsenic mixed together), more cases of paralysis and poisoning appeared, but with no detectable source of "infection." When the public began to question possible toxicity from pesticides, they were shouted down and mocked - but not challenged with actual scientific data, as far as I can tell so far in the book. From the book: "Reports of children killed by arsenic poisoning began to surface, and authorities - who had worked tirelessly to enforce the mandatory application of pesticides - blamed the deaths on improper spraying techniques by reckless farmers." Reading the accounts of baffled doctors and public health authorities has me shaking my head in astonishment and saying, "The more things change, the more they stay the same." Very engagingly written, and HARD to put down! I'll update when I'm done with the book.

I certainly cannot call this a book about the poliovirus, simply because the evidence that Forrest presents documents that the majority of "polio epidemic" was unlikely caused by any of the strains of the poliovirus. The evidence over the last 100 years clearly points to the chemicals like arsenic, lead, and DDT that we placed on our food, in our environment, and even directly on our children. However, it is easier to blame mother nature than our fellow countrymen for allowing our children to become ill and even succumb to death by our own hands. It is more comfortable to fight a virus, then to blame our system for progressing too fast and too dangerous with chemicals that we know little about their longterm effects. If we do that, then we are against "science" and advancement. It is a shame we cannot compromise and advance carefully with new products until we are sure (longterm) that the effects will not end in illness and death. The book discusses this disease with an easy to read and understand method that Forrest is able to convey. After reading this book, you will know more about the "polio epidemic" than any doctor or nurse you run into. This is the most comprehensive books on paralysis that I have read in 40 years. My background from the 1970/80s is in the pharmaceutical field (biostatistician) including work with vaccination testing and design. I feel that the lessons we should have learned with pesticides (and other chemicals in our environment) likely have been missed or forgotten.

I notice that with these books, the "anti vax", that MOST negative reviews, are not verified purchases, and only insult people calling them quakes and psuedo science, with no reason. clearly never reading these books. Vaccines are the new Tabaco of the medical community. It is made very clear by DEFINITION OF THE CDC itself, that by their own standards, classify vaccines as unsafe and ineffective, in several different ways. Completely contradicting anytime they say it IS safe and effective. These anti vaccination books are proof of just that. Anyone who reads the actual science on vaccines, will turn "anti vaxxer". This book is a must read. Polio rates had already declined to the levels, that they claimed came from vaccines. They changed the definition of polio several times so that they COULD say, "the people no longer have polio". This book goes great with Dr Devra Davis "Disconnect", and "Contagion myth" by a Dr whose name escapes me at the moment. and "back to eden". not he revised version that contradicts everything Kloss said but his orignial work if you can get one. Highly recommended read for those both for and against vaccines

This is a brilliant work. Beautifully told, the story consists of many diverse threads of history, and Forrest Maready weaves them together into the logical fabric of truth that all can now easily understand. I challenge ANYONE who believes that "polio was a simple virus to be vanquished by vaccines" to read or listen to this book. Prepare for new depths of understanding to unfold before you. We deserve the truth, and this author has done humanity a monumental service by gathering this information and telling us this hidden history. I purchased the audio version of this book, and most highly recommend it to all who dare or care to understand the devastation of modern disease, and how society must wise up and look behind the simple stories we have been told if we are to create health. The Moth in the Iron Lung should be required reading/listening for ALL medical, scientific and governmental professionals as well as parents.

I agree with Sally - it was hard to put this book down, which is why I read it in two sittings. Many people think they know all they need to know about polio, but this book presents its hidden real history in an engaging way, juxtaposing apparently unrelated stories of local life with medical theories and developments, all culminating in revelations that will make you question everything you've ever been told about this fearsome disease. Highly recommended!

Forrest Maready has written a most compelling, interesting book with "The Moth in the Iron Lung"! Anyone who cares about public health or is a health conscious individual needs to read this book about the polio epidemics of the 20th century. Maready presents a compelling chronology of inadvertent, human-caused, catastrophic events from 1869 in Boston and through the present day in countries like India. The Moth in the Iron Lung reads like a suspense thriller of community health. You’ll find out how most of poliomyelitis outbreaks historically were man-made. Find out why polio affected mostly children year after year in the warmest seasons and quietly stopped each fall and winter. Why did it take “medical scientists” 40+ years to conclude that a polio virus is only one of many causes of poliomyelitis? Can we say for sure that the polio vaccine is the reason we have virtually no polio outbreaks today in the US and in most other counties of the world? A brilliant and easy book to read.

Important read for getting an unvarnished, and likely much more correct than the widely promoted, propaganda laced representation of polio history. Compelling portrayal that makes an effort to canvass many data points that may weigh in to events for reader consideration.

Couldn't put it down. A most important book. On par with Rachel Carson's landmark book, Silent Spring.

Incredible. This book, along with Crooked, is doing a great service for many as we gather the facts about diseases of the past and the present. This information will help us make better decisions about our health and the health of our children. Thank you Forrest.

