In Mortal Hands

In this landmark history of the nuclear age, industry insider Stephanie Cooke draws on her unprecedented access to chart our evolving understanding of nuclear technology. Recent years have brought increased concern about nuclear proliferation and increased interest in nuclear power as a solution to the energy crisis, but few have truly come to terms with the complexities—and enormous risks—of nuclear technology. A comprehensive chronicle told in human terms, In Mortal Hands is crucial for those who wish to understand these issues that are currently determining our planet's future.

Praise

"[An] invigorating book . . . Cooke's great merit is to take a journalist's trained eye to the history of nuclear matters with power generation front and center . . . The stories presented here may not be utterly new, but their juxtaposition into a compelling narrative packs a punch, making this book a valuable introduction to the global history of of nuclear power."—The American Historical Review

 

"[A] highly readable tale of the atom's problems and possibilities, blending the author's scientific and technical fluency with the human stories . . . What emerges is a cycle of expectation, breakthrough, mishap and false promises. Unless better understood, it is in danger of being repeated."—The Economist

 

"The subtitle to this book might lead readers to think it is largely academic. But the 'cautionary history' is written more like a cautionary tale, complete with main players, intrigue, multiple story lines and even a moral . . . This is a book many have been waiting for. Factual, wide-ranging, instructive and engaging, it will no doubt become a benchmark in nuclear politics."—George A. MacLean, Winnipeg Free Press

 

"In Mortal Hands is an imperative read. Because politicians, industrial leaders, and scientists mixed and confused the issues of nuclear weapons and nuclear power, the door opened to unmitigated disaster as country after country verges on nuclear power development and inevitable access to nuclear weapons. Pandora's box has been opened but will the collective human psyche develop the wisdom to close the box? This question will readily be answered if millions to people decide to read In Mortal Hands."—Helen of, author of Nuclear Power Is Not the Answer and The New Nuclear Danger

 

"In Mortal Hands is a magnificent book about the existential threat to mankind inherent in man's inept handling of nuclear energy. Cooke brings a powerful intellectual grasp to bear on the complex technical and psychological drama. She has managed to bring to life the intricacies and inner games of nuclear diplomacies and high science. The grave and important subject of the book does not prevent it from being an entertaining and inspirational read."—Rolf Ekeus, former executive chairman of the United Nations Special Commission on Iraq (UNSCOM)

 

"In Stephanie Cooke's hands, our complex and often shadowy nuclear history is refined into a compelling, accessible, and important narrative. With the assurance of a veteran industry observer, Cooke shows us just how fallible nuclear technology and nuclear policy have been—and dismantles the myth that nuclear energy is merely misunderstood. In Mortal Hands is essential reading for anyone who thinks nuclear energy is the slam-dunk answer for our energy and climate problems."—Paul Roberts, author of The End of Oil

 

"In Mortal Hands spans the sixty years of the nuclear age, telling the complicated and fascinating story of the way nuclear energy and nuclear weapons have been interconnected like a double helix over time. The story is well told by someone with an insider's knowledge of the nuclear industry who knows and appreciates the concerns over safety and security that have always dogged the advocates of nuclear power, for those in the new American administration who must deal with the pressures to find alternatives to fossil fuels, lessen dependence on foreign sources of energy, and reduce the risks of nuclear proliferation, Cooke's book is a fine primer."—Robert L. Gallucci, president of the MacArthur Foundation

 

"Stephanie Cooke has written a vivid personal and professional account of the once hoped-for promises and the many perils that surround the civilian atom and its inextricably linked counterpart, the military atom. Cooke's long experience in covering the topic bias produced a timely book that deserves wide readership. The promises and perils of the atom continue as we assess nuclear energy's potential role in a wise energy policy, in how it might mitigate global warming, and in deciding how many nuclear weapons are enough."—Robert S. Norris, author of Racing for the Bomb

 

"Stephanie Cooke lifts the veil on the dirty little secret of thee atomic world: the intimate link between nuclear power and nuclear weaponry. In Mortal Hands is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the new dangers of nuclear proliferation."—Nathan Hodge, author of A Nuclear Family Vacation

 

"Cooke's account departs notably from the plethora of recent releases on the atomic age when she weaves together the civilian and military realms of nuclear power. In so doing, she offers an important reminder of the dangers any kind of atomic energy usage involves."—Choice

 

"In Mortal Hands should be read by all interested in nuclear issues and the history of the development of nuclear power. Politicians, journalists, and academies will find it a most useful addition to their libraries. Readers that do not normally read books about nuclear energy will enjoy this very readable book. It will equip them to participate in the coming debate about the use of nuclear power as an energy source that many political leaders are advocating as a way ot limiting global warming."—Frank Barnaby, former director of the Stockholm International Feace Research Institute (SIPRI)

 

"This thought-provoking history of the intertwined development of nuclear weapons and nuclear power is deftly told. The subtext is the question of whether fallible humanity is up to managing this technology wisely. This is much the best treatment of the question that I have seen."—Frank von Hippel, professor of Public and International Affairs, Woodrow Wilson School, Princeton University, and co chair, International Panel on Fissile Materials  

 

"Diligent history of nuclear proliferation and peaceful nuclear energy makes a good case that they are intimately connected and equally out of control. Skillful, unsettling arguments that the world is headed toward nuclear disaster from two different directions."—Kirkus Reviews

About the Author(s)

Stephanie Cooke

Stephanie Cooke has covered the nuclear industry for almost thirty years. She is currently an editor of Uranium Intelligence Weekly, and a contributor to The Bulletin of Atomic Scientists.