Review

General Books

Aimed at the general reader, high school, and college student, this work offers a positive account of the development of atomic energy in the twentieth century. The book provides a fairly comprehensive single-volume survey of the major topics in this subject area. Atkins includes a good introduction outlining the historical phases of atomic energy development and an inclusive chronology. Though mainly centered on American nuclear programs, the book incorporates entries on other nuclear powers such as France, Israel, and Pakistan. Atkins argues that "atomic energy has been a success story, but much as in fairy tales, it almost lost its soul in the process" (x). He asserts that although nuclear energy is generated safely, the failure of the United States government to recognize the dangers of fallout and its generally cavalier treatment of critics "almost cost atomic energy its good name." (xi).	1
There are many strengths to the Historical Encyclopedia of Atomic Energy. Most importantly, Atkins places topics in historical context. In his entry on the "Manhattan Project," for instance, he outlines the major scientific, engineering, and political elements of the program while placing it in the overall framework of the Second World War. His biographical entries are well-researched and focus on the person's relevance to the development of atomic energy. Two excellent examples are "Leslie Groves," the military administrator of the Manhattan Project, and "Lavrentii Beria," Groves's Soviet equivalent. Atkins gives brief descriptions of the men's backgrounds and then concentrates on their respective activities in the American and Soviet atomic programs. Atkins is also skilled at elucidating complex science in layperson's terms. His entries on the "chain reaction" and "Strontium 90" provide understandable explanations of the science. Enrico Fermi's chain reaction was critical for the development of the American fission bomb and Strontioum 90 featured heavily in the fallout debate since the radioactive isotope mimics calcium in the human body. In addition, Atkins includes treatments of well-known nuclear test series, weapons laboratories, and national laboratories.	2
There are some shortcomings to the Historical Encyclopedia of Atomic Energy. Atkins includes suggested readings at the end of each entry but sometimes he misses key works. For example, in his description of the "atomic bomb," he does not refer to Richard Rhodes's Pulitzer Prize winning work, The Making of the Atomic Bomb, nor does he mention Richard Hewlett's and Jack Holl's Atoms for Peace and War in the entry for "Atoms for Peace." In fact, the bibliography does not include any of the Department of Energy's official histories—a huge oversight—though it does include the major works on the Soviet nuclear programs. Some of the accounts are too superficial. In his treatment of the nuclear test series designated "Hardtack," Atkins did not name the major objectives of the series, but did note that "these tests were given names of American trees and shrubs—Yucca, Fir, Nutmeg, Sycamore, and the like" (160). In his brief entry on the "Cold War," he gives a cursory explanation of the conflict and then delves into describing first strike, MAD, and deterrence, topics better suited for their own entry under "nuclear strategy." Atkins is fairly light on the treatment of the military and its uses of atomic energy.	3
Teachers may find some relevant uses for the Historical Encyclopedia of Atomic Energy in their classrooms. The reading level of the entries is most appropriate for high school students since there is not enough detail for college-level work. The encyclopedia could enhance class projects or discussions of the Manhattan Project, commercial atomic energy, or nuclear crises such as Three Mile Island or Chernobyl. The biographical treatments are so well done that teachers could readily use them to liven a lecture or unit work in these areas at both the high school and upper elementary levels. Although the Historical Encyclopedia of Atomic Energy is missing some key works, it is still a good place to start for research projects. While it cannot stand alone as the primary text for a unit on nuclear energy, it does fill a gap in the literature. It can be read by the general public and high school students. It is an easily accessible and very readable treatment of the complex science surrounding atomic energy, and Atkins does a wonderful job of placing topics in historical context.	4
Kansas State University Lisa Borowski

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