The discovery and application of nuclear power is one of the most profound scientific accomplishments of the 20th century, beginning with tentative explorations of the structure of matter, expanding into a rapid succession of unexpected discoveries, and finally settling into a seamless transition from theoretical science to applied engineering. There were many changes to nuclear power during this century-science transitioned from an academic pursuit to an industry, the use of uranium changed from an occasional orange or green dye in ceramics to major power-fuel, and public safety concerns shifted from boiler explosions on steamboats to nuclear reactor explosions on continents.

Written in clear and accessible language, The History of Nuclear Power describes the sequence of these changes, as science and technology rapidly matured more than a hundred years and as the scale of civilization and its energy needs expanded. Providing a fundamental introduction to this complicated subject, this new, full-color resource is ideal for high school and college students interested in the future through a study of the past.