The story we learned in school about our mid-century victory over polio is a fairytale that continues to be unravelled. Maready puts together a very readable history of forgotten details of how and when what we know as "polio" got started, and how it progressed. There was much more behind paralytic poliomyelitis than a ubiquitous enterovirus vanquished by vaccines, as others have reported as well. The book is concise and I only wish there was more, but it compliments his YouTube video series My Incredible Opinion, albeit with the humor and snarky wit dialed way back.

I LOVED this book. I was honestly not prepared for how good it was. It is written in a narrative style, with citations at the end of the book. I thought the narrative structure was perfect. Every chapter ended with a hook and it was so hard to put the book down. At the same time, the book was so well-researched, I was just stunned. Reading this book felt like reading a bunch of secrets... it was like an expose but for a disease. About 4 chapters in, I had to talk myself out of ordering more copies for various relatives I thought would like it... I read the rest of the book and couldn't help myself. I hope my relatives love this book as much as I did! Wow!! I just started Forrest Maready's next book, Crooked, and THAT one is so good, too. I'm only on page 80 but so far it is absolutely as good as The Moth in the Iron Lung.

I just finished this book about the truth about polio and how innocuous it was in other countries, including Japan. DDT poisoning, and mercury and arsenic medicinals and other factors most likely the cause. (Helping benign viruses cross the blood-brain barrier.) Interesting, Polio has a similar profile to autism. Also, the numbers and propaganda around polio was unbelievable. Great book. We began to only fear viruses we had vaccines for. The more you dig the more that we see stats manipulated, sickness death, sacrificing of mentally ill and children all for this false efficacy. The deeper you go the more shocking it gets. It’s like a real life horror thriller.

Honestly, one of the most interesting history books I have read. I love all of the direct quotes and simple to follow theories. The back of the book has pages of biographies, articles, science journals, newspapers that he quotes from and it is well researched. You don't just read about the history of polio, but about all of the different possible contributing factors and the history of medicine of each time period. I didn't realize mercury was used so much in medicine! (but then again, just 20?30? years ago they were still using it in dental fillings). The history of the ventilator in all of this is interesting as well. Didn't realize that they didn't use mouth to mouth breathing resuscitation until 1956!

I can't recommend this book enough. I've been going down the many "rabbit holes" for a good part of my life. How the government lies and truths are obscured or hidden for profit. I always though the polio vaccine was an actual rock-solid achievement by man. Wrong. Its a giant scam. If you look at our world right this instant, the same lies are being told about pesticides. Nothing has changed.

Forrest Maready is a beautiful writer and brilliant researcher. The Moth in the Iron Lung is, in many ways, a prequel to Silent Spring. Maready shows how the histories of pesticides and poliomyelitis are intertwined covering the period 1869 through 1960. In addition to original insights, this book is also a very good history of 'science from below' -- reviewing the works of critics who figure out harms from toxic chemicals long before the mainstream catches on. Of course, even though Paris Green, lead arsenate, and DDT were eventually phased out in the U.S. -- other toxic pesticides and herbicides have now taken their place including chlorpyrifos, Roundup, and atrazine. I look forward to reading everything else Maready has written as he has proven himself to be an essential voice in toxicology and the history of medicine.

This is a true page turner. I was outside reading this over the week and was so hooked I got a sunburn. I highly recommend this book if you are interested in history and putting all of the pieces of the puzzle together. Hind sight is 20/20 and we should at least look back on history and see our own mistakes so we can avoid them in the future.

I’ve never gotten a book with such poor print quality control. Forrest Maready Author of Crooked Machine-made books. Its unlikely this book was made by someone with eyes but it is “Printed in the USA.” The bottom of the book looks like a machine that is out of alignment cut it. I appreciate the metaphor but I would be pretty angry if a book I published went out to consumers like this. I will update the star rating once I read it.

The sordid history of our bought government agencies, big pharma, medical monopolizing, and big agri all come together in this wonderful jaunt through the bucolic American landscape of callous disregard for the people. You can easily see and feel the parallels to what is happening in real-time with our COVID-19 debacle. Sad how history does repeat itself especially in the "scientific community." The mismanagement of the polio crisis was intentional in order for vaccines for the masses to take effect. This book lays that out and it isn't pretty. Nothing has changed. If anything, the scientific community did learn from history but once again they have chosen to take from that history only what can be used for profit. We live in a dangerous time. Thanks for the reveal, Forrest Maready.

Seriously. Read it. The terror of modern day polio will subside and your eyes will be opened to the plight of the book, Silent Springs, by Rachel Carson, which we read about in our homeschool science class... and about the true causes of paralysis in its many forms and the ugly nationwide death. Forrest Maready has invested so much time into his work and sacrificed his reputation for the sake of truth and change.

