Among the most fearsome tools of the modern era of war, and certainly one of the most controversial, biological weapons exist within the arsenals of many nations. This book discusses the history of biological warfare from ancient times through the modern era and examines the various types of weaponized organisms that can and have been be used by nations and may be used by nonstate actors in potential acts of bioterrorism. It also documents the preventative measures that governments and the international community employ to curtail the use of these thankfully rarely used but nonetheless terrifying weapons. Detailed Table of Contents, Full-Color Photographs, Further Information Section, Glossary, Sidebars, Websites, Index.

Germ warfare throughout history -- Weapons of mass destruction -- Defending against bioterrorism -- Modern bioterrorism and the future.