Chain Reaction: How Nuclear Science Changed the Modern World

From the quiet discovery of radioactivity in the 19th century to the terrifying dawn of nuclear weapons and the delicate diplomacy of disarmament, The Chain Reaction: How Nuclear Science Changed the Modern World explores the fascinating and sobering journey of the atom. Blending science, history, and politics, this book takes readers through the remarkable breakthroughs that led to both the promise of clean energy and the peril of global annihilation.

Follow the lives and minds of key figures like Marie Curie, Ernest Rutherford, Enrico Fermi, and J. Robert Oppenheimer as they unlock the secrets of matter-only to grapple with the consequences of their discoveries. Witness the Manhattan Project, the devastation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the Cold War arms race, and the continuing struggle to control a force too powerful to ignore.

Written in a clear and compelling style, this book offers a balanced, deeply human look at one of the most important chapters in human history. Whether you're a student, history enthusiast, or simply curious about how science shaped our geopolitical landscape, The Chain Reaction provides essential insight into the power-and price-of knowledge.