# Dr Kathryn Harkup

> Writer | Science Communicator | Vampirologist


## Posts

- [Hello world!](https://harkup.co.uk/?p=1): Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start writing!

## Pages

- [V is for Venom: The Full Bibliography](https://harkup.co.uk/?page_id=1179)
- [V is for Venom: Agatha Christie's Chemicals of Death](https://harkup.co.uk/?page_id=1059): V is for Venom: Agatha Christie’s Chemicals of Death Fourteen stories. Fourteen more poisons. Just because it’s fiction doesn’t mean it’s all made-up …Agatha Christie revelled in the use of poison to kill off unfortunate victims in her books; indeed, she employed it more than any other murder method, with the poison itself often being a central part of the novel. Her choice of deadly substances was far from random – the characteristics of each often provide vital clues to the discovery of the murderer. With gunshots or stabbings the cause of death is obvious, but this isn’t the case […]
- [The Secret Lives of Molecules](https://harkup.co.uk/?page_id=756): The Secret Lives of Molecules This is not a chemistry book! What happens when you really get under the skin of the world around you? Everything that surrounds us – and we ourselves – are made of molecules, constructed from a limited set of elements that can combine to form an almost limitless kaleidoscope of possibilities. Dr Kathryn Harkup reveals the inner lives of the invisible molecules that make up our world, ranging from the fundamental to the frivolous; via the psychedelic effects of caffeine to the deadly march of carbon dioxide emissions. This is a book about the stories […]
- [Superspy Science: Science, Death and Tech in the World of James Bond](https://harkup.co.uk/?page_id=593): Superspy Science: Science, Death and Tech in the World of James Bond The adventures of James Bond have thrilled and delighted readers since Ian Fleming’s novel Casino Royale was published in 1953, and when the movie of Dr No was released in 1962, Bond quickly became the world’s favourite secret agent. Science and technology have always been central to the plots that make up the world of Bond, and in Superspy Science Kathryn Harkup explores the full range of 007’s exploits and the arms, technologies, tactics and downfalls of his various foes. From the practicalities of building a volcano-based lair, to whether being covered in gold […]
- [A is for Arsenic: The Full Bibliography](https://harkup.co.uk/?page_id=510): A is for Arsenic: The Full Bibliography   Adam, H. L. 1913. Notable English Trials: Trial of George Henry Lamson. William Hodge and Company, Edinburgh and London. Audi, J., Belson, M., Patel, M., Schier, J., Osterloh, J. 2005. Ricin Poisoning: A Comprehensive Review. Journal of the American Medical Association 298(18): 2346–2351. Bardell, E. B. 1984. Dame Agatha’s Dispensary. Pharmacy in History 26: 13–19. Bardell, E. B. 1998. Literary Reflections of Pharmacy – XI: Thallium as “An Untraceable Poison”. Pharmacy in History 30: 188–190. Barnard, R. 1990. A Talent to Deceive: An Appreciation of Agatha Christie. William Collins Sons & Co Ltd., London. BBC […]
- [The Secret Lives of the Elements](https://harkup.co.uk/?page_id=487): The Secret Lives of the Elements When we think of the periodic table we picture orderly rows of elements that conform to type and never break the rules. The Secret Lives of the Elements reveals that the periodic table is more like a sprawling extended family – with its own black sheep, rebels and oddballs. Here are the strange and wonderful stories of fifty-two members of that family – remarkable tales of discovery, inspirations and revolution, from the everyday to the extraordinary. Uncover the personalities, passions, quirks and historical oddities of the elements: from cobalt the trickster to the devil […]
- [Vampirology: The Science of Horror's Most Famous Fiend](https://harkup.co.uk/?page_id=424): Vampirology: The Science of Horror’s Most Famous Fiend Our fascination with the vampire myth has scarcely diminished since Bram Stoker’s publication of the classic Dracula tale in 1897, but how much of that lore is based on fact and can science explain the origins of horror’s most famous fiend? Vampirology charts the murky waters of the vampire myth – from stories found in many cultures across the globe to our sympathetic pop-culture renditions today – to investigate how a scientific interpretation may shed light on the fears and the phenomenon of the vampire myth. Talks I wrote about vampires and […]
