Before the Fallout: From Marie Curie to Hiroshima

by Diana Preston

The Human Chain Reaction That Led To The Atom Bomb On December 26, 1898, Marie Curie announced the discovery of radium and observed that "radioactivity seems to be an atomic property." A mere 47 years later, "Little Boy"exploded over Hiroshima. Before the Fallout is the epic story of the intervening half century, during which an exhilarating quest to unravel the secrets of the material world revealed how to destroy it, and an open, international, scientific adventure transmuted overnight into a wartime sprint for the bomb. Weaving together history, science, and biography, Diana Preston chronicles a human chain reaction of scientists and leaders whose discoveries and decisions forever changed our lives. The early decades of the 20th century brought Einstein's relativity theory, Rutherford's discovery of the atomic nucleus, and Heisenberg's quantum mechanics, and scientists of many nations worked together to tease out the secrets of the atom. Only 12 years before Hiroshima, one leading physicist dismissed the idea of harnessing energy from atoms as "moonshine." Then, on the eve of World War II, the power of atomic fission was revealed, alliances were broken, friendships sundered, and science co-opted by world events. Preston interviewed the surviving scientists, and she offers new insight into the fateful wartime meeting between Heisenberg and Bohr, along with a fascinating conclusion examining what might have happened had any number of events occurred differently. She also provides a rare portrait of Hiroshima before the blast. As Hiroshima's 60th anniversary approaches, Before the Fallout compels us to consider the threats and moral dilemmas we face in our still dangerous world.

Genres: History, Science, Nonfiction, Physics, History Of Science, War, World War II

416 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Born and raised in London, Diana Preston studied Modern History at Oxford University, where she first became involved in journalism. After earning her degree, she became a freelance writer of feature and travel articles for national UK newspapers and magazines and has subsequently reviewed books for a number of publications, including The Wall Street Journal and The Los Angeles Times. She has also been a broadcaster for the BBC and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, and has been featured in various television documentaries.

Eight years ago, her decision to write "popular" history led her to The Road to Culloden Moor: Bonnie Prince Charlie and the '45 Rebellion (Constable UK, 1995). It was followed by A First Rate Tragedy: Robert Falcon Scott and the Race to the South Pole (Houghton Mifflin, 1998), The Boxer Rebellion (Walker & Company, 2000), Lusitania: An Epic Tragedy (Walker & Company, 2002) and now, Before The Fallout: From Marie Curie to Hiroshima.

In choosing her topics, Preston looks for stories and events which are both compelling in their own right and also help readers gain a wider understanding of the past. She is fascinated by the human experience-what motivates people to think and act as they do‹and the individual stories that comprise the larger historical picture. Preston spent over two years researching Lusitania: An Epic Tragedy. She did a remarkable amount of original research for the book, and is the first author to make full use of the German archives and newly discovered papers that illuminate both the human tragedy and subsequent plots to cover up what really happened. Preston traveled to all the key locations of the tragedy, experiencing firsthand how cold the water off the Irish coast near Cobh would have been in early May when the Lusitania sank, and how eerie it was to stand inside what remains of the U-20 (now at the Strandingsmuseum in West Jutland, Denmark) where the U-boat captain watched the Lusitania through his periscope and gave the order to fire. Of the many artifacts she reviewed, it was her extensive reading of the diaries and memoirs of survivors that had the biggest impact on her. The experience of looking at photographs and touching the scraps of clothing of both survivors and those who died when the Lusitania sank provided her with chilling pictures: The heartbreaking image of a young girl whose sister's hand slipped away from her was one that kept Preston up at night.

When not writing, Preston is an avid traveler with her husband, Michael. Together, they have sojourned throughout India, Asia, Africa, and Antarctica, and have climbed Mount Kinabalu in Borneo, Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, and Mount Roraima in Venezuela. Their adventures have also included gorilla-tracking in Zaire and camping their way across the Namibian desert.


Diana and Michael Preston live in London, England.

Reviews

[Rohan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book can be summed up pretty well by one of the author's concluding remarks:

"History, even the history of science, is inherently about people - how they thought, what they did with their thoughts and how they interacted with the individuals immediately around them, and then with society and the greater world order."

If we apply this to the development of the atom bomb, you start to see why particular physicists made particular discoveries at particular times, why the Manhattan project was more successful than the German project, and why communication is a necessary skill for scientists to have.

[Juan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tremendamente interesante historia de los protagonistas de la carrera atómica. Mezcla de sus experiencias personales y datos técnicos bien digeribles por no iniciados. El final incluso supera el comienzo. Muy, muy recomendable si se quiere, no sólo aprender y disfrutar de la sencilla lectura (Corgi edition, 2006), sino también generar un debate histórico y llegar a conclusiones éticas.

