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Verdict: A nuanced-if repetitive-portrait of birth control pioneer John Rock, layered with rich descriptions of his milieu, supporters, detractors, and the worlds of medicine and religion in the early and mid-20th century. Recommended for all large public libraries and academic institutions, as well as history of medicine and women's studies collections. Background: Marsh (history, Rutgers) and Ronner (obstetrics & gynecology, Univ. of Pennsylvania Sch. of Medicine) are sisters and the first scholars to have access to Rock's personal papers. Their study is an engrossing examination of the many contradictions of the birth control pill's leading developer and promoter (also the first scientist to fertilize a human egg outside the body in 1944) who "seemed to make up his theology as he went along" and saw no reason that the pill-approved by the FDA in 1960-should not be endorsed by the Catholic Church. (Index not seen.)-Martha E. Stone, Massachusetts General Hosp. Lib., Boston Copyright 2009 Media Source Inc. Copyright 2009 Media Source Inc. ...Log In or Sign Up to Read More