Atoms and Ashes

A Global History of Nuclear Disasters

A chilling account of seventy years of nuclear catastrophes, by the author of the “definitive” (Economist) Cold War history, Nuclear Folly.

Nuclear energy was embraced across the globe at the height of the nuclear industry in the 1960s and 1970s; today, there are 440 nuclear reactors operating throughout the world, with nuclear power providing ten percent of world electricity. Yet as the world seeks to reduce carbon emissions to combat climate change, the question arises: Just how safe is nuclear energy?

Atoms and Ashes recounts the dramatic history of nuclear accidents that have dogged the industry in its military and civil incarnations since the 1950s. Through the stories of six terrifying major incidents—Bikini Atoll, Kyshtym, Windscale, Three Mile Island, Chernobyl, and Fukushima—Cold War expert Serhii Plokhy explores the risks of nuclear power, both for military and peaceful purposes, while offering a vivid account of how individuals and governments make decisions under extraordinary circumstances. Atoms and Ashes provides a crucial perspective on the most dangerous nuclear disasters of the past in order to safeguard our future.

©2022 Serhii Polkhy (P)2022 Penguin Audio

Edge of your seat history

Plokhy grabs your attention from page one with his attention to the human condition and illumination of extraordinary courage of these historical figures. You will want to curse human greed and cry at the heart breaks. Plokhy covers the five major nuclear accidents in 1.25 hr segments. He integrates the technical, social, and personal seamlessly, providing a rich context to thesis: nuclear may be riskier than the price of research.

Fantastic

Of course the big three (TMI, Chernobyl, and Fukushima) are discussed more towards the end of the book, but the first part focuses more on nuclear weapons testing and the first reactors development. Completely engaging if you’re into nuclear science.

Read by someone with a British accent which was a little annoying at times, but that’s coming from and American.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Fantastic listen

Great stories focusing on the human aspects without getting too technical. The writing style makes a great audiobook.

Great book

I’m not a robot I’m a boy in 7th grade
that just really like this book

Great read

Excellent content and well read. I am a Chernobyl aficionado and even I learned something new.