[Tripp · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite nonfiction book of all time is The Making of the Atomic Bomb. Telling a story that combines brilliant individuals, the biggest scientific endeavor of all time and intense political drama, it is hard to go wrong, but author Richard Rhodes knocked it out of the park with this phone book sized opus. It is, I believe, the only nonfiction book I have read three times.

Loving the subject matter and having had success with some of her other histories, I had to try Diana Preston's Before the Fallout, which covers much of the same ground. The Preston book is much shorter and has a tighter bibliographic focus that the Rhodes book. While the achievements of the scientists lies at the core of the Preston book, it doesn't go into the intense detail that the Rhodes book does. You won't see the extensive reporting on weapons design that you will find in the Rhodes book, but you will get a close look at the community of science that discovered the secrets and created the ideas that led to the bomb.

Preston writes clear, accessible engaging prose and her books cover a wide range of subjects including the Lusitania sinking, the Boxer Rebellion and polar exploration. This one on the Taj Mahal looks quite good as well.

[Loretta · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was absolutely rivetting. Highly recommended. Preston manages to take a story with a very well known ending and make it a page turner. The research is very well done, and Preston does an excellent job of turning it into a clear, comprehensible, and rivetting narrative. There is also thoughtful consideration of the ethical and moral dimensions of science and the creation of weapons of mass destruction.

[Simona Castejón · Rating 4 out of 5]

¡Conocer la historia ayuda a abrir los ojos! El pasado esconde verdades como puños y siempre actuales. En algunos momentos el libro trata conceptos bastante técnicos y difíciles de entender. Pero esta súper bien documentado y escrito. ¡He disfrutado leyédolo!

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

physicists get-togethers: Einstein called them "witches sabbaths"

radium - considered miracle element, most expensive
substance in the world.
used to make x-rays. toothpaste made of thorium - to make teeth radiantly white
CURIE HAIR TONIC, bath salts, suppositories, chocolates

pierre curie - stepped in front of carriage, slipped, fell, wheel crushed his skull
marie curie - had affair with married physicist (scandal); died of radiation poinsing; her fingers long mangled from radiation. before she died took her own temperature & saw the end was coming

chemists who made WWI poison gas - thought they were saving lives by shortening war

Rape of Nanking - japan attacked capital of China. killed 200,000 civilians, 500,000 soldiers, 90,000 prisoners. women were raped (1 woman to 15 men) then killed

Navy cryptographers decoded Japan telegram 4 days before Pearl Harbor asking Japanese consul for detailed troop & ship movements; she took it to head of her dept who told her he would get back to it monday.

British scientists first to decide bomb was doable and roughly how to do it.

Germany had program, Heisenberg headed URANVEREIN project. thought the trick was using carbon, rather than "heavy water" (H20 with extra H) otherwise they might have succeeded.

Heisenberg wanted Germany to win and was actively pursuing it (tho later he denied it). Moe Berg (baseball player) sent to conference with gun & directions to shoot Heisenberg if he thought german scientists were close to making bomb.

Bohr smuggled out to england in bomb chute of plain. lost consciousness at high altitude, but regained when plane lowered.

Russia & Japan had programs of their own. Russian spy at Los Almos passed secret info.

to convince FDR to build a bomb, he was told how Fulton offered Napoleon steamships to defeat Britain, but Napoleon failed to value technology

Hiroshima: Truman told a group of sailors "This is the greatest thing in history" some wanted to just show japanese bomb.

pilot felt taste of lead on teeth - radiation affecting fillings!
center of bomb : 1,800,00 degrees; ground was 6K degrees; energy: 35% heat, 50% blast, 15% radiation

[Bookmarks Magazine]

Readers won't mind that this book offers nothing new about a subject that has been thoroughly examined. Preston's what-if scenarios are as fascinating as her portraits of the players, from Albert Einstein and Robert Oppenheimer to FDR, Emperor Hirohito, and Hitler. Preston's focus on the lesser-known personalities, including physicist Werner Heisenberg, chemist Ida Noddack, and Lise Meitner (who explained nuclear fission for the first time), distinguishes Before the Fallout from other accounts of the creation of the nuclear bomb. Preston, author of The Boxer Rebellion and Lusitania, also describes the underlying science well, rarely failing to connect it to its social implications. "In this 60th-anniversary year, when new books about the bomb are as ubiquitous as self-help tomes," writes the San Francisco Chronicle, "Preston's achievement is a rare one."

