The End of Innocence - Britain in the Time of AIDS Book

RELEASE DATE - 1 DECEMBER 2021

** 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.

"A superb account . . . A strongly gripping, essential read."
Pink Paper

"Impressive . . . Garfield recognises the power of dramatising the story in human terms."
Guardian

"This is our And the Band Played On. Enlivened by telling interviews with health educators, doctors, AIDS activists, social workers, government ministers, and those directly affected - there's something for everyone here: pragmatism, incompetence, denial, bigotry, bravery, humour, guilt and some optimism."
Arena