A New York Times bestseller when it was first published in 1986, Pauling's seminal work proposes taking vitamins and minerals to prevent disease and live a long life. Eminently readable and challenging on many levels, the book compiled for a popular audience a generation of scientific knowledge and helped to revolutionize the way Americans think about nutrition.

Pauling's simple, inexpensive plan suggests avoiding sugar, stress, and smoking; working in a job that you like; and being happy with your family. To avoid serious illness and enjoy a longer life, he recommends taking vitamins for optimal health and as insurance against disease.

Whether one reads Pauling's book for his prescription for healthy living, for an understanding of his impact on nutritional science today, or for its historical importance, one cannot escape the conclusion that diet and lifestyle are the key to disease prevention.