Loved it! I had already researched bits and pieces of the Polio story. This put it all together and filled in the gaps. I do wish the Cutter incident had been mentioned, and Jonas Salk's admission that the vaccine was a failure but maybe there wasnt enough material on it or it just didnt fit in this book. I'd really like to read more from Forrest Maready. I'd particularly like it if he would do a book like this one on Edward Jenner (the conartist/salesman who bought his medical degree Nd pitched the government, loathed by the medical community) and the smallpox vaccine.

Everyone should have a copy of this book. Easy to follow, reads like a story book, captivating author. Easy to fact-check and follow up on citations.

good all around

Once again we have been lied to by the medical establishment. This is par for the course at this point. Anyone who claims the polio vaccine was responsible for ending the polio epidemic has it all wrong. We were actually just poisoning ourselves with arsenic via DDT. The poliovirus has been living innate in most of us this entire time, it isn't until we poison our own bodies and let our defense mechanisms down enough for the viruses to wreak havoc that problems happen. If you believe the vaccine helped eliminate polio you need to get this book and learn the truth.

This book was freaking amazing! Beautifully written. The author seems very down to earth, like you could easily chat with him. I am so so so grateful for people who research and share truths with the rest of us, even if it goes against the absurd norm. Otherwise, it's a century later and humanity is still the same: in the dark. I will be sharing this with others, and it will be required reading of all my kids.

I didn't know the history of polio. I found this book very interesting. I appreciate all the references because we've been lied to for so many years that this may be difficult for some people to believe. Highly recommended for the people that are just starting to understand how much control big Pharma has in our lives.

I liked that it was interesting, full of new information, convincing, and not so big that I didn't get to the point quickly enough. I definitely recommend reading this. Even the Bible says, "John 8:32--And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." God makes information like this available to us so that we can make better decisions, especially protecting our children. My unvaccinated children are the healthiest children I know!

From the very first chapter I was pulled in and couldn't put this book down. I'll admit I went in knowing very little about polio but the fear of polio has been present in my entire life so I thought it best to educate myself. Completely riveting, extremely well documented and informative. I really can't say enough. The author did a wonderful job of setting the stage and filling in the mysteries of what we call polio. It spurred an interest it me that few things have and I continue to gain the benefits from reading this book!

Full of historical references for suspected and real contributors to the historical polio epidemic. Another story of ignoring the real culprits because of profits.

An excellent medical review of what was allowing polio to harm not only humans, but animals in a paralytic way. The use of toxic arsenic-mercury pesticides weakening created increased intestinal permeability that allowed bacteria and other enterovirus’ (one of which is polio) to cause poliomyelitis. An excellent look at how humans may have caused increased incidences of disease similar to that of polio through the use harmful pesticides.

History has been re-written folks and the truth is getting harder and harder to find. I knew about the DDT/polio connection but I did not know the whole story, not even close. This book cracks the foundation in the vaccine/disease narrative that has been drilled into the consciousness of humanity for the last 100 years. It could not be more relevant or important than during this time of covid deception. A beautifully written entertaining precisely executed horror story that will challenge your understanding of history. Do humanity a favor- read it!

With all the propoganda news that is out now about covid I decided to educate myself on polio due to conversations with many using this as an argument. Real eye opener about the situation and thus takes away the "polio vaccine worked" argument. If you are looking to get educated, highly recommend.

I found this book very informative. I love to read about history and this book was right up my ally. Written in a readable/comprehensive "story" like form. This is the story you NEVER hear about. I wish I would have know this when my grandma was alive. I would have asked her a thousand questions as my uncle had polio. Thank you for the extensive work and research you have done to inform us, the general public. We certainly are being led down a path of ignorance by everyone else in the medical and educational field-- knowingly or unknowlingly.

I enjoyed this historical account of the heavy metal poison theory of the polio epidemic. Everything points to poor management of health and insect infestations. There are other causes of polio as tonsillectomies, excess sugar, and poor diet, but the lead arsenate insecticides and DDT are good examples of unbridled use of poisons around children.

I have bought all of this guy's books, after spending time watching all of his videos on youtube. Very informative and educational. Incredible research. Buy this book and you will know the actual facts behind 'polio'. All of his books are very good and very well researched and written.

A very interesting & fast paced read about the polio epidemics in the US in the late 1800s, early 1900s. Because we all forget history, this book was a good refresher on how the US has used so many toxic pesticides, toxic farming practices & toxic medicines. (Nothing has really changed.)

Everyone believes a vaccine cured polio, but why do they believe it? They believe it because it's what we have heard since we were children. This is a factual, documented book about the origins of Polio, a must read in the era of government overreach.

A reminder about what "doing what the experts say" does, and within that, how not much has changed.

This well written book reads like a thriller and will make you question everything you ever thought you knew about polio.

Excellently researched book and very easy to read. Reads more like a novel, it’s not dry at all. It’s maddening though when you discover what has been hidden from the masses regarding the pesticides and medicinal mercury that most all Americans were exposed to, especially children.

