Atoms and Ashes

A Global History of Nuclear Disasters

By: Serhii Plokhy

Narrated by: Leighton Pugh

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 listen

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

Excellent Deep Dive Into Nuclear Accidents of the Nuclear Age

"Atoms and Ashes" is an excellent deep dive into the major disasters of the Nuclear Age. From the first accident following World War 2, through the Fukushima meltdown, the author explores why those accidents occurred, how they were handled within the confines of the respective governmental and cultural structures, and what changes to the nuclear industry came about.

This book has the right balance between science, history and even dramatic elements that most readers should appreciate. The narration by Leighton Pugh is very calming and comfortable.

I am pleased to recommend this book.

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

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.

behind the scenes info

I enjoyed the back stories on all these nuclear incidents. The explanations of human screwups is well done!

We are all downwinders.

The deep analysis of the most famous nuclear accidents is particularly well done. Until the loooonnnng term storage of nuclear waste is addressed this industry is folly.

The PBS show on the Novarka lead effort to buy up to one hundred years of shelter for the Chernobyl site is a fine accompaniment to this serious work by the fine author.

Chernobyl has been sheltered but the long term storage issue is apparently going to land in our descendent’s lap.

This was a pretty sensational and biased book.

The author repeatedly noted that medical professionals and research scientists disagreed with this conclusion or that about the potential dangers of nuclear energy, but then went forward with the conclusions as obviously true anyway, without offering supporting analysis or evidence. Additionally, he did not fully consider the environmental risks of other forms of power, and assumed that nuclear waste - poisonous but relatively easily contained- is more of a burden to future generations than are either waste from current forms of electricity generation or the environmental destruction required for large-scale implementation of renewables. It was frustrating, because his analysis of the danger of future accidents should we massively expand nuclear generation is pretty reasonable.

Inaccurate Science Detracts from Story

The author’s lack of knowledge and or understanding of Nuclear science makes for a flawed analysis for causes and solutions.