On Thursday 6 July, the Royal Society of Chemistry is hosting a book launch online from 1-2pm and all are welcome. Anyone interested can register here: https://www.chemistryworld.com/webinars/poisonous-tales-with-author-hilary-hamnett/4017359.article

Dr Hilary Hamnett from the School of Chemistry at the University of Lincoln will speak on her recently published book, Poisonous Tales: A Forensic Examination of Poisons in Fiction (RSC, 2023). Dangerous, dark and difficult to detect, poisons have been a common character in literature from ancient times to the modern day. Their ability to perform deadly deeds at a distance is a well-worn plot device for creating dramatic tension and playing on our real-life fears. But what is fact and what is pure fiction? Could a poison really mimic death in Romeo and Juliet? What is the cause of the mad Hatter’s malady in Alice in Wonderland? Should James Bond have survived the poisoning of his martini in Casino Royale? The book explores the real forensic science inspiring the toxins and tinctures in our favourite fictional works.

Story submitted by Hilary Hamnett
hhamnett@lincoln.ac.uk