Making and Using the Atom Bomb (History Firsthand) - Hardcover

9780737714128: Making and Using the Atom Bomb (History Firsthand)

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0737714123 ISBN 13: 9780737714128

Publisher: Greenhaven Press, 2002

Scientists relate the discovery of nuclear fission in the 1930s and the harnessing of this power to build weapons of mass destruction. A U.S. president and top military officials discuss the ultimate decision to use these new atomic bombs to end a long and costly world war.

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Review:

"The contributions in the eclectic mix come from individuals such as Eleanor Roosevelt, actress June Havoc, and hobo Box-Car Bertha, with each person's perspective taking readers directly into the experience through details and eye-opening observations."
-- Booklist (May 2001) (Booklist 20010515)

"Following a thorough introduction that provides novice historians with background information, this series entry uses primary-source documents organized in a coherent chronology. With its important documents, this work will help budding historians and researchers make sense of a complex time."
-- School Library Journal (July 2002) (School Library Journal 20020701)

"These are in keeping with the aim of the series, to personalize history and, in this way, make it more meaningful."
-- School Library Journal (May 2002) (School Library Journal 20020501)

"The History Firsthand series presents excerpts from period documents, organized under broad subject heading and introduced by a paragraph of background. Each book includes a few black-and-white illustrations."
-- Booklist (Febraury 2001) (Booklist 20010215)

"Primary source documents chronicle the development of the ultimate weapon from the discovery of fission through the Atomic Energy Commission report in 1962 on the use of nuclear power for energy needs. Introductory notes place each compelling selection in the context of its time."
--School Library Journal (Spring 2004) (School Library Journal 20040401)

From School Library Journal:

Grade 8 Up-This collection of writings surveys the history of the atomic bomb, its use, and its destructive capability. As current events focus students' attentions on war and the use of weapons of mass destruction, the words of eyewitnesses who recorded their experiences from World War II can offer insight into understanding today's troubled world. The volume is divided into four chapters-"Discovery of Fission," "The Manhattan Project," "Using the Bomb," and "The Aftermath"-with several contemporary narratives and reminiscences in each. An introduction outlines the history of the atomic bomb. Scientists and military men offer recollections of their work at the University of Chicago; Oak Ridge, TN; Los Alamos; and Alamogordo. Documents that deal with the decision to drop the bomb, choosing targets, and then firsthand reports from individuals surviving the Hiroshima and Nagasaki blasts are powerful and thought-provoking.
Patricia Ann Owens, Wabash Valley College, Mt. Carmel, IL
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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