Thank you for filling some missing details on the modern history of polio. Recommend to everyone who has heard the short version that is used by industry to push push for government medical mandates.

Amazing author! Just found his book Crooked… gold! Brilliant Jesus follower

Well researched book. Polio and many others diseases are man made diseases to a great extent caused by heavy use of heavy metals, lead, arsenic, mercury, aluminum and toxic chemical such as DDT, Round Up and 10,000 of other toxic chemicals. Any wonder why so much cancer and auto-immune diseases and Autism. The Crime of the Century un-masked in this book. Brilliant and important the truth revealed.

What an amazing book!

It is an easy read. The author has done his homework. I highly recommend this book. Be prepared for a change in perspective regarding the cause of the polio epidemic.

Eye opening is all I can say. Extremely helpful to learn the history and beginning of it all. Would recommend 100% to anyone.

A true,factual open minded alternative theory about Polio!Brilliant!

So much info in one book it’s crazy.. definitely one of my fav books. If you want to know the true story about polio, this is the book.

This book is perfectly put together. Great sequence of events that lays it all out for you. If you question vaccines, it's a must. Full of information I didn't know. Easy to understand.

Well written. You will be surprised at what you learn about polio!

Forrest Maready is an excellent author exposing the lies of big pharma.

I would recommend this book to anyone with an inclined interest in modern medical history or just history in general. Well cited and well researched

Just an antivaxer. He has no scientific background, no experience or degree in medical. He references his other book. Interesting read....if it were true.

Very interesting story and extremely well told (easy to follow).

Everyone should read this. If you don't know your history you are doomed to repeat it.

Ah, the good ol' days! Mercury powder for teething babies. Lead arsenate in your salad. DDT dousing parties. It all seems so primitive and absurd just decades later. The big question this book raised for me is: What are the things that are happening right now that we will, in a few short decades, look back upon with similar disbelief and horror? This book elegantly presents the case for not only the effects of environmental toxins on public health (and its subsequent attribution to a deadly virus), but also the case for modern medicine still being very much in its infancy well into the 21st century.

Just starting it and so far the writing is really good. He’s a good writer and it’s showing in the first pages

Been wanting this book for a year now and I am half way through. Not disappointed at all. Very well written. Great information.

I enjoyed the perspective of this book

This is a great book. So nice to learn the truth!! No need for shots. Just work with safe homeopaths and learn about the dangers of chemicals!!!!

Couldn’t put it down, easy to read but highly informative and reads almost like a novel but with a touch of documentary. One feels like a voyeur traveling through time as a moth itself. Such a great read.

Thank you for providing this piece of history for parents to learn and understand!

What an incredible history lesson! LOVED It! Reads like a novel! Great writing!! Already bought : Autism Vaccine and Crooked! PLEASE KEEP WRITING!

A must read to understand the truth about polio and it’s cause.

This is a 'rivetting read of what really happened with 'polio,' exhaustively showing year by year how treatment of apple trees for apple moths, correlated with outbreaks of paralysis, farm by farm. Farmers were pressured to apply pesticides in order to save neighboring farms from moths, and paralysis spread, community by community. Covers 100 years of correlation of paralysis outbreaks with pesticide and heavy metal exposures. This is a book that I hate to finish,because it is so excellent in its depth and importance. Kudos to the author. A work of major importance.

Thought provoking

Bought it mostly for the extensive list of research in the index. Fascinating subject. Wish the world knew the truth about this mass poisoning.

This book is fantastic Truly an eye opener

Well written and very informative book that you won’t be able to put down! We loved it and bought his newest book Austin Vaccine too.

A fast-paced history of poliomyelitis (originally a name for anomalous grey color in the spinal column), its many appearances and disappearances, and how it came to be associated with a virus. The bottom line: (1) pesticides and other environmental factors have probably produced far more cases of polio than the virus has, and (2) the Salk and Sabin vaccines probably didn't make much difference. Even if you are a booster (pun intended) for vaccines, the information here might make you question whether these vaccines have done any good. (But what am I saying? Vaccines are safe and effective. Right?) This book could have been better in two ways. First, better copy editing was needed: there are several small but annoying errors, such as using "bacteria" and "vertebrae" as singulars. Second, although doctors and other authorities are quoted, Maready doesn't always make clear which ones he thinks were on the right track and which were mistaken. A summary at the end with a list of the different kinds of disease he believes were involved in the story, what they were most likely caused by, and how prevalent they are today would have helped.

One of those rare books that once you start reading you can't put it down.

Loving so far, halfway through and can't put it down.

Great book. Great information.

Very well researched and well written account of an overlooked part of American history.

So full of great information!

This is a well researched, well written and thought provoking read..

Well written and informative. Great book!

💘

very well written

Just buy it

Reads like a novel and hard to put down.

Amazing read. Very interesting perspective and well written!

