Before the Fallout: From Marie Curie to Hiroshima, (Paperback)

from Meggo

A fascinating history following nuclear development from the discovery of radium to the explosion of the hydrogen bomb. A detailed look at the scientists and the science that led to The Bomb, and a must-read for anyone interested in science or the history of this period.

from felius

Very readable sweeping history of the science of atomic energy up until the end of the second world war.

from tdfangirl

An excellent, enjoyable, and very readable history of nuclear and atomic science from its early days of radium and the Curies to the use of the atomic bomb on Japan in WWII. Preston goes easy on the science, but the book is not dumbed down at all. Instead, she focuses on historical and human impl...

from kimgroome

Great read for anyone who may find chemistry and physics history a bit boring. The writing is easily understandable, and yes, there is a lot about the scientists' backgrounds and how they knew each other, even juicy gossip (oh my).

from tdfangirl

An excellent, enjoyable, and very readable history of nuclear and atomic science from its early days of radium and the Curies to the use of the atomic bomb on Japan in WWII. Preston goes easy on the science, but the book is not dumbed down at all. Instead, she focuses on historical and human impl...