Buy new:
-28% $21.50
FREE delivery Wednesday, May 15 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Ships from: Amazon.com
Sold by: Amazon.com
$21.50 with 28 percent savings
List Price: $30.00

The List Price is the suggested retail price of a new product as provided by a manufacturer, supplier, or seller. Except for books, Amazon will display a List Price if the product was purchased by customers on Amazon or offered by other retailers at or above the List Price in at least the past 90 days. List prices may not necessarily reflect the product's prevailing market price.
Learn more
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
FREE delivery Wednesday, May 15 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
In Stock
$$21.50 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$21.50
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Ships from
Amazon.com
Ships from
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Returns
Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt
Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Read full return policy
Returns
Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Read full return policy
Payment
Secure transaction
Your transaction is secure
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
Payment
Secure transaction
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
$14.78
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
Cover shows light wear and tear. All inside pages are clean with no marking! 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed. Ships direct from Amazon! Cover shows light wear and tear. All inside pages are clean with no marking! 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed. Ships direct from Amazon! See less
FREE delivery Tuesday, May 14 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35. Order within 5 hrs 33 mins
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
$$21.50 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$21.50
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items.
Amazon book clubs early access
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Amazon book clubs early access

Join or create book clubs

Choose books together

Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Explore Amazon Book Clubs
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Martin J. Sherwin
+ Follow
More books from this author
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

A World Destroyed: Hiroshima and Its Legacies 3rd Edition

by Martin Sherwin (Author), Robert Lifton (Foreword)
4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars 16 ratings
See all formats and editions
{"desktop_buybox_group_1":[{"displayPrice":"$21.50","priceAmount":21.50,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"21","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"50","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"ca562euhNvvBj1IGQ6KshrrTl8UkRgb1pILnm6mnyVs1mL4PlM9Izi1AK03amgAMyrHs04CI0IKoulx933soATQqsNMxAqdaCQFwJ1KDV6uKVwShkjOt6tJHofrMUjZ2KjKqwNUJGh4%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"NEW","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":0}, {"displayPrice":"$14.78","priceAmount":14.78,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"14","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"78","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"ca562euhNvvBj1IGQ6KshrrTl8UkRgb1fvxBXXl6dow6sAM%2BPwDIww49J%2FDg2KnYrc%2BlfbvfZQfv85LbSr3i4KQ8f3tO7Yr3qPwfFcCOJHP23u5G48RjNzXg%2Fxugz%2FzW44obtVrfk8pT7%2FEx0RBDrorI0Ee%2BMSoxb9sVy2%2ByaIyqa%2BZHfHlJw94komtVYhzg","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"USED","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":1}]}

Purchase options and add-ons

Continuously in demand since its first, prize-winning edition was published in 1975, this is the classic history of the development of the American atomic bomb, the decision to use it against Japan, and the origins of U.S. atomic diplomacy toward the Soviet Union.

In his Preface to this new edition, the author describes and evaluates the lengthening trail of new evidence that has come to light concerning these often emotionally debated subjects. The author also invokes his experience as a historical advisor to the controversial, aborted 1995 Enola Gay exhibit at the National Air and Space Museum of the Smithsonian Institution. This leads him to analyze the impact on American democracy of one of the most insidious of the legacies of Hiroshima: the political control of historical interpretation.

Reviews of Previous Editions

"The quality of Sherwin's research and the strength of his argument are far superior to previous accounts."

―New York Times Book Review

"Probably the definitive account for a long time to come. . . . Sherwin has tackled some of the critical questions of the Cold War's origins―and has settled them, in my opinion."

―Walter LaFeber,

Cornell University

"One of those rare achievements of conscientious scholarship, a book at once graceful and luminous, yet loyal to its documentation and restrained in its speculations."

―Boston Globe

Read more Read less
Previous page
  1. ISBN-10
    0804739579
  2. ISBN-13
    978-0804739573
  3. Edition
    3rd
  4. Publisher
    Stanford University Press
  5. Publication date
    August 11, 2003
  6. Part of series
    Stanford Nuclear Age Series
  7. Language
    English
  8. Dimensions
    5.5 x 1.05 x 8.5 inches
  9. Print length
    424 pages
  10. See all details
Next page
Books with Buzz
Books with Buzz
Discover the latest buzz-worthy books, from mysteries and romance to humor and nonfiction. Explore more

Frequently bought together

A World Destroyed: Hiroshima and Its Legacies
$21.50
Get it as soon as Wednesday, May 15
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
American Prometheus: The Inspiration for the Major Motion Picture OPPENHEIMER
$15.15
Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 14
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
Brighter Than A Thousand Suns: A Personal History of the Atomic Scientists
$16.99
Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 14
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Details
Added to Cart
Choose items to buy together.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The quality of Sherwin's research and the strength of his argument are far superior to previous accounts."―New York Times Book Review

"Probably the definitive account for a long time to come. . . . Sherwin has tackled some of the critical questions of the Cold War's origins―and has settled them, in my opinion."―Walter LaFeber, Cornell University

