Reprint. Originally published: New York: Free Press, c2006.
Reprint. Originally published: New York: Free Press, c2006.
“The Great Starvation Experiment
is wide-ranging, weaving progress in the war into the day-to-day suffering of the hungry volunteers.” —Saint Paul
Pioneer Press
“Fascinating . . .” —Minneapolis
Star Tribune
Near the end of World War II, thirty-six conscientious objectors volunteered to be systematically starved for renowned scientist Ancel Keys’s study at the University of Minnesota in the basement of Memorial Stadium. Aimed to benefit relief efforts in war-ravaged Europe and Asia, the study sought the best way to rehabilitate starving citizens. Tucker captures a lost moment in American history—a time when stanch idealism and a deep willingness to sacrifice trumped even basic human needs.
“Tucker provides a fascinating and moving history of the experiment, centering on the lives and experiences of the volunteers and the formidable obstacles they overcame. Tucker tells the story with verve and economy. . . . Keys, his experiment and his 36 starving men form a compelling combination.” —Publishers Weekly
Todd Tucker is the author of several books, including Notre Dame vs. the Klan: How the Fighting Irish Defeated the Ku Klux Klan
(2004).
He served on the legendary Navy submarine USS Alabama
before moving to Valparaiso, Indiana.
Todd Tucker received a bachelor's degree in history from the University of Notre Dame and served as an officer with the U.S. Navy's nuclear submarine force. He is the author of "Notre Dame Game Day" (Diamond Communications, 2000) and "Notre Dame vs. the Klan" (Loyola Press, 2004). He has written for several national magazines, including TWA Ambassador, The Rotarian and Inside Sports. He lives in Valparaiso, Indiana, with his family. Visit his Web site at
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