The study of food as a source of allergies had a rocky start; it was initially treated as a spurious field. It was with the relatively recent appearance of peanut allergies and the attendant complications, including a higher fatality rate, that food allergies took a serious turn in the public arena. Smith (Hyperactive) explains that there are two major schools of thought regarding food allergies: the conservative group aligns with immunology principles, then there are the doctors, patients, and parents who see the problem on a clinical level that affects them on a daily basis. Smith recounts with great detail and effective anecdotes the related political, commercial, and professional clashes that have taken place for more than a century and continue to this day. Thorough research is evidenced throughout the title with the inclusion of exhaustive footnotes and a comprehensive bibliography that fills one-third of the book. Smith covers the different arguments effectively and evenhandedly, giving the rationale for each faction's perspective. VERDICT This excellent resource is strongly recommended for those interested in the history of health research, including undergraduates, graduates, and medical professionals.—Deb West, Gannon Univ. Lib., Erie, PA