The Age of Radiance: The Epic Rise and Dramatic Fall of the Atomic Era

ARC provided by NetGalley

It is no easy feat to write a readable, and somewhat enjoyable, overview of the atomic age thus far. Particularly as it is a somewhat convoluted, and at times terrifying, history. And yet, Nelson has crafted such a tale, albeit it with some errors.

If you’re looking for a good scientific overview, with accurate details, then this is not the book for you as Nelson has errors and some editorial decisions used to create drama vs. reality. But the book does a good job of outlining how we began the atomic age and how we’ve gotten to where we are now in it, in a manner that is readable for the average person so that they don’t need a degree in nuclear physics to make it through the tome. He does a good job of show more explaining radiation, how it occurs, and how it isn’t quite as rare and obscure as we so often believe. Overall it’s a fun book, despite being a bit light on science sometimes. 3 out of 5 stars. show less

This book is an excellent history of the discovery and development of atomic weapons. The book starts with the scientists and discoveries that made nuclear weapons and nuclear power possible. The book does focus mainly on nuclear weapons. The author does not really discuss the development of nuclear reactors (civilian or military). The author covers the Manhattan Project and the disasters at Chernobyl and Fukushima. The topics covered in this book have certainly been covered in other works, but this book does a nice job of combining them into an interesting read for anyone who was unfamiliar with the history of the atomic age, or someone who likes the subject in general. I only wish the author would have discussed more of the show more non-military aspects of the atomic age. show less

Dnf, too focused on the lives of the nanes involved and not enough on the era