Very interesting to look at the history of polio thru the lens of the author. Of course the pharmaceutical industry will not like this view of history because there is no money to be made when the outbreak is caused by environmental factors and not solved by a vaccine. It is hard to argue with the logic a presented. I highly recommend reading this book if you are at all open minded when it comes to vaccines.

This book details an otherwise unknown history of disease in the western world as brought on by metallic poisoning that was administered literally from cradle to grave. Most of us are unaware of the ubiquitous use of mercury and other metals, not only in pesticides, but in common medicine. If you received medical care in the years following the civil war to the early 50's, you were being dosed with a whole range of toxic metals, chief among them, mercury. Further, the application of first "Paris Green", then lead arsenate, and finally DDT, to huge percentages of crops in the U.S. in an ultimately futile attempt to prevent the spread of invasive insects dosed the population bringing on a susceptibility to various disease conditions. In a stroke of irony, these pesticides were often used by public health officials in an effort to prevent the very problems they were in all likelihood causing. Far from the somewhat vague story of polio we've been conditioned to believe; an ancient disease finally stopped by the heroic invention of vaccines: Polio was a non-issue prior to the introduction of widespread metallic poisoning. And, further; Polio stopped being a problem coincident to the reduction of metallic poisoning. I can't imagine very many will ever so much as consider the possibility that there was a cause for the polio outbreaks of the late 19th and 20th centuries, other than the virus supposedly stopped by the vaccines. But, you have to ask yourself: Why wasn't polio a problem before then? Logically, if polio became a problem, and the problem went away, one should look for a causative agent which also prevailed for a time before also going away. I do think the book suffers from some hyperbolic inaccuracy, which hurts the message somewhat. Overall, a very well written, and I believe truthful book.

Throughly enjoyed this compelling account of the race to determine the cause of Polio and find treatments and prevention. Much like Covid 19 today it is more likely the so called experts are getting some of their assessments wrong. The medical arrogance that prevents so many "scientists" from admitting mistakes and the coorprate financial incentives surrounding dread diseases makes it difficult to discern the truth and facts.

Especially in his age of pandemic -- this gives a good background for how the "experts" handle disease. Of course -- it might frighten you -- so be prepared and make sure you do other research that will sadly -- back up what you learn in this book. Important information here.

I learned a lot about the over-use of dangerous pesticides and how their use affected the brains of so many children! I love the fact that the author provides many references to his claims. Best book I've ever read about polio!

Learning the real story of vaccines is like falling down a rabbit hole. This book is well-researched and takes you down another one!

I had to stop reading. Whoever proofed the book missed a lot of grammatical errors. Drives me crazy. It also became tedious.

This book presents a very clear, very reasonable historical perspective on the causes of polio and the polio epidemics. It's well worth consideration. It's also just plain fascinating.

This boy is really fascinating. What a great research job yet fun to read. Explains a lot!

A detailed history of what the government did not want you to know. Pesticides are not safe for human consumption. Most of our health problems are ones that we have created. It is an ongoing problem that is ignored by those responsible for our safety.

Lots of historical data about the polio cases and the relationship between outbreaks and external factors such as pesticides. Well written and documented.

I really liked reading this book. It was well written and very educational. I would reccomend this book to everyone. Love that there is an audible version because as a mom I don't get a lot of peace and quiet to read.

Fantastic book detailing the polio epidemics of the late 1800's and early 1900's. The story flows well, is easy to read and did not bore me.

Reveals the true back story and causes of infantile paralysis.

I liked the twist and turns of history! A book hard to put down. Worth the time to read to the end!

This review is for the publisher, I'm reviewing the red version with the blue moth on the cover. The Moth in the Iron Lung is worth the read, it's a great book. The binding by this publisher is terrible, however. Many pages are not attached to the spine - it's not that they tear away from the spine, it's that they are simply not attached. Frustrating.

The book is incredible!! Highly recommend everyone to read! However, over 50% of the book’s pages were not bound and were falling out. Very poorly made and frustrating

Book should be in less words.

Did anyone who reviewed this book live through the 1950s and 60s, witness polio, and then witness the incidence of polio drop after vaccine introduction? I think not. As we continue to flood our upscale neighborhoods with pesticides for greener lawns, does polio continue to increase? This book is misleading at best. Pandering is an understatement. Don't give your kids 4 vaccines at once. That's common sense. Do a modified schedule. But for goodness sake don't listen to this nonsense.

I wish books that peddle false information weren't given a platform. It's incredibly irresponsible and damaging.

Reader Beware: First of all, the author has absolutely no background in: Epidemiology, Infectious Disease, Virology, or any Medical Field. He graduated from college with a Religion and Music degree. He has not worked in any medical profession. Second, this book was published by an Amazon related publishing service. So basically, no reference checking, no fact-checking, nothing to determine if the sources or references were even correct. This is the second critical review I have written, because my first one was removed by Amazon or at the request of the author. Beware, this book peddles in snake oil and falsehoods.

