In more than 500 alphabetically arranged main entries averaging less than one page in length, this volume aims to give students and general readers a guide to the "Atomic Age" (1938-1961), with some coverage of important events and persons before and after the target date range. Emphasis is placed on important personalities, political decisions, terminology, controversies, and applications of nuclear power. Examples of entries include
Eisenhower, Dwight David;
German atomic bomb project;
Low-level waste;
Potsdam Conference; and
Tritium. Many entries explain the status and history of nuclear power in individual countries and identify emerging nuclear powers. Illustrations include captioned black-and-white photographs, maps, and charts. Entries have cross-references and many include suggested reading lists of a few books. Other features are an informative introductory essay, a list of scientific and technical abbreviations, a list of acronyms, a chronology, a bibliography, and a thorough index.
The inclusion of maps and numerous photographs gives this volume an advantage over Historical Encyclopedia of Atomic Energy (Greenwood, 2000). Historical Encyclopedia extends coverage to the present and has longer suggested reading lists, bibliography, and chronology. Its bibliography is arranged by source type while that of Encyclopedia of the Atomic Age is a simple list. Encyclopedia of the Atomic Age is the more scholarly of the two, having entries written by authorities in the field. The entries on scientific and technical terms include more technical detail than those in Historical Encyclopedia of Atomic Energy.
Encyclopedia of the Atomic Age is easy to use, with entries that are clearly written and understandable for the general reader. It covers the topic thoroughly and is a convenient, one-stop companion for the study of the topic. Recommended for public and academic libraries. RBB
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