It was not Robert Oppenheimer who built the bomb--it was engineers, chemists and young physicists in their twenties, many not yet having earned a degree. The first atomic bomb was originally conceived as a backup device, a weapon not then currently achievable. The remote Trinity Site--the birthplace of the bomb--was used as a test range for U.S. bombers before the first nuclear device was secretly detonated. After the blast, locals speculated that the flash and rumble were caused by colliding B-29s, while Manhattan Project officials nervously measured high levels of offsite radiation.

Drawing on original documents, many recently declassified, the author sheds new light on a pivotal moment in history--now approaching its 75th anniversary--told from the point of view of the men who inaugurated the Atomic Age in the New Mexico desert.

About the Author
William S. Loring worked as a helicopter crew chief and an academic instructor at the Army Aviation School and holds an Airframe and Powerplant license. He lives in Dallas, Texas.

Reviews
"Loring tells [an] incredible story... This detailed history of the New Mexico desert outpost that became the site of the world's first nuclear test will keep readers in suspense... Loring brings to life the scientists, engineers, and military officers