This is a very well written, easy and fun to read book on the true sordid tale of poliomyelitis. Forrest narrated his own audiobook and has a great voice. He paints a very clear picture of how wrong we were to diagnosis so many patients with viral poliomyelitis when there were multiple presentations, many mimicking lead, arsenic, mercury poisoning. If the insane response to the Vid is interesting to you, you’ll love this real talk on the polio epidemic.

Fascinating look at the history of polio chronicling outbreaks from the late 1800s through the 1960s and the medical industry's attempt to overcome and cure the mysterious illness. Forrest takes a look at other things that were happening in the country that coincided with the outbreaks and how they are connected. In spite of man's noble attempts to heal, it becomes apparent that we are our own worse enemy. Sadly, the lessons of hindsight seem to take decades before people really start to pay attention. Here's to hoping people read this book and start to pay attention to the lessons we should have already learned by now.

This is one of the few books where I just could not stop reading. At first, I was led to believe that the gypsy moth was the cause for the polio virus, specifically some kind of cross contamination between breeding and eradication method. But turns out, the main theme is that the harmful chemicals we used to eliminate pests and bugs perhaps initiated the first signs of polio paralysis. That along with the early intervention methods in medicine that included using mercury and arsenic. I also found it interesting that he makes a connection that the vaccine that eventually came out literally had no effect on the eradication of polio. Also, even back then scientists, FDA, and lobbyists kept the public in the dark about the harmful effects of chemical laden food. These similarities are currently happening today but it's much worse - if you question their motives you are labeled a conspiracy theorist.

I'm really enjoying this book and would even recommend it to others who enjoy listening to thrillers and detective novels on audiobook. Forrest Maready has a good narrative style that is easier to listen to, than some narrators. I REALLY hope this book is turned into a movie..... it keeps you on edge, discovering interesting details about the real causes of polio. I wish everyone would listen to this. We've all been brainwashed into thinking all vaccines must be safe and effective because that's what we've heard over and over. No matter if there's any truth behind it! For anyone else reading this, I also highly recommend checking out "Dissolving Illusions" by Suzanne Humphries. She is the most believable person I've ever heard, speaking about the dangers in vaccines. I'm also going to check out Forrest Maready's other books on vaccines, as he seems to have several, and I would enjoy hearing him speak more about this topic.

I cannot praise this book enough! Excellently written, connecting a lot of seemingly unconnected issues, leading to some overlooked, but very important assumptions and conclusions. That deserve thorough investigation! The book is free from any kind of malice, and very balanced in its assessment of the polio issue. I see a lot of pro vaxxers are attacking Maready in the most underhanded way in other contexts than this book. The tone, self righteousness and arrogance of those attacks are astounding. Shame on you! I believe that such people are made of the same fabric, as those who ordered the burning of Giordano Bruno and other heretics. I know they wont be able to see that themselves, and two quotes come to mind: *with Stupidity even the Gods fight in Vain* Goethe, and: *forgive them, for they do not know what they do* Jesus Christus. Thankfully we are still allowed *dissenting* and *heretic* views, but in the name of *political correctness* that window is being shut down at an alarming pace, and its should concern us all.

"The Moth in the Iron Lung: A Biography of Polio" is engaging and interesting -- I never imagined a book written on the history of polio would keep my interest to the end! I am recommending this book to family and friends. "...an innocuous filter which exonerates [scientists] from having to explore any potential environmental causes. The discovery of a microbe or genetic mutation makes for much more rewarding work. The implication of a disease or disorder being man-made is unlikely to generate funding or notoriety..." "...thirty-three iron lungs in the Rancho Los Amigos hospital...The fact that nearly anyone can look at this picture and wax nostalgic about the miracle of vaccines -- rather than the danger of ingested metals and pesticides -- is an epic failure of human narcissism." "Prior to 1954 any physician who reported paralytic poliomyelitis was doing his patient a service by way of subsidizing the cost of hospitalization...This change in definition meant that in 1955 we started reporting a new disease..." "A thousand people who had received at least three shots of the Salk vaccine had come down with poliomyelitis..."

