Hiroshima and Nagasaki; The Physical, Medical, and Social Effects of the Atomic Bombings

New York: Basic Books, Inc, 1981. English Edition [stated]. First Printing [stated]. Hardcover. Very good/Very good. xlv, [1], 706 pages. Illustrations. Tables. Appendix. Chronology. Bibliography (Abbreviations and References). Index. Written 36 years after the event, here is the definitive scientific report on the only experience to date with nuclear warfare. The short- and the long-range effects of the most portentous and terrifying event of the 20th century. Compiled by Japanese authorities, it combines physical, psychological and social consequences of the two events. An assessment of the permanent impact of the atomic bombs in terms of chronic disease (especially cancers), genetic and chromosomal damage, and social disorganization (family disruption, crime, suicide, and mental illness). Part I addresses the Physical Aspects of Destruction; Part II addresses Injury to the Human Body; Part III addresses The Impact on Society and Daily Life; and Part IV is entitled Toward the Abolition of Nuclear Arms. "Hiroshima and Nagasaki is the most complete account we have of the overall human effects of the two atomic bombings. It is a book of profound historical significance. It has been painstakingly compiled by Japanese authorities in completely understandable form, and succeeds in coordinating physical, psychological, and social consequences of the two events. We gain an accurate, disturbing, sobering picture of the extraordinary radius of death, suffering and destruction, resulting from the use of the first 'tiny' nuclear weapon. The study is invaluable to us for confronting our present nuclear dilemmas." Robert Jay Lifton, M.D.