In "Polio," David M. Oshinsky masterfully chronicles the harrowing journey of society's battle against the poliovirus, an endeavor marked by fear, hope, and the relentless pursuit of a cure. Oshinsky's narrative skillfully intertwines the personal stories of key figures in the fight against polio, including the driven and ambitious scientists Jonas Salk and Albert Sabin, whose rivalry spurred a fervent race towards medical breakthroughs. The book also pays homage to the unsung hero, Isabel Morgan, whose potential to beat Salk to the finish line of creating a vaccine was forsaken for family life. Through these stories, Oshinsky illuminates the broader societal impacts of the disease and the groundbreaking efforts of the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, which transformed the landscape of fundraising and public perception of diseases in America. Beyond the scientific battle, "Polio" delves into the profound societal shifts triggered by the polio scare, from the revolution in drug licensing and testing to the overhaul of legal frameworks governing manufacturers' liability. Oshinsky's work is not just a recounting of a medical struggle; it's a reflection on postwar America, gripped by the terror of polio as it wrestled with the ideals of suburban family life, hygiene obsession, and the looming threat of the atomic bomb. This book is a compelling blend of scientific suspense and insightful cultural history, offering a fresh lens on an era where fear and hope coexisted, ultimately leading to one of the greatest public health victories of the 20th century.