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Overview
In the 1950s, Soviet nuclear scientists and leaders imagined a stunning future when giant reactors would generate energy quickly and cheaply, nuclear engines would power cars, ships, and airplanes, and peaceful nuclear explosions would transform the landscape. Driven by the energy of the atom, the dream of communism would become a powerful reality. Thirty years later, that dream died in Chernobyl. What went wrong? Based on exhaustive archival research and interviews, Red Atom takes a behind-the-scenes look at the history of the Soviet Union's peaceful use of nuclear power. It explores both the projects and the technocratic and political elite who were dedicated to increasing state power through technology. And it describes the political, economic, and environmental fallout of Chernobyl.Editorials
Library Journal
Driven by rampant ideology and technological hubris, the Russian nuclear power program was conceived as a centerpiece of Soviet society. Throughout the Cold War period, across the empire's vast regions, "nuclear cities" were established where atomic power zealots had nearly complete freedom to act with little regard to safety and despite flawed technology. The inevitable result is most dramatically symbolized by the Chernobyl disaster. Josephson (Harvard Univ.), a historian of science, is one of the few Western scholars to have seen these facilities from the inside. There are few heroes in his sober, cautionary tale; among other things, Josephson reveals that even knowledgeable U.S. officials were wary of publicizing the Soviet system's failures for fear of jeopardizing American efforts. Although perhaps too detailed and complex for merely casual readers, this book makes a significant contribution to the thriving field of Soviet science studies. For large public and academic libraries.--Gregg Sapp, Univ. of Miami Lib., Coral Gables, FL Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.Booknews
Looks at the Soviet Union's peaceful use of nuclear power, drawing on rare archival research and interviews. Profiles physicists and scientists who formed an arrogant technocratic elite, as well as politicians who were dedicated to increasing the power of the state at the expense of the people. Concludes by describing the political, economic, and environmental fallout of Chernobyl, and examining the future of nuclear energy in Russia. Includes b&w photos. Josephson is a fellow at the Davis Center for Russian Studies at Harvard. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)Foreign Affairs
One of the author's shrewdest observations is that Soviet "nuclear culture" reflected some of the fundamental characteristics of communism. Unfortunately, the material legacy of that ideology will remain long after its adherents are gone.Matthew L. Wald
Red Atom is impressive in its sweep, and it provides essential details about an industry that has outlived its creators yet, because rickety reactors are still in use and wastes are still accumulating, can make its presence felt around the world at any time.—The New York Times
Book Details
Published
December 20, 2000
Publisher
New York : W.H. Freeman, c2000.
Pages
352
Format
Hardcover
ISBN
9780716730446