This is an excerpt from a review published in Bookmarks magazine.

[Elisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Muy muy interesante. Este libro me respondió muchas preguntas que siempre había tenido y me hizo aprender cosas que nunca hubiera sospechado como ciertas.

Está tan bien escrito que hasta los detalles científicos resultan fáciles de entender.

El énfasis que se hace en el factor humano en el descubrimiento de la energía atómica y la construcción de la bomba es el mejor elemento de este libro, así como las consideraciones de "¿Qué tal si hubiera pasado esto?" al final.

Se nota que Preston hizo un muy buen trabajo de investigación.

[Terry Hinkley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating book. Everything and everyone you wanted to know involving the discovery of radium and the atom. How different elements were discovered as an offshoot and the theories used to create nuclear power and unfortunately, weapons. The race for the BOMB between the U.S., Japan, The Nazi's, The Soviet Union and the U.K. How scientists debated the morality of using it and the regret some had after it was. Also personal stories from those scientists and victims of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Detailed information regarding the Manhattan Project, the people involved and the spies within it.

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great historical narrative on the history of the human discovery and use of radioactive elements up to and just after the development of nuclear weapons. I highly recommend this book if you like history, science, or the combination of the two. It is very approachable without a lot of confusing science jargon.

[Lindsay Broderick · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful combination of history and science with a sprinkling of gossip. Preston brings the story of nuclear physics to life, eloquently interweaving the intricacies of the physicists’ personal lives with their scientific achievements. While dense at times in terms of scientific concepts, it is well paced with great attention to detail. She transitions between countries and scientists in a way that is coherent and relevant to the storyline. Really a phenomenal read for anyone interested in history.

[Ralph Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exceptional history that tops even Oppenheimer in its studious and calculated telling of the historu of the Atomic Bomb. The weaving throughout of Hiroshima, beginning, in fact, with that that tragic Japanese city, and of course, ending with it, was a masterstroke that puts parts of Nolan’s film to shame. This is a heavy read but it is no less thunderous.

[David Berghahn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, the story is okay but the random changes from being a story to becoming nonfiction were really random. Also, the book could be better formatted into the different developments of scientific discoveries at the time (ex: one chapter be on atomic theory from Greek and Roman times and another chapter on something like nuclear chemistry).

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliantly written. A science book, a history book and a biography all rolled into one. A wonderful example of reality being more dramatic than fiction. Highly recommended.

[Aneesh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is very well researched. The only drawback is that due to the biases of the author, sometimes the credit given to the British is too much but keeping that in mind, it is a wonderful read.

[Nicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Background stories to some famous scientists and done chronologically. Well written.

[Phillip · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 / 5.0

Great Story written as a who dun it with great science explanations and inside view of scientific process.

[Jorge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rutherford es mi padre.

[Rohan · Rating 4 out of 5]

"In thinking about history, but above all about the future, we should not depersonalise situations but remember our individual responsibility for them and the consequences for others."

[Manuel Domínguez Álvarez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un libro equilibrado y cautivador que repasa no solo la evolución de la física principios del XX sino también su impacto en el desarrollo de la primera bomba atómica.
Diane Preston revisa la historia personal y logros profesionales de los principales actores de esta época sin entrar en excesivos detalles con el ánimo de no aburrir en demasía al lector menos exigente. Parece no aportar datos nuevos en comparación con los clásicos en la materia como The Making of the Atomic Bomb, pero sin embargo invita a su estudio a través de una equilibrada inclusión de referencias a los mismos.
Su desarrollo es circular y termina donde empieza. Haciendo uso frecuente de este tipo de giros narrativos que anima a revisar lo leído con el propósito de conocer mejor cada pieza de este puzzle.
Si se hubiera incluído un Dramatis personae tras el Glosario, es probable que hiciera la lectura todavía si cabe más cómoda.
Desde este punto se puede saltar a Quantum: Einstein, Bohr and the Great Debate About the Nature of Reality o a The Making of the Atomic Bomb, según si finalmente nos decantamos por estudiar más la física o la ingeniería de esa época, pero si lo que queremos es ver como vivieron y trabajaron de verdad las personas involucradas en el proyecto Manhattan, no olvidad Historic Photos of the Manhattan Project

[Geoff · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good, in-depth read about the 45 years between Radioactivity's discovery, and its weaponization. Also as much of a history of the scientists themselves, similar to Bill Bryson's 'A Short History of Nearly Everything' [although not as humorous:].

Very interesting to see how many of the scientists, slowly sensing that nuclear physics could lead to some sort of weapon, were talking about an eventual 'arms race' 20 years before the USA and USSR would both have the bomb, and do exactly that. A sense that this was a weapon to have, but not to use.

Can a line be drawn, if research is leading to a device that could change/destroy the world? The German scientists tried to claim that they slowed down their programs to prevent Hitler from getting a bomb; but this is moot since the Allies would have been able to seek and destroy any of the huge facilities required to enrich uranium or produce plutonium on the continent. The author mentions today's emerging science in genetics and nanotechnology, which may be our current ethical-line-drawing fields [although don't forget CERN and its black holes!:].

I had known about Oak Ridge and the many facilities set up in the USA during the Manhattan Project, but this book helped clear up exactly what they were doing and why. Also, I now have a rudimentary picture of how/why Little Boy and Fat Man worked. Don't tell the Iranians.

Finally, the book also touches on the changing views during WWII of bombing civilian targets, leading up to Hiroshima. Numbers of casualties are knocked around, but it is clear that this isn't an easy question to answer; the what-if epilogue shows both sides of the argument well. What happened, happened. Let's hope humanity learned something from it.

[Benjamin Stocksdale · Rating 4 out of 5]

I stumbled upon this book one day when walking through the library to pick up a book I turned down the wrong aisle and the title caught my eye. I read the prologue and was intrigued enough to check it out. I am glad I did.

I enjoy reading biographies, books on science, history, WWII, and many other subjects but this book hit those four mentioned at the same time. The book was crafted in such a way to keep the pace flowing and at times seem pressing as if I didn’t know what would happen by the end of the book even though we all know how things ended at Hiroshima. For the scientists involved Preston almost presents mini-biographies for them as she explains their scientific work and its contribution to the progression of nuclear weapons. She also succeeds at putting a human face on many of the scientists in this book. She presents the material and scientists in such a light that you can almost feel the weight of their decisions when trying to decide whether to build a bomb or not.

She presents many stories and moral dilemmas through the book that will make you question your own thoughts on how the use of the atomic bombs were handled. She also presents the “what-if” scenarios that show how close the history of the atom bomb came to being completely different on many different occasions.

After reading this book I’m still not sure how I feel about the dropping of the atom bombs but I do know that I now know much more than before.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely my kind of book. Popular science, the story of the scientific discoveries of the atom which led to the realization that splitting the atom would release tremendous amounts of energy, which led to the building of the atomic bomb. Ms. Preston is an engaging writer, and the story is fascinating. I couldn't put the book down. I have a renewed appreciation of these scientists, and how they began to understand the building blocks of life.

[Will Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good story told in an engaging and forthright style which gives enough detail to keep the readers attention but not so much that the book becomes unreadable. I do find Preston's style more effective than many historical writers who write themed historical novels; albeit as a pure historical research piece of work, the narrative style sometimes distracts from the overall analytical approach. Would certainly recommend to those interested in the topic.

[Dr. M · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a brilliant narrative of the birthpangs of the atom Bomb. Another book on the same subject was "Brighter than a Thousand Suns" by Robert Jungk. I had read the book and remembered many details. that would have helped me in enjoying this one. Diana Preston has tried to make it as sequential as she could. This is recommended to historians of Science, Students of Science and Engineering. My advice is "Read slow and carefully" You will not be disappointed.

[Reagan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a particularly well-written recount of the discovery of the atom and the road up to the fission bombs of 1945. The motivations and actions of the various people involved are dealt with nicely, and I particularly like the way she adds a bit of emphasis on the women involved in the whole process.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent, enjoyable, and very readable history of nuclear and atomic science from its early days of radium and the Curies to the use of the atomic bomb on Japan in WWII. Preston goes easy on the science, but the book is not dumbed down at all. Instead, she focuses on historical and human implications of this research. Excellent book.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very good book about the physics and physicists between the 1890s and 1945. I liked learning about the scientists and their interrelationships, and the science parts were easily understood by non-scientists. I had not read anything about the scientists working on the bomb for Germany. I read The Girls of Atomic City before this, and will reread Hiroshima on Aug. 6.

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A compelling account of the atomic race for the bomb! Very good insight and it is apparent that Ms. Preston really delved into her research on each topic. I have never really been one to be interested in modern history, but after reading this text, I must say that my interest has been peaked. Very nice!

[Matt Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent history of nuclear physics leading up to the development and deployment of the bomb. Details many of the scientists and their discoveries in the field. International heavy hitters of physics brought to life through the author's wonderful sense of historical narrative.