- [A is for Arsenic: The Structures](https://harkup.co.uk/?page_id=364): A is for Arsenic: The Structures All images created by Dr Julia Pirson The Main Suspects A is for Arsenic B is for Belladonna C is for Cyanide D is for Digitalis E is for Eserine H is for Hemlock M is for Monkshood N is for Nicotine O is for Opium P is for Phosphorus R is for Ricin S is for Strychnine T is for Thallium V is for Veronal Other Structures Click on the image to see full size. B is for Belladonna D is for Digitalis N is for Nicotine O is for Opium V is […]
- [Podcasts and Interviews](https://harkup.co.uk/?page_id=353): Podcasts and Interviews Follow the links below to hear and see me talk and write about various things from poisons to plays, monsters to Macbeth, and science to Shakespeare. Thanks to all those who have invited me to chat . Books and Writing From the Biblio-files Smart Thinking Books – A is for Arsenic Smart Thinking Books – Recommended Christmas Read Silesian Science Festival – Shakespeare, Agatha Christie and more Shepherd – Books about chemistry that aren’t chemistry books Shepherd – Reads of 2023 Agatha Christie and Poisons Chemistry World Book Club – A is for Arsenic The Poisoner’s Cabinet […]
- [Chemistry of the Human Body](https://harkup.co.uk/?page_id=229): Chemistry of the Human Body This talk can be between 45 and 60 minutes and for any number of people of all ages. What a piece of work is a man! There are 92 naturally occurring elements in the Periodic Table but how many of them would you need to make a human? The chemical formula for a human has some surprising inclusions and the recipe to make a fully functioning person is carefully balanced. This talk looks at some interesting facts about the elements that make us what we are. This talk looks at the role of five elements […]
- [Dying to be Beautiful](https://harkup.co.uk/?page_id=210): Dying to be Beautiful This talk can be between 30 and 60 minutes and for any number of people of all ages. Fatal attractions! Throughout history humans have sought to embellish and augment their physical appearance. As fashions change new contraptions, cosmetics and costumes are devised. There has often been little regard given to comfort and well-being when it comes to the body beautiful, and as this talk illustrates, some fashions can be fatal. This talk looks at some of the stranger and more dangerous fashion trends in history. Toxic and corrosive substances were applied, swallowed and injected for the […]
- [Poisonous Plants](https://harkup.co.uk/?page_id=193): Poisonous Plants This talk can be between 30 and 60 minutes and for any number of people. Sinister seeds and fatal flowers! Has your partner been asking about insurance? Have some sinister new species suddenly appeared in your garden? This is the talk for you! This talk explores a ‘potted’ history of plant poisons and the part the have played in myths, magic and murder. Expect witches, Vincent van Gogh and a three-headed dog.* Plants give us life. They are our source of oxygen, food and medicines. However, a few of them have also provided us with poisons for killing […]
- [Poisons](https://harkup.co.uk/?page_id=185): Poisons This talk can be between 30 and 60 minutes and for any number of people. Deliciously deadly! Has your partner been asking about insurance? Does your tea taste funny? Do you have a rich relative tenaciously clinging to life? This is the talk for you! This talk explores a potted history of classic poisons, poisoners and their victims. Expect fatal formulas, lethal umbrellas and deadly wallpaper (plus a few handy hints for your defence barrister).* Paracelsus wrote “All things are poisons, for there is nothing without poisonous qualities. It is only the dose which makes a thing poison.” Many […]
- [Talks](https://harkup.co.uk/?page_id=121): Talks I am happy to deliver any of my popular talks online or around the UK. Click on the links to find more information and fill in the form at the bottom of the page to make a booking. A is for Arsenic Agatha Christie revelled in the use of poison to kill off unfortunate victims in her books; indeed, she employed it more than any other murder method, with the poison itself often being a central part of the novel. This talk looks at how the writer used her extensive knowledge of drugs and medicines mixed with real life […]
