Product Description

In 1957 one of the two reactors built at Windscale, in Cumbria, England, to produce plutonium for bombs was destroyed by fire, in the world's first major nuclear accident. This book - using official papers, scientific reports and much first-hand evidence - tells of the men who designed, built and operated the reactors. It describes the fire and what followed, and considers its causes, effects and political importance. It throws a revealing new light on an important event of fifty years ago and on questions of secrecy and responsibility.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #384631 in Books
• Published on: 2007-09-21
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 264 pages

Review
"'...exemplary. Mrs Arnold has the rare gift of writing incisive, gripping narrative...individuals leap from the page...scrupulous and fascinating detail....required reading for anyone embroiled in the review of Britain's nuclear power policy.' - The Guardian '...pithy, authoritative and incisive account'. - Nature '...excellent account of the fire...a book filled with fascinating facts. Ms Arnold asks whether any of this matters any more. It does, and her excellent book shows why.' - The Independent '...fascinating and rather disconcerting reading. Arnold possesses a rare talent for making complex subject both accessible and interesting...a reputation for not pulling her punches.' - Safe Energy '...a vivid account of the men who designed, built and operated the two air-cooled reactors at Windscale, designed to produce the 'material for Britain' defence programme...Windscale 1957 is an excellent book...written in a clear and expert style.' - Nuclear Engineer"

About the Author
LORNA ARNOLD OBE is a Fellow of the Institute of Physics and Fellow of the Institute of Contemporary British History, UK. She is author of Britain and the H-Bomb (2001) and Britain, Australia and the Bomb: The Nuclear Tests and their Aftermath.

Customer Reviews

Excellent
This is a fascinating book. The author tells the story of this remarkable event in a most gripping way,and there is lots of technical detail for those who want it.

Highly recommended.