Audiobook (6hrs) - Very good investigative journalism uncovering a believable, alternative understanding of Polio (poliomyelitis). "Myelitis" means inflammation of the spinal cord' and "polio" means grey. The external part of the spinal cord is white and contains the nerves; the internal part is grey and controls muscle functions: lower = legs, middle = arms, upper = breathing. The traditional view is that a virus causes crippling, killing polio and that the vaccines wiped it out. Maready tells a seemingly fact-based narrative that there are numerous kinds of polio and multiple causes, and that the crippling, killing form was most likely caused by metallic toxins. In the late 1800's the Gypsy Moth, Potato Beetle and other crop-destroying pests were wiping out agriculture. Arsenic proved to be an effective pesticide and arsenic + lead proved bulletproof. The poster child for polio, FDR, most likely contracted polio from arsenic / lead poisoning, but it wasn't acknowledged. Once suspicions arose about the negative effect of these toxins, an even more potent replacement was found: DDT. It was the miracle pesticide. Sherwin Williams manufactured wallpaper with DDT; children were dusted with it daily; it was ubiquitous. As the usage of arsenic, lead and DDT decreased, so did the polio cases. But this was also the same time as the vaccines - so the vaccines were given credit, in spite of the fact that people who received 3-5 doses still contracted polio. The same set of events happened with the more recent Zika virus - when the environmental causes were removed, the Zika disease substantially declined. The difference between polio and Zika is that there were no Zika vaccines available, so the pharma companies and gov't ceased the efforts. One of the fascinating parts of this tale is the autocracy that was forced on people all the way back to the 1890's and 1st half of the 20th century regarding the latest hypothesis without understanding the side effects and unintentional consequences...just like today with COVID. It is not misinformation to dissent, it is necessary to establish sound science and medicine. I'd highly recommend this book.

Totally false narrative and complete fiction. The polio epidemic ended due to Jonas Salk and the polio vaccine. Don’t believe a word in this book.

This book is so well researched and written. Absolutely fascinating. It’s one of those topics where you feel like you “suddenly see” things completely differently. I got the audio version, which is great, and will buy the book as well.

I could not put this book down and my jaw dropped every other page. What an incredible, terrifying history we have.... Powerful research. I so appreciate his writing and his work to bring this information together. Better than some of the scariest books I've read and I love scary books...

I'm not sure what I expected when I started this book, but it wasn't what I ended up with. Suffice to say that I am glad my kids are grown because otherwise I'd be joining the ranks of the "antivaxxers", and not just in the careless term people throw out now if you don't want to take the latest and greatest injection pushed by the powers that be.

This book is a must read for everyone. “The Moth in the Iron Lung” goes through the history of polio, it’s effects, the iron lung and the world around the outside of the “polio epidemic”. The history of our modern medical treatments is the most important thing you can know. This book is incredible. It will turn your world upside down.

This is a fascinating look at the iconic disease known as “polio”, or one of the two nuclear arguments used by those in favour of forced vaccination as a panacea (the other being “smallpox”). Through careful investigation, a credible picture emerges of nerve toxaemia-induced illness right from the earliest cases of polio in the 1800s. Mercury-containing powders and tablets, Paris green arsenic, prolific use of lead arsenate pesticides, and DDT spraying on people and crops were all associated with “polio” outbreaks. The arrival of the Salk and Sabin vaccines after the major polio episodes ended in 1954 has unfortunately become an anachronistic legend that they saved the world from polio.

Forrest Maready brings to light incredible historical details annihilating the current belief system regarding the eradication of polio. Knowing and comprehending the limitations of man throughout history should make society ashamed that we continue to praise actions that have inevitably caused harm. We have the gift of hindsight but continue to refuse to use it and instead glorify the unutterable failings of Man. For me, his writings also highlight the uncomfortable fact that we continue to poison our children at the behest of outlandish, unfounded, unscientific industry claims.

This book was fascinating as it delves into a subject that is complex and interesting. The background and history even had my kids hooked as they were listening. A must read/listen for anyone interested in health, history or folks often met with the question "But what about Polio?"

Great book!!! Another example of how the "Medical Industry" looks in the wrong places and their Cures and Treatment making things worse.

This book has so much I didn’t know! I always assumed I knew everything about this topic- I was wrong. Paradigm shifting!

This is a History of Polio that you've never heard of. Amazing. Eye-opening. Well researched. Maready is not afraid to tell the true story. We all thought Polio was from the polio virus. But there were so many other factors. The fear in place is only a convenient marketing tactic to sell vaccines, and assuage fragile egos. I look forward to his next book.

An exhaustive analysis of the polio syndrome in a most readable, fascinating book. Western culture has placed a wall in front of the truth about the rise and fall of epidemic diseases - anyone who’s taken more than a sideways glance past this edifice will know there’s more to the story than we’re told. Yet alternative views are often incomplete, conspiratorial or wrong. Maready takes us on a most interesting path through his vast and referenced research, illuminating the myth of polio as never before. A must read for everyone.

I appreciated the thorough explanation about the history of polio, poliomyelitis, and the other similar conditions. The insight and parallels can, indeed, NOT be ignored by anyone who is open-minded enough to actually pay attention. Thank you for writing such a thought-provoking, and eye-opening, book!

Fantastic book that goes in depth about what really caused (and causes) the polio epidemic. Highly recommended!

I can't put it into words, you will just have to read it yourself. It makes more sense than the elementary narrative.

Book is great, written to inform you without making you uncomfortable to the fact that you are not a medical expert, it is easy to understand and long forgotten facts from history help to take of a veil of disinformation from your eyes. Vaccines did not save us

An objective and historically relevant perspective on the polio 'crisis' that everyone should know about.

