The End of Innocence
Britain in the Time of AIDS
(Author) Simon Garfield** With a new introduction by Russell T Davies ** A new edition of the award-winning, ground-breaking account of the early AIDS crisis in Britain. "A remarkable journalistic achievement." -- Time Out "Powerful . . . Indispensable." -- Observer "Superb." -- London Review of Books Winner of the Somerset Maugham Prize How does a country control a virus that is killing increasing numbers of people? How does a government contain an epidemic spread by sex, drug use and blood products? And how does a population react when told that everyone is at risk from infection? By 1986, when the British Government woke up to the problem of AIDS, it estimated that 30,000 people had already been infected with HIV. Why was it so slow to act? Would the situation have been different if most of those affected had not been gay men? Award-winning journalist Simon Garfield presents a story of political intrigue, of panic and hysteria, of wasted opportunities and of a medical battle conducted against seemingly impossible odds. Including interviews with key figures in the fight against the virus as well as those facing personal devastation and prejudice, The End of Innocence is an important and powerful story, compellingly told. Features a new afterword by the author.
Simon Garfield
Simon Garfield is a British journalist and non-fiction author known for his engaging and accessible writing style. He has written numerous books on a wide range of topics, including history, popular culture, and technology. Some of his most notable works include "Just My Type: A Book About Fonts," "On the Map: A Mind-Expanding Exploration of the Way the World Looks," and "Timekeepers: How the World Became Obsessed with Time."
Garfield's works are characterized by their meticulous research, wit, and ability to make complex subjects understandable and entertaining for a general audience. His contributions to literature include shedding light on overlooked aspects of everyday life and history, as well as challenging readers to think differently about the world around them.
One of Garfield's most famous works is "Just My Type," which explores the history and impact of typography on society and culture. This book has been praised for its insight into a seemingly mundane subject and for making readers appreciate the significance of fonts in our daily lives. Garfield's work has had a lasting impact on the non-fiction genre, inspiring readers to see the world in a new light and sparking a renewed interest in topics that may have been previously overlooked.