History Firsthand - Making and Using the Atom Bomb (paperback edition)

Scientists relate the discovery of nuclear fission in the 1930s and the harnessing of this power to build weapons of mass destruction. A U.S. president and top military officials discuss the ultimate decision to use these new atomic bombs to end a long and costly world war.

"The contributions in the eclectic mix come from individuals such as Eleanor Roosevelt, actress June Havoc, and hobo Box-Car Bertha, with each person's perspective taking readers directly into the experience through details and eye-opening observations."
-- Booklist (May 2001) (Booklist 20010515)

"Following a thorough introduction that provides novice historians with background information, this series entry uses primary-source documents organized in a coherent chronology. With its important documents, this work will help budding historians and researchers make sense of a complex time."
-- School Library Journal (July 2002) (School Library Journal 20020701)

"These are in keeping with the aim of the series, to personalize history and, in this way, make it more meaningful."
-- School Library Journal (May 2002) (School Library Journal 20020501)

"The History Firsthand series presents excerpts from period documents, organized under broad subject heading and introduced by a paragraph of background. Each book includes a few black-and-white illustrations."
-- Booklist (Febraury 2001) (Booklist 20010215)