Richard Rhodes is my favourite author, thanks to his ability to turn nuclear physics history into dramatic narratives. His first book in this four-book series on nuclear weapons was the best; The Making of the Atomic Bomb (1986) remains the best history of science book of the 20th century. While this book may not be as epic, it tells an important story that is relevant to today's geopolitics. This book describes:
-The fall of the USSR and how it split its nuclear arsenal among the newly independent states.
-How the UK, France, China, South Africa, Israel, India and Pakistan obtained their arsenals
-The long stories of Iraq and North Korea attempting to obtain nuclear weapons
More importantly, the book describes the importance of keeping enriched fissile material out of the hands of erratic organizations. It brings to light how dangerous any nuclear arsenal is, in that it encourages other nations to arm themselves. This book enhanced my perspective of nuclear weapons. Great read.
