First published 1982
Jonathan Schell examines the catastrophic potential of nuclear warfare in this stark analysis of humanity's most dangerous creation. Disturbed by casual discussions of limited nuclear conflict and strategic objectives, Schell presents the full scope of what nuclear exchange would mean for civilization. He details the horrific consequences that would follow any use of these weapons, arguing that their mere existence makes eventual deployment inevitable. The book explores three key areas: the biological and environmental devastation that would create a republic of insects and grass, the concept of humanity's second death through nuclear annihilation, and the choice that faces our species. Schell forces readers to confront why such catastrophic possibilities must be eliminated entirely. While everyone acknowledges the danger, he grapples with the central question of how to control these destructive forces before someone, somewhere, triggers the unthinkable.
Genres: political-science, non-fiction, academic, american-history
Vibes: dark, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: gritty, informed-consent
255 pages · Hardcover · Alfred A. Knopf (NY)
Content warnings: death, graphic-violence