Why people recommend it
The Bomb: Presidents, Generals, and the Secret History of Nuclear War by Fred Kaplan is a non-fiction historical examination of how different American leaders and military commanders conceived of and handled the existential threat of nuclear weaponry. On The Book Review podcast episode titled The Paradoxes of Nuclear War, broadcast on July 18, 2024, host Pamela Paul welcomed the author to discuss his work. Kaplan explained the rationale behind his title and subtitle, noting that the bomb itself functions as the primary protagonist and overriding force within the narrative, while the history details how various figures at different times and with contrasting viewpoints came to grips with it. As the interview concluded, Paul reminded listeners of the full book title and author, cementing the interview's focus on the grave responsibilities and hidden decisions that shaped the nuclear age. The conversation offered a sobering look into the policy decisions and psychological burdens of maintaining and potentially deploying the world's most destructive arsenal.
Who recommended it
- Pamela Paul Recommended
- Fred Kaplan Discussed
Pamela Paul — 2 mentions
“Fred Kaplan joins us to talk about his book The Bomb”
“the book is the bomb presidents generals and the secret history of nuclear war by Fred Kaplan”
Fred Kaplan — 1 mention
“the title is the bomb the bomb in a way is the protagonist right it is the overriding force and the the story which is the subtitle presidents generals and the secret history of nuclear war is how different people at different times with different conceptions dealt with it how they came to grips with it”