Olson is the
author (or
co-author) of over thirty books, primarily
non-fiction, and usually in the field of
History. His most recent book was Bathsheba’s Breast: Women, Cancer, and History, which won the 2002 History of Science Category Award from the
Association of American Publishers. Olson wrote the book while suffering a malignant growth which resulted in the amputation of his hand.[2] The book was recognized by the Los Angeles Times as one of the best non-fiction books in America for 2002. In November 2008, Olson was honored by his
alma mater,
Brigham Young University, with its Distinguished Alumni Service Award.[1]