Atomic Accidents

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What to expect

A gripping narrative of nuclear mishaps and meltdowns around the globe, all of which have proven pivotal to the advancement of nuclear science

From the moment radiation was discovered in the late nineteenth century, nuclear science has had a rich history of innovative scientific exploration and discovery, coupled with mistakes, accidents, and downright disasters. Mahaffey, a long-time advocate of continued nuclear research and nuclear energy, looks at each incident in turn and analyzes what happened and why, often discovering where scientists went wrong when analyzing past meltdowns.

Every incident has led to new facets of understanding about the mighty atom—and Mahaffey puts forth what the future should be for this final frontier of science that still holds so much promise.

Critics Review

  • “Mahaffey, a former senior research scientist at the
    Georgia Tech Research Institute, employs his extensive knowledge of nuclear
    engineering to produce a volume that is by turns alarming, thought-provoking,
    humorous, and always fascinating.”

    Publishers Weekly (starred review)

  • “Having delivered a delightfully astute history of
    atomic power in Atomic Awakening,
    nuclear engineer Mahaffey goes over the same ground with the same combination
    of expertise and wit, this time describing what happens when things go wrong…The
    most comprehensive and certainly one of the most entertaining accounts of
    atomic accidents.”

    Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

  • “Beginning with raucous accounts of steam engine
    collisions, narrator Tom Weiner guides listeners through a comprehensive
    history of energy disasters from the 1890s to the present. The book focuses on
    nuclear accidents, and Weiner’s deep, resonant voice suggests the immense
    potential of the atom—and the striking cost of human error. In contrast to the
    subject itself, James Mahaffey’s writing is surprisingly charming. While Weiner’s
    narration is rather formal and authoritative, he always succeeds in letting the
    listener in on the wry observations within Mahaffey’s reasoned arguments…Weiner’s
    consistent, evenly paced delivery offers listeners a chance to reconsider a
    timely and divisive issue—the safety and future of nuclear energy.”

    AudioFile

  • “Mahaffey guides us through more than a century of
    atomic research, including misadventures with radioactive elixirs and
    long-forgotten accidents along with show-stoppers such as Three Mile Island and
    Chernobyl…Entertaining and thought-provoking.”

    Nature

  • “[Mahaffey’s] abundant use of lively anecdotes and
    intriguing scientific tidbits makes this an educational page-turner.”

    Booklist

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