The Atomic Age

Originally published in 1949, this volume The Atomic Age contains six lectures delivered under the auspices of the Sir Halley Stewart Trust in 1948. Following the first detonation of an atomic bomb in 1945 the Western world was very concerned about the impact of nuclear war. This book reflects on the consequences at that time from a number of different angles.

This book is a re-issue originally published in 1949. The language used and views portrayed are a reflection of its era and no offence is meant by the Publishers to any reader by this re-publication.

Sir Marcus L. E. Oliphant (1901-2000) was an Australian physicist and humanitarian who played an important role in the first experimental demonstration of nuclear fusion and in the development of nuclear weapons.

Patrick M. S. Blackett (1897-1974) was a British experimental physicist known for his work on cloud chambers, cosmic rays and palaeomagnetism awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1948.

Sir (Henry) Roy F. Harrod (1900-1978) was a British economist who pioneered the economics of dynamic growth and the field of macroeconomics. He is also known for writing The Life of John Maynard Keynes (1951) and for the development of the Harrod-Domar model, which he and Evsey Domar developed independently.

Bertrand Russell (1872-1970) Bertrand Russell (1872-1970) was one of the most formidable thinkers of the modern era. A philosopher, mathematician, educational innovator, champion of intellectual, social and sexual freedom, and a campaigner for peace and human rights, he was also a prolific writer of popular and influential books, essays and lectures on an extensive range of subjects.

Lionel Curtis (1872-1955) was a colonial theorist and historian. He was the inspiration for the foundation of Chatham House (The Royal Institute of International Affairs) as well as the US Council on Foreign Relations at the Paris Peace Conference in 1919. He was a leading member of Round Table movement. His writings and influence caused the evolution of the former British nations into the Commonwealth.

Sir Denis W. Brogan (1900-1974) was a Scottish writer and historian. Professor of political science at Cambridge University from 1939 to 1968 and then emeritus professor.