Atomic America: How a Deadly Explosion and a Feared Admiral Changed the Course of Nuclear History
SKU: 77093988

Atomic America: How a Deadly Explosion and a Feared Admiral Changed the Course of Nuclear History

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Atomic America: How a Deadly Explosion and a Feared Admiral Changed the Course of Nuclear HistoryOn January 3, 1961, nuclear reactor SL 1 exploded in rural Idaho, spreading radioactive contamination over thousands of acres and killing three men. The army blamed "human error" and a sordid love triangle. Though overshadowed by Three Mile Island, SL 1 remains the only fatal nuclear reactor incident in American history. Todd Tucker, who first heard the rumors about the Idaho Falls explosion as a trainee in the navy's nuclear program, suspected there

On January 3, 1961, nuclear reactor SL-1 exploded in rural Idaho, spreading radioactive contamination over thousands of acres and killing three men. The army blamed "human error" and a sordid love triangle. Though overshadowed by Three Mile Island, SL-1 remains the only fatal nuclear reactor incident in American history.
Todd Tucker, who first heard the rumors about the Idaho Falls explosion as a trainee in the navy's nuclear program, suspected there was more to the accident than rumors suggested. Poring over hundreds of pages of primary sources and interviewing survivors revealed that the army and its contractors had deliberately obscured the true cause of the accident, which resulted from poor engineering as much as uncontrolled passions. The National Reactor Testing Station, where the meltdown occurred, had been a proving ground where engineers, generals, and admirals attempted to realize the Atomic Age dream of unlimited power--amid the frantic race for nuclear power between the army, the navy, and the air force. The fruit of those ambitious plans included that of the nation's unofficial nuclear patriarch, Admiral Rickover, whose "true submarine," the USS Nautilus, would forever change naval warfare. But with the meltdown in Idaho came the end of the army's program and the beginning of the navy's long-standing monopoly on military nuclear power. Atomic America provides a fast-paced narrative history, advocating caution and accountability in harnessing nuclear energy.

Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Bison Books
Published: 11/01/2010
ISBN: 9780803234024
Pages: 304
Weight: 1.03lbs
Size: 8.90h x 6.00w x 0.70d
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SKU: 77093988

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Ellen W.
Belleville, US
★★★★★ 5
I am happy with the room divider. It does what I intended.
Color: Beige, Size: 34" - 3 Panel
Use a power screwdriver.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 25, 2026
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Michele Parkinson
Alexandria, US
★★★★★ 3
It’s really pretty decent except for one thing.
Color: Grey, Size: 34" - 4 Panel, Color: Grey, Size: 34" - 4 Panel
I bought two of these for my basement and they do look great. They were easy to assemble and I’m happy with them. The problem is that the stitching on the fabric panels are almost the size of a machine basting stitch (which for non sewers means large temporary stitches). Because the panels are tight by design, the stitches had already started to come undone before I could finish assembling everything. Fortunately I can sew and I reinforced all the panels. I had to take the first ones back off the poles to do them but I did the second set before assembling. It’s really not a bad product for the money. It’s quality fabric and the design itself looks great. The stitching looks fine but it’s just not substantial enough for the purpose it is supposed to serve. I can’t imagine why it be sewn so insufficiently. I was able to resolve my issue because I can sew. I wasn’t planning on sewing nor did I really have the time. I could have made it myself but I didn’t want to and that is why I purchased this. I ended up using valuable time. The really unfortunate thing is, I have no other complaints. This is a manufacturing problem.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 3, 2023
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Mad Jack
Lowell, US
★★★★★ 5
Inexpensive walls.
Color: Grey, Size: 34" - 3 Panel, Color: Grey, Size: 34" - 3 Panel
We had a hot request for a workstation in the warehouse with some privacy. These have worked great. Easy to assemble. They are lightweight and stable. This was an inexpensive solution that looks professional. Our client loved it.
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Reviewed in the United States on August 1, 2025
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Amber
Charlottesville, US
★★★★★ 1
Dont wait! Assemble right away! Just in case you need to return it.
Color: Black, Size: 22" - 4 Panel
Ok, I like the idea of this but the assembly is frustrating. One side lined up perfectly with the holes however, the small bars that connect the screen to base is not lining up. I think it's do the fabric the screen or divider is made of. It's not stretchy. I brought this months ago and just opened it today. I'm upset and don't even think returning it is possible. If the material was a bit longer or stretchy to give a little room to work with this divider would be great. However, I'm not sure what I can use it for since I'm unable to attach it to the bottom. Beware! Don't wait like me. Tip for the manufacturer. Next time invest in Velcro dividers so the fabric can be adjusted with ease. Literally if I take the screen off the frame aligns perfectly. However, it defeats its purpose of privacy. I might buy some material myself and create a more flexible divider. Or I'll buy Velcro myself and attach to the bottom. I don't know yet.
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Reviewed in the United States on December 15, 2025
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Michael S
Houston, US
★★★★★ 5
Great Product that does exactly what it says it will.
Color: Beige, Size: 34"- 3 Panel
I really enjoy this product and it does exactly what it describes. I use it on my balcony. It is effective, but still very lightweight. It is easy to assemble as well. The price point is excellent. Also, I had an interaction with the company about an issue and they were incredibly responsive and helpful, fixing the issue immediately. Highly recommend.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 3, 2026

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