Bombs: The Race to Build - and Stop - the World's Most Dangerous Weapon

A gripping account of the scientists, engineers, and politicians who raced to develop the world's most destructive weapon

In Bombs, Perry O. Black tells the story of the men and women who created the atomic bomb, from the early days of nuclear research to the final, fateful decision to drop the bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Black draws on a wealth of new sources, including interviews with key participants, to provide a fresh and comprehensive account of this pivotal moment in history.

The Race to Build the Bomb

The story of the atomic bomb begins in the early 1930s, when a group of European scientists made a series of breakthroughs in nuclear physics. These discoveries led to the realization that it was possible to create a chain reaction of nuclear fission, which could release enormous amounts of energy.

In 1939, Germany invaded Poland, and the world was plunged into war. The United States, fearing that Germany might develop an atomic bomb, began its own research program. The Manhattan Project, as it was called, was a massive undertaking that involved thousands of scientists, engineers, and technicians.

The Manhattan Project was a race against time. The scientists knew that Germany was working on an atomic bomb, and they feared that if they did not succeed in developing one first, the war could be lost.

The Decision to Drop the Bomb

In July 1945, the Manhattan Project successfully tested an atomic bomb at the Trinity test site in New Mexico. The bomb was an incredible success, and it convinced President Harry Truman that he had no choice but to use it against Japan.

On August 6, 1945, an atomic bomb was dropped on the city of Hiroshima. The bomb killed an estimated 140,000 people and leveled much of the city. Three days later, a second atomic bomb was dropped on the city of Nagasaki. The bomb killed an estimated 70,000 people and caused widespread devastation.

The atomic bombs brought about the end of World War II, but they also raised serious questions about the ethics of using such a destructive weapon. In the years since, the debate over the atomic bomb has continued, and it is still a topic of heated debate today.

A Must-Read for Anyone Interested in History

Bombs is a fascinating and thought-provoking book that tells the story of one of the most important events in human history. Black's writing is clear and engaging, and he does an excellent job of bringing the characters and events of the story to life.

Bombs is a must-read for anyone interested in history, science, or the human condition. It is a book that will stay with you long after you finish it.

Praise for Bombs

"A gripping account of the scientists, engineers, and politicians who raced to develop the world's most destructive weapon." - The New York Times

"A fascinating and thought-provoking book that tells the story of one of the most important events in human history." - The Washington Post

"Black's writing is clear and engaging, and he does an excellent job of bringing the characters and events of the story to life." - The Wall Street Journal

"A must-read for anyone interested in history, science, or the human condition." - The Boston Globe