Megawatts and Megatons: The Future of Nuclear Power and [Paperback]

Richard L. Garwin (Author), Georges Charpak (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0226284271 | ISBN-13: 978-0226284279 | Publication Date: December 15, 2002 | Edition: 1

In Megawatts and Megatons, world-renowned physicists Richard L. Garwin and Georges Charpak offer an accessible, eminently well-informed primer on two of the most important issues of our time: nuclear weapons and nuclear power. They begin by explaining clearly and concisely how nuclear fission and fusion work in both warheads and reactors, and how they can impact human health. Making a strong and eloquent argument in favor of arms control, Garwin and Charpak outline specific strategies for achieving this goal worldwide. But they also demonstrate how nuclear power can provide an assured, economically feasible, and environmentally responsible source of energy—in a way that avoids the hazards of weapons proliferation. Numerous figures enliven the text, including cartoons by Sempé.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A pleasure to read.... Should be studied by everyone concerned with the problems of nuclear power." - Stuart Young, Nature "The world certainly needs an authoritative introduction to issues of nuclear power and nuclear weapons for the intelligent and concerned layperson. With this book, Richard L. Garwin and Georges Charpak have done the best job at providing such an account to date." - Frank N. von Hippel, Science

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: French

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Product Details

• Paperback: 428 pages
• Publisher: University Of Chicago Press; 1 edition (December 15, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0226284271
• ISBN-13: 978-0226284279
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #836,382 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Different subtitles, same book?, November 8, 2003

By 

"mensetmanus" (Oak Ridge, TN USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Megawatts and Megatons: The Future of Nuclear Power and (Paperback)

You might think Megawatts and Megatons subtitled "The Future of Nuclear Power and Nuclear Weapons" (paperback) would have different contents than the one subtitled "A Turning Point in the Nuclear Age" (hardback), like I did; however, with the exception of a new couple-page "Note to the Paperback Edition," I saw no differences. I'd suggest not falling for Amazon's Buy Both on these two, because you'll probably be disappointed to find out you got two editions of the same book.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Drop the politics and increase the economic sensibilities..., December 5, 2004

By 

Ali-Reza Anghaie (Manchester, CT United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Megawatts and Megatons: The Future of Nuclear Power and (Paperback)

While I appreciate the discussion on nuclear arms I don't think it needed to be at the length the authors took it.

And while I really enjoyed the discussion on nuclear power I was disspointed that the authors took great care to detail and expound ideas (Rubia's for example) at the expense of other economical and safe technologies (Gen III+ and IV LWR for example).

There was no reason not to expand on the the available, decades-proven, and economical designs of today. Basically what I'm thinking is they could've done better to discuss evolutionary designs as opposed to completely new (relatively speaking) concepts. Either way it's a great book, -Ali

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Cross-spectrum discussion of nuclear policy, February 24, 2007

By 

W. P. Bringham (Arlington, VA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Megawatts and Megatons: The Future of Nuclear Power and (Paperback)

In Megawatts and Megatons, Garwin and Charpak collaborated on an excellent description of nuclear power and weapons, starting with discussions of nuclear physics and energy, and ending with a narrative of post WWII international relations, centered upon arms control and prevention of use of nuclear weapons.

The authors have strong opinions on the proper use of nuclear energy and the means to reduce dependence on nuclear weapons, as one would imagine from two scientific practitioners. As such, they have presented a well-developed argument that aims to convince the reader that the U.S. should modify its energy and nuclear weapons policies to reduce the threats of global warming and nuclear contamination as well as nuclear conflict and terrorism.

Unfortunately for the layman, the technical nature of the first portion of the book may make difficult reading for the reader without a background in science or engineering, although the authors do make an effort to describe the concepts so that the non-expert may understand.

I recommend this book for anyone with an interest in the technical description of nuclear power and weapons, nuclear policy, and recommendations new policy directions.