" From the moment radiation was discovered in the late nineteenth century, nuclear science has had a rich history of innovative scientific exploration and discovery, coupled with mistakes, accidents and downright disasters. Mahaffey, a long-time advocate of continued nuclear research and nuclear energy, looks at each incident in turn and analyzes what happened and why, often discovering where scientists went wrong when analyzing past meltdowns. Every incident has led to new facets in understanding the mighty atom - and Mahaffey puts forth what the future should be for this final frontier of science that still holds so much promise." -- back cover.

Introduction: Bill Crush and the hazards of steam under pressure -- 1. We discover fire -- 2. World War II and danger beyond comprehension -- 3. A bit of trouble in the great white north -- 4. Birthing pains Idaho -- 5. Making everything else seem insignificant in the UK -- 6. In nuclear research even the goof-ups are fascinating -- 7. The atomic man and lessons in fuel processing -- 8. The military almost never lost a nuclear weapon -- 9. The China syndrome plays in Harrisburg and Pripyat -- 10. Tragedy at Fukushima Daiichi -- 11. Caught in the Rickover trap.