author
U.S. Atomic Energy Commission
A key voice in the early nuclear age, this former U.S. government agency published books and educational materials that tried to explain atomic science to a broad public. Its work sits at the crossroads of science, policy, and the Cold War.
1 Audiobook
The Nuclear Ship Savannah First Atomic Merchant Ship, One of the World's Safest Ships
by United States. Department of Commerce, United States. Maritime Administration, U.S. Atomic Energy Commission
About the author
Created in 1946, the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission was the civilian agency charged with overseeing atomic energy in the United States after control shifted from the military. It was responsible not only for nuclear weapons development and reactor research, but also for explaining atomic science to the public through reports, pamphlets, and educational booklets.
Because many books and pamphlets were issued under the commission's name, it can appear in library catalogs like an author rather than a single individual. In that sense, the "author" is really an institution: a government body that brought together scientists, administrators, and writers to publish material on nuclear science, technology, safety, and public policy.
The commission existed until 1974, when its functions were divided among successor agencies. Its publications remain useful snapshots of how the United States presented nuclear science and its promises—and risks—to readers in the mid-20th century.