Nuclear terrorism is the dog that didn't bark. Despite warning of how easy it would be for terrorists to make or steal a nuclear weapon, we've never seen a Sum of All Fears-style attack anywhere. The fact that the central worry of a book has never been realized would ordinarily make it a relic, but McPhee's glorious prose and deep journalistic skill make this study of noted physicist Ted Taylor a worthwhile read. I wonder what a post-9/11 attempt to rewrite this book would look like. ( )

Book is from the early 1970's. References a couple of times about how a small nuclear bomb could take down the World Trade Center. Creepy - since they are no longer there.

The volume of plutonium that is around is astounding - and this was in the 70's. Cant imagine what is out there now. The fact that there has been no big accident or attack is amazing. Author wove a good story. Couldnt figure out how a suppossed undereducated Taylor got to be in his position. besides being really smart. ( )

Fascinating. ( )

A fascinating and ultimately chilling book about nuclear energy and possible dangers (including scenarios that have nothing to do with terrorists obtaining a nuclear device). The most chilling observation? "As far as we know, everyone who has attempted to build a nuclear device has succeeded on the first try." ( )

Dated, but still very frightening book. ( )