Snake Oil and Other Preoccupations

Book Description At the time of his death from cancer on 1 March 2001, journalist and broadcaster John Diamond had completed six chapters of what was to be "an uncomplimentary look at the world of complementary medicine". These chapters, based on his own experience and on researched fact, which were emailed each week to his editors at Random House, are both personal and poignant, hard hitting and controversial, tackling the issues raised by alternative medicine with total candour and his usual wit. The second half of this book features some of the best of Diamond's writing, including a selection of emails to colleagues and friends, articles from "The Times" and the "Jewish Chronicle" and other publications, together with excerpts from his final notebook. For seven years he wrote an immensely popular weekly column in "The Times" which, following his diagnosis with cancer, was given over to following the progress of the disease. As well as gaining him a Columnist of the Year award, it resulted in an avalanche of mail from thousands of his readers.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

John Diamond died on March 1st 2001. He was one of Britain's most prolific journalists, columnists and broadcasters, having worked for most of the national papers and presented numerous radio and television series. He was married to Nigella Lawson, with whom he had two children. Dominic Lawson is Editor of the Sunday Telegraph. Previously he was Editor of the Spectator. He introduced John Diamond as a columnist at both titles. He was also John Diamond's brother-in-law.

From AudioFile

With wit, informality and -- thank heaven! -- common sense, LONDON TIMES journalist John Diamond attacks the modern mountebanks of alternative medicine. Diamond was dying of cancer as he was researching this book. Far from making him more credulous or more cynical, his disease gave him a razor-sharp eye for the truth. You know this man researched his subject thoroughly. Neil Pearson gives the right touch to the text, light but not frivolous. There is no self-pity in the writing (which is very good), or in the execution. Y.R. ® AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.