The Hiroshima Men

The nuclear destruction of Hiroshima and Nagasaki was one of the most iconic moments of the twentieth century. Yet little has been written about the individuals whose actions led to Japan's unconditional surrender. Iain MacGregor's The Hiroshima Men is epic in scale yet intimate in detail, its pages filled with mavericks and geniuses who forever changed our world. A meticulously researched and compellingly written tour-de-force

By profiling some key players, MacGregor pulls readers into their personal stories with visually enticing description and lively dialogue

The Hiroshima Men is a searing and humane reckoning with the human cost of atomic warfare, blending meticulous history with unflinching moral clarity

This well-rounded and harrowing history of the road to using the first atomic bomb in anger, and its aftermath, first follows scientists tentatively assembling their knowledge. A laudable and fascinating aspect of this polished author's research was his visit to Hiroshima, to view its archives and interview survivors. Along the way, we learn that conventional B-29 fire-bombing raids caused more deaths than atomic weapons.

A meticulously researched and profoundly thought-provoking account of one of history's most consequential events . . . More than just a work of history, this is also a sobering meditation on war, science and morality. Superb

Once again, MacGregor weaves together a wide range of sources to create a gripping, moving and frequently surprising narrative, this time of how World War II ended in human-created apocalypse, and a new era began with a mix of hope and horror that still characterizes our lives eight decades later

The atomic bombing that obliterated Hiroshima has not lacked for attention from historians and other writers. But Iain MaGregor's gripping book vastly expands the cast of characters: politicians and scientists in Japan and the United States; military men on both sides, from generals to pilots and air crews; victims on the ground both dead and alive; writers and journalists covering the story - all portrayed vividly as the story dramatically unfolds

Iain Macgregor's compelling account impresses in many ways. Unheralded individuals take centre stage. Vividly drawn characters spring to life. But it is his expertly managed juxtaposition of science, strategy and visceral horror that stands out

An extraordinary and utterly absorbing blend of the historical, the scientific and the human. MacGregor has made us see a terrible event with different eyes. A real achievement

Iain MacGregor's impeccably researched account of the first use of nuclear weapons in war is a timely reminder of the horrors they unleash on the world

Really outstanding

I can think of no more important book for our time. Written with moral clarity, tremendous verve, and the ability of a truly great historian to render the immensity of a moment through the smaller voices as well as being faithful to the facts. I recommend this magisterial, haunting book to all generations

The Hiroshima Men is a brilliant, superbly researched story of genius and terrifying destruction