- [Death by Shakespeare: Snakebites, Stabbings and Broken Hearts](https://harkup.co.uk/?page_id=88): Death by Shakespeare: Snakebites, Stabbings and Broken Hearts William Shakespeare found dozens of different ways to kill off his characters, and audiences today still enjoy the same reactions – shock, sadness, fear – that they did more than 400 years ago when these plays were first performed. But how realistic are these deaths, and did Shakespeare have the knowledge to back them up? In the Bard’s day death was a part of everyday life. Plague, pestilence and public executions were a common occurrence, and the chances of seeing a dead or dying body on the way home from the theatre […]
- [Making the Monster: The Science of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein](https://harkup.co.uk/?page_id=78): Making the Monster: The Science of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein The year 1818 saw the publication of one of the most influential science-fiction stories of all time. Frankenstein: Or, Modern Prometheus by Mary Shelley had a huge impact on gothic horror and science-fiction genres, and her creation has become part of our everyday culture, from cartoons to Hallowe’en costumes. Even the name ‘Frankenstein’ has become a by-word for evil scientists and dangerous experiments. How did a teenager with no formal education come up with the idea for an extraordinary novel such as Frankenstein? Clues are dotted throughout Georgian science and popular […]
- [A is for Arsenic: The Poisons of Agatha Christie](https://harkup.co.uk/?page_id=73): A is for Arsenic: The Poisons of Agatha Christie Fourteen novels. Fourteen poisons. Just because it’s fiction doesn’t mean it’s all made-up … Agatha Christie revelled in the use of poison to kill off unfortunate victims in her books; indeed, she employed it more than any other murder method, with the poison itself often being a central part of the novel. Her choice of deadly substances was far from random – the characteristics of each often provide vital clues to the discovery of the murderer. With gunshots or stabbings the cause of death is obvious, but this is not the […]
- [Writing](https://harkup.co.uk/?page_id=36): Writing Books Articles Some links to a few things I have written for various people over the years Top 5 plant poisons used by Agatha Christie, and how they work – The Telegraph Chemistry of crime: The real-life science behind Agatha Christie’s poison plots – How It Works If Dr. Frankenstein Was Real: The Science Behind Creating a Real-Life Monster – Gizmodo Blog I used to write a regular poison blog for Guardian Science.
- [Contact](https://harkup.co.uk/?page_id=10): Get in Touch If you would like to book me for a talk or just want to say Hi please fill in the form below.
- [About](https://harkup.co.uk/?page_id=9): Writer, science communicator and vampirologist. Kathryn is a former chemist tuned author. She completed a doctorate on her favourite chemicals, phosphines, and went on to further postdoctoral research before realising that talking, writing and demonstrating science appealed a bit more than hours slaving over a hot fume-hood. She writes and gives regular public talks on the disgusting and dangerous side of science. Kathryn’s first book was the international best-seller A is for Arsenic: The Poisons of Agatha Christie, which was shortlisted for a Mystery Readers International Macavity Award and a BMA Book Award. She has also explored more of the macabre […]
- [News and Events](https://harkup.co.uk/): Kathryn Harkup is a former chemist turned writer and science communicator. Her interests are in anything gothic, gory and geeky, and preferably all three. She has written several books on the crossover between science, literature and pop culture including The Secret Lives of the Elements, The Secret Lives of Molecules, A is for Arsenic: The Poisons of Agatha Christie, Making the Monster: The Science of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, Death by Shakespeare: Snakebites, Stabbings and Broken Hearts, Superspy Science: Science, Death and Tech in the World of James Bond and Vampirology: The Science of Horror’s Most Famous Fiend. Kathryn also loves […]
- [Privacy Policy](https://harkup.co.uk/?page_id=3): Who we are Our website address is: https://harkup.co.uk. What personal data we collect and why we collect it Comments When visitors leave comments on the site we collect the data shown in the comments form, and also the visitor’s IP address and browser user agent string to help spam detection. An anonymised string created from your email address (also called a hash) may be provided to the Gravatar service to see if you are using it. The Gravatar service Privacy Policy is available here: https://automattic.com/privacy/. After approval of your comment, your profile picture is visible to the public in the […]


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