The Language of Nuclear War: An Intelligent Citizen's Dictionary

Identifies nuclear tests, treaties, and weapons, and defines terms dealing with nuclear strategy, negotiating concepts, weapon characteristics, and the Strategic Defense Initiative

This is a reference book in dictionary form, and the introduction quickly establishes its purpose: "Technical terms pervade the nuclear debate . . . in a jargon that leaves us feeling alienated and powerless . . . . The book attempts to enable everyone to understand the obscure terminology . . . ." Definitions range from well-known to obscure jargon. Terms like throw weight and cold launch are common in the press, and this book will help the nonexpert sort them all out. One can quibble about the need to define "treaty" or "nuclear holocaust," but this is a useful book for the concerned nonspecialist, and libraries serving a general readership will want it. Gerald N. Sandvick, Political Science Dept., North Hennepin Community Coll., Brooklyn Park, Minn.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.