"Sure to be the definitive study of these particular questions."―Noam Chomsky

From the Inside Flap

Continuously in demand since its first, prize-winning edition was published in 1975, this is the classic history of the development of the American atomic bomb, the decision to use it against Japan, and the origins of U.S. atomic diplomacy toward the Soviet Union.
In his Preface to this new edition, the author describes and evaluates the lengthening trail of new evidence that has come to light concerning these often emotionally debated subjects. The author also invokes his experience as a historical advisor to the controversial, aborted 1995 Enola Gay exhibit at the National Air and Space Museum of the Smithsonian Institution. This leads him to analyze the impact on American democracy of one of the most insidious of the legacies of Hiroshima: the political control of historical interpretation.
Reviews of Previous Editions
“The quality of Sherwin’s research and the strength of his argument are far superior to previous accounts.”
—New York Times Book Review
“Probably the definitive account for a long time to come. . . . Sherwin has tackled some of the critical questions of the Cold War’s origins—and has settled them, in my opinion.”
—Walter LaFeber,
Cornell University
“One of those rare achievements of conscientious scholarship, a book at once graceful and luminous, yet loyal to its documentation and restrained in its speculations.”
—Boston Globe

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Stanford University Press; 3rd edition (August 11, 2003)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 424 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0804739579
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0804739573
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.07 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 1.05 x 8.5 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars 16 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Martin J. Sherwin

Martin J. Sherwin

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read author blogs and more

Customer reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
4.1 out of 5
16 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

btrimble
5.0 out of 5 stars Hiroshima and the Atomic Bomb
Reviewed in the United States on November 20, 2018
Verified Purchase
Book details the development of the atomic bomb, the U. S.'s determination to defeat Japan and keep the Soviet Union out of Japan. Was the bombing of Japan necessary to end the war remains a debatable question. For insight into the political scheming behind the scenes, this is a good book to read.
2 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
William E. Turner Jr.
4.0 out of 5 stars The Destroyer of Worlds
Reviewed in the United States on January 2, 2004
The atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki forever changed the world landscape. The Nuclear Age came to be and a new god arose out of the ashes. The atomic bomb and nuclearism (the worshipful embrace of atomic weapons) came to rule the world in the vacancy left by the Second World War. The bomb and atomic energy came to be viewed as deity because in the words of Robert J. Lifton, "what other than a deity could be capable of destroying the world?" "But a deity also must be capable of ruling and protecting the world, even of keeping the world going?" (From the foreword). The bomb was embraced with both fear and wonder as that of a deity capable of both governing and destroying the world in a single action.
It is this deity's rise to power, which is here chronicled by Martin J. Sherwin. The complex political history is detailed from the beginnings of the Manhattan Project to the destruction of both Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Offering a fair treatment of all involved Sherwin provides the political backdrop to the creation of the atomic legacy, which continues to this day.
In this work he deals with the scientists' struggles with the military and subsequent use of their work toward military ends. These "soldiers out of uniform" began the race for the atomic bomb against Germany yet towards the end of their work many became increasingly aware of the moral ramifications for unleashing such a devastating device upon humanity. The burning question which continually came up to both scientists, political advisors and the world leaders involved (FDR, Truman, and Churchill) was, "What role would the atomic bomb take in the postwar world?" This question often failed to illicit response and only came to its answer after the destruction of both Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Sherwin spends much time on the relationship of the Soviet Union (Stalin) to the bomb. In the end the choice was to not let the Soviets in on the secret of S-1 (the military designation of the bomb) and Sherwin highlights how many saw this as negatively affecting the postwar relationship between an already fragile wartime cooperation between England, the United States and the Soviet Union. While Truman sought to use the bomb as leverage (at the Potsdam Conference) against both the Japanese and the Russians it seems to have worked for the Japanese but failed for the Russians. Japan surrendered shortly after the bombing of two of its cities, but the Soviet Union became hardened to the U.S. and American-Soviet relations quickly deteriorated. Could the Cold War have been averted if Roosevelt and Truman only included Stalin in on the knowledge of the bomb?
The atomic bomb brought about the end of the Second World War but brought about the beginning of the arms race and new war of nuclearism. While it was meant to be a means of peace during the war, the atomic bomb became a means of clouding the future of the postwar world. In conclusion, Sherwin quotes Henry Adams whom a century before the bomb wrote, "Man has mounted science, and is now run away with."
This book provides an immensely helpful pathway into the politics surrounding the creation and use of the atomic bomb. Unfortunately the scientific dimension of the creation and use of the bomb is lacking. Nonetheless this book is useful for understanding the political climate of the time and for also setting the backdrop to the Cold War and future American-Soviet relations. It is a good read, which would have been enhanced with some pictures of the key players, maps of the important places, and photographs (carefully chosen) of the subsequent devastation of the bomb.
While the political ramifications were effectively highlighted and questioned the moral issues while often raised were not adequately dealt with. While this is not a book on ethics it would have been interesting to explore the ethical legacies left from the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Sherwin does note that the majority of the political leaders never thought twice about using the bomb against Japan. I do not recall Sherwin connecting this at all with Pearl Harbor and I wonder what connection (if any) existed between the bombing of Pearl Harbor and the unquestioned use of the atomic bomb against Japan. It would have been worthwhile to explore further the ethical/moral impact, which the bomb had on the world and world leaders. Not much is dealt with after the bombing and because of that I was left somewhat disappointed.
Overall this is an excellent work, which details the political backdrop and milieu of the creation and use of the atomic bomb. It raises important political questions, which need answers. It unfortunately does not raise moral issues as such a topic should, but then again the purpose of the book was to show the political events surrounding the bomb. Nonetheless one wonders if the political arena and the moral arena can be separated. What is clear is that a new deity was created and released, one that continues to govern this world and strike fear in the hearts of nations, one with the power to destroy the world.
36 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
R B Quinn
5.0 out of 5 stars The effects of the first nuclear bomb dropped on Hiroshima in August 1945
Reviewed in the United States on October 28, 2021
Verified Purchase
A different viewpoint of the horrific effects of nuclear warfare
Helpful
 Report
Charlie Mudflats Chuck
1.0 out of 5 stars The Truth About The Atomic Scientists
Reviewed in the United States on September 9, 2011
Since I am not a professional reviewer, my attempt may not meet with approval by the usual reviewers. Overall, I was bitterly disappointed in the lack of insight by the author into the coverage of this most important subject. Without doubt, author Martin J. Sherwin takes the attitude that nearly everything done by the United States government in its handling of the research, development and manufacture of the atomic bomb was wrong, morally and politically, and likewise, that the U.S. government unquestionably immorally decided to use the atomic bombs on Japan. The author wrote the book entirely from the scientist's point of view, assuming that since the scientists had the intelligence and knowledge to conceive of and build the bomb, they should have had major influence over the rightful decision makers and participated fully in all the decisions during the development of the bomb and allowed major input into the use of the bomb.

