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 those who designed, built and operated the reactors. It describes the fire of fifty years ago, and what followed, and considers its causes, effects and enduring political significance.
This book describes the fire at Windscale in 1957 and what followed, and considers its causes, effects and political importance.
This book describes the fire at Windscale in 1957 and what followed, and considers its causes, effects and political importance.
'Nobody is better placed than the incomparable Lorna Arnold to relive and to tell this timely story. She does it magnificently.' Peter Hennessey, Attlee Professor of Contemporary British History, Queen Mary, University of London, UK
'[Lorna Arnold] embodies all that is best in official history It is her fairness and humanity that have enabled her to reveal so much.' Brian Cathcart, Professor of Journalism, Kingston University, London, UK
'...exemplary.' - The Guardian
'...fascinating and rather disconcerting reading.' - Safe Energy
'...Arnold asks whether any of this matters any more. It does, and her excellent book shows why.' - The Independent
'...pithy, authoritative and incisive account'. - Nature
'...an excellent book...written in a clear and expert style.' - Nuclear Engineer
'Not only are the technical details of the accident fully described, but the all important political context is sharply observed...Thisis how technical history should be researched and written and I cannot recommend this book too highly.' - Richard Wakeford, Journal of Radiological Protection
'[Lorna Arnold] embodies all that is best in official history It is her fairness and humanity that have enabled her to reveal so much.' Brian Cathcart, Professor of Journalism, Kingston University, London, UK
'...exemplary.' - The Guardian
'...fascinating and rather disconcerting reading.' - Safe Energy
'...Arnold asks whether any of this matters any more. It does, and her excellent book shows why.' - The Independent
'...pithy, authoritative and incisive account'. - Nature
'...an excellent book...written in a clear and expert style.' - Nuclear Engineer
'Not only are the technical details of the accident fully described, but the all important political context is sharply observed...Thisis how technical history should be researched and written and I cannot recommend this book too highly.' - Richard Wakeford, Journal of Radiological Protection