Through biographies of pioneers, including Marie Curie, this book investigates the history behind the discovery of radioactivity, its major benefits, drawbacks and problems along the way.

Cathode rays -- X-rays, radioactivity and the electron -- Pierre and Marie Curie -- Lord Rutherford -- Inside the atom -- Ten sorts of tin -- Artificial radioactivity -- Early uses -- Fission of uranium -- Hiroshima and Nagasaki -- Aftermath -- Atoms for peace -- Living with radiation -- Modern uses -- Nuclear accidents -- Problem areas -- What next?.