
audiobook
by Edward Teller, Albert L. Latter
In a world where scientific breakthroughs reshape daily life, this clear‑spoken guide explains why ordinary people need to grasp the basics of atoms, radiation and the power behind nuclear technology. It frames the conversation around both the genuine risks—such as fallout and exposure—and the promising possibilities that nuclear energy can offer our societies. By blending historical context with present‑day concerns, the book invites listeners to consider how our growing control over nature influences personal and national safety.
The work is organized so each chapter stands on its own, allowing you to dip in wherever curiosity strikes. Straightforward explanations are paired with vivid illustrations, from underground test blasts to the inner workings of a reactor, making complex concepts feel tangible. While some sections present a wealth of facts, others focus on the broader implications, striking a balance that keeps the material both informative and approachable.
Ultimately, the authors argue that understanding must precede courage, urging a dialogue between public opinion and scientific progress. Listeners will come away with a solid foundation to evaluate nuclear issues critically, empowered to participate in the decisions that shape our collective future.
Language
en
Duration
~5 hours (292K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Tim Lindell, Stephen Hutcheson, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This book was produced from images made available by the HathiTrust Digital Library.)
Release date
2021-09-28
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1908–2003
A brilliant and deeply controversial physicist, this Hungarian-born American helped shape the nuclear age and remained a force in science and public debate for decades. His life story reaches from the refugee experience in Europe to the Manhattan Project, the hydrogen bomb, and Cold War politics.
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A physicist and defense analyst who also co-wrote a book for general readers, he helped explain the promises and dangers of the nuclear age in clear, accessible terms.
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