This is a fascinating, extensively researched, and extremely interesting work. As in his other fine books, Mr. Christianson does not take any political position or attempt use his book as a soapbox from which to moralize. Rather, he presents the facts clearly and coherently, and allows the reader to reach his or her own conclusions.I found the most shocking part of the book to be the discussion of how the close collaboration between German science and American business in the early 20th century resulted in the widespread availability of hydrogen cyanide, and how the fruits of their labor were corrupted by the Nazi regime. What had originally been developed as an inexpensive and efficient fumigant that would prevent the spread of disease by vermin, and therefore would benefit mankind, ironically was turned into a tool for the industrialized murder of millions of innocent human beings.This was a book that needed to be written. And Mr. Christianson, with his fine track record of scholarship, fairness, and readability in the area of American crime and punishment, was exactly the right author to write it. There had been far too little published work regarding this subject (save for a excellent law review studies by such renowned experts as Professor Deborah Denno). No previous work has delved into this subject with the depth, breadth and clarity of The Last Gasp.Kudos and thanks to Mr. Christianson! This book will find a proud place in my personal library next to Condemned, Notorious Prisons, Innocent!, and With Liberty for Some.