Fallout
The Hiroshima Cover-up and the Reporter Who Revealed It to the World
by Lesley M.M. Blume
A fascinating genesis story of the greatest scoop of all time.
I was always interested in the terrifying history of first atomic bombs and destruction of two Japanese cities that ended the Second World War. I read the original John Hersey’s “Hiroshima” article a few years ago and was very impressed with its depth and power, still resonating after decades. It is even more impressive when you know how it came to be and how it changed the perception of nuclear weapons. “Fallout” tells this great story, based on the extensive research.
It is also a very interesting account of the methods used by the New Yorker, so if you are a fan you will relish the details of its harrowing editorial process. My only complaint is that for a book focused so much on the journalistic standards it can be poorly edited in some places–but it still is a pleasure to read.