LOVE THIS GUY SO MUCH EASY TO UNDERSTAND INFORMATION

Fascinating historical journey through the polio epidemic. Lots of parallels to today's landscape

Amazing book. If you appreciate history, health, nature, science, government, politics, or a combo of the above, this book will intrigue you.

I liked the engaging way that this book started out. It really grabbed my attention. On a subject as deep as polio, I was glad that much of it read like a novel.

I’m almost finished with it. The author lays the info out in a concise and organized way and in story form. The truth is astounding. As they say, first the truth will piss you off and then it will set you free. Wake up everyone!

This was a fantastic listen. I couldnt turn it off.

love it

This book is very interesting and well written. The author gives plenty of convincing evidence to support his hypothesis but never writes as if his ideas are proven.

As a polio survivor (Class of '52), my BS detector was in overdrive. I'm not buying it.

A page turner involving history, medicine, and a truth we should all learn from! Everyone should read this excellent account!

If you want to understand the truth about Polio - read this book! Western medicine lies to us again!

Great book

What Mr. Maready writes about in this book squares with other research that I've done. I think that most of what we are told, especially in the realm of health, is intentionally false and/or just plain wrong...a combination, likely.

This book was a well-written, both fascinating and deeply disturbing account of the mishandling of the polio epidemic, and the documentation of our misguided war with insects that continues today. The author provides a complete bibliography of his sources. Everyone interested in medicine, agriculture, history or health should read this!

Every completed page of The Moth in the Iron Lung begged me to turn to the next. As the author laid out a ticker tape of the history of Polio, at least in the United States, he aligned it with other events which cannot be ignored as to their involvement in the terrible disease. Living in our day with so much happening, the propensity for both errors and deception is very real. It is time to sit back think about what has happened in our history, what is going on today, and what is to come in the future. This book has helped to clear the way for this type of thinking. Highly recommended.

As an RN during the time of COVID, reading this book opened my eyes to the lengths government and big pharma and industrialists will go to for money while callously sacrificing human lives. This is a great retelling of of a false narrative by the pharma industry on how infallible and benevolent they are. This story will stun you.

Eye opening and very interesting insight on Polio. Highly recommend.

Very good, very informative. Incredibly important because without this data the same mistakes can be repeated. This book is not written in an opinionated manner but simple facts laid out in sequence. The author is respectful to the medical community but clearly reveals what was missed for decades. Pretty heartbreaking to know the true cause of much of the poliomyelitis (infant paralysis) which was unknown to parents. Overall very interesting to see how everything played out.

Forrest is a highly knowledgeable researcher and writer. He puts the history of polio into a context people can understand better. He highlights a lot of facts that are widely ignored. I am glad to see someone look into this subject deeper and she'd light on an unspoken topic. K wish I could order a copy for everyone in my life, because they need to read this. Everyone needs to read this.

Well researched account of what really happened - I admire the author for his determination in uncovering the truth. Should be required ready for medical/nursing schools.

This was an extremely interesting book, I found that the timing was perfect, in light of the situation the world is dealing with today and this experimental vaccine the government is pushing on its people. Everyone should read this book and realize how vaccines are created and the reason for their creation. Lots of food for thought, after reading this, you can see the bigger picture of what they are really pushing on people that have not done their research into vaccines in general. A vaccine that didn’t need to be used once they found out what the cause of the paralysis was. Once the people of the world realize this virus was created in a lab, and the poison they are pushing on the brainwashed public, it will be far too late for many

To understand how to cure a disease it's best to understand what causes it first. This book deals with the causes of polio, a disease that most healthy people shouldn't be worried about (regardless of whether they've been vaccinated). Highly recommend.

Very well fleshed out history of the build up to the polio epidemic and how science struggled to identify its causes.

An interesting and well presented biography of the polio virus. I would definitely recommend this book for anyone interested in knowing more about this topic.

This excellently researched book totally undermines the generally perceived wisdom that vaccines eradicated Polio. Once you read this book and other very well researched books such as JB Handley's "How to end the Autism epidemic", "HPV vaccine on trial" and "Dissolving Illusions" by Dr Suzanne Humphries, you realise that the science behind vaccine safety and efficacy is very poor. Big Pharma has a vested interest in perpetuating the vaccine myth. To do this they use spin, propaganda and even fraud . They use corporate lobbying to manipulate mainstream media. They are only interested in making money and do not care about the ever-growing catalogue of vaccine-related injuries and deaths. They also use threatening and aggressive tactics to destroy or ostracise anyone in the field who challenges or queries vaccine safety and efficacy. The science is NOT settled. Check out Del Bigtree on "Highwire" on the internet. Once the polio eradication card is taken out of the vaccine "House of cards", the whole pack comes tumbling down.

loved this book a must read for everyone