Uranium Wars - (MacSci) by Amir D Aczel (Paperback)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

Called "one of our best science popularizers" by Publishers Weekly, Amir D. Aczel tackles the cause of one of last century's most destructive events--the scientific discovery of nuclear power.

Drawing on his rich storytelling skills, Aczel presents the fascinating and suspenseful story of the scientists who first uncovered the potential of uranium. Uranium Wars takes the reader on a whirlwind tour of 1920s Europe where the scientific elite of the day were embroiled in a fierce rivalry to achieve nuclear fission. Leading us to an understanding of both the processes that take place inside a uranium nucleus and its destructive power are the brilliant men and women at the heart of the race--mammoth figures such as Marie Curie, Enrico Fermi, and Lise Meitner.

Enmeshed in the story of scientific intrigue is the complex and ongoing story of uranium itself, which Aczel presents as a dynamic, dual natured force, capable of providing both abundant usable energy and generating unfathomable destructive power. From the nuclear programs in the Middle East to plans for nuclear reactors at home, the element uranium is never far from today's headlines.

Review Quotes

"Combining these themes in a single, brief narrative is a difficult trick but one Aczel pulls off well. . .[he] writes with colour, lucidity and conviction." --The Financial Times

"The book covers several new developments of interest to atomic aficionados...Mr Aczel's research is thorough and his conclusions interesting." --The Economist

"Fascinating...the history, especially of the second world war, make this a worthwhile book." --New Scientist

"The combination of clear, in-depth scientific explanation and outstanding research make this book, from the author of Fermat's Last Theorem, the one you should grab." --Discover

"Aczel ponders the moral conduct of the scientists involved...he has developed rich anecdotes about their personalities and discoveries." --The Globe and Mail

"Endlessly compelling...Aczel is a skilled science writer" --Library Journal

"A readable account of how nuclear bombs came to be made, deployed and developed...Aczel brings the story up to date." --The Times

"A fascinating examination of the events, the personalities, and the science that have led to the atomic bomb. A very timely book at an era in which nuclear proliferation has become a real danger." --Mario Livio, best-selling author of Is God A Mathematician?

"Reinforced by Aczel's intent review of the historical controversy surrounding the 1941 meeting between physicists Niels Bohr and Werner Heisenberg, and of the decision (which Aczel criticizes) to use the new doomsday weapon on Japan, this synthesis of early atomic history strengthens Aczel's reputation for writing accessible, well received popular works on physics and mathematics." --Booklist

"A concise and cogent review of one of the most exhilarating, yet fearsome, eras in the history of scientific discovery. Aczel sharply profiles the brilliant--and often conflicted--men and women who led us into the nuclear age." --Marcia Bartusiak, author of Einstein's Unfinished Symphony

"Amir Aczel skillfully and lucidly traces the twists and turns of uranium: a once obscure metal that became, through chance discoveries and a string of intricate decisions, the chief character of one of the central political, military, and scientific developments of the twentieth century. Rarely has the story of nuclear fission been told in so clear and riveting a fashion." --Michael D. Gordin author of Five Days in August: How World War II Became a Nuclear War

"Uranium Wars is a fascinating story of discovery, intrigue, clash of egos, spying, and international conflict. Aczel tells this amazing story in a racy and accessible style - with authority but lightness-of-touch to hold the reader spell-bound." --David Clark, author of Newton's Tyranny

About the Author

Amir D. Aczel is the author of 14 books, including The Riddle of the Compass, The Mystery of the Aleph, and the international bestseller Fermat's Last Theorem. An internationally known writer of mathematics and science and a fellow of the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation, he lives near Boston.