When scientists proved in 1984 that HIV causes AIDS, a vaccine race spun into action. But the race to develop an AIDS vaccine now more closely resembles a crawl. Jon Cohen elucidates the forces that have hindered the search: unforeseen scientific obstacles, clashing personalities, the uncertain marketplace, haphazard political organization, and serious ethical dilemmas. "Richly documented" (Washington Post). "Cohen's description of events is gripping, . but his most valuable contribution is his prescription for advancing the effort to develop a vaccine" (Scientific American). Book jacket.