The author takes the reader through the entire process of the conception of the science behind nuclear weapons, and each step of the way in its development, criticizes the U.S. government for not giving the scientist's group full and equal sway over the leaders of the U.S. government, which anyone with half a brain would know belonged exclusively and rightly to the proper governmental and military leaders of the U.S. Not only does the author take this ignorant attitude, but each step of the way in the process, leaves no doubt in the reader's mind that not only were the scientists unfairly left out of the major decisions in the building of the bomb, but that the governmental and military leaders in the U.S. were incapable of and morally wrong in their decision-making process. The author never misses a chance to deride, ridicule or otherwise criticize the United States government and military in their difficult choices.

However, it is in his handling of the implications of the development and use of the bomb in the U.S. dealings with Soviet Russia and Josef Stalin, that the author fails most strongly, in his ridiculous demand that in order to prevent a later nuclear arms race, the U.S. should have brought Russia fully into the development and knowledge of all the atomic secrets. For this attitude alone, the author cannot be taken seriously. He totally ignores that the U.S. had to be friends with and financially support Russia during WWII to beat the German Nazi's but that the communist and totalitarian ideology of Russia could not be trusted to be let in on the atomic secrets. Of course, due to the fact that most of the scientists saw no problem with communism theoretically may explain this attitude by the author.

Finally, in his coverage and criticism of the U.S. decision to use the atomic weapons on Japan, and in the telling of the complete story of the reasons for using the bombs on Japan, the author simply ridicules the U.S. for using the bomb, failing to fully realize that the Japanese military completely ruled the country of Japan and would never of its own volition have surrendered to the U.S., leaving the U.S. no other decision but to use the atomic weapons on Japan, since the only other alternative to such use to convince Japan to surrender, was an invasion of the Japanese homeland, with the clear vision of the almost certain loss of one million U.S. military casualties in such an invasion. After the deaths of 400,000 U.S. military thus far in fighting the Second World War, the scientist group showed its total ignorance in its criticism of the U.S. government in making the decision to use atomic weapons on Japan, foolishly believing that negotiation alone would convince the Japanese military to surrender.

It is extremely disappointing to read a book showing the complete ignorance of the facts that while the scientists had the brains to invent the a-bomb, as a group, they didn't have the brains to realize the U.S. had no alternative but to use the bomb and to leave Russia out of the decision.
12 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Jacob W.
5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent summary of the political aspects of the A-bomb project
Reviewed in the United States on March 28, 2017
Verified Purchase
An excellent summary of the political aspects of the A-bomb project, revealing interesting insights into the thoughts of U.S. leaders and the implications of their actions.
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
bat12
3.0 out of 5 stars interesting
Reviewed in the United States on February 9, 2013
good book
4 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Good reading material
Reviewed in the United States on June 26, 2014
Verified Purchase
Book was as advertised, arrived as forecast, and was good value for the money. The book is a good addition to reference libraries.
Helpful
 Report

Top reviews from other countries

DiveDoc
3.0 out of 5 stars Scanning, darkly
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 20, 2020
Verified Purchase
This would be an impressive book, dealing with matters of great import, were it not for hundreds of uncorrected scanning errors that distract from the text.
Report