The First Nuclear Era: The Life and Times of Nuclear Fixer

by Alvin M. Weinberg

Alvin Weinberg is one of the most influential nuclear engineers & physicists in the U.S., having participated in many high profile projects from the early days of nuclear research on into the 1980s. This book is his autobiography and it's peppered with first-hand accounts of major historical events. He writes about the events of December 2, 1942, when Fermi set into motion the first chain reaction in a uranium pile and goes on to describe what happened during the "First Nuclear Era" a period he admits that has now largely run its course. A proponent of nuclear power, Weinberg also exposed its down- side risks and for years remained in the forefront of strong science administration.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

302 pages, Hardcover

First published May 8, 1997

About the author

Alvin Weinberg (1915-2006) was a scientist and director of Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) from 1955–1973.

From the ORNL website: "Weinberg came to ORNL in 1945 to join the Physics Division at the urging of mentor Eugene Wigner, became division chief in 1947, then succeeded Wigner as ORNL research director in 1948. Weinberg is credited with communicating the meaning and intent of "Big Science," a phrase that has become commonplace among both scientists and policymakers. Weinberg led ORNL through years of maturing and diversification, and served as a scientific advisor to Presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower and John F. Kennedy. A proponent of nuclear energy, he wrote often of issues concerning nuclear energy and the broader relationship between society and technology."

Reviews

[Gérard Doux · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first half of the book was captivating. The second half a little less so, but remained an interesting historical testimony.

[Cassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good I wished it would never end! It was filled with fascinating technical information about the history of nuclear weapons and energy, including things I had always wondered about like why they chose light water reactors and why molten salts were investigated and then abandoned. It was also filled with an unexpected treat - a ton of considerations of philosophical and ethical questions relating to nuclear weapons. It's got something for everyone. The technical details are denser in certain parts than others, and I found parts of it interesting/comprehensible, but many parts certainly went over my head. Despite the emphasis on technical information, almost anyone would find this book fascinating. It provides a lot of insight into not only the history and development of nuclear technology, but also the broad societal and political forces that shaped the 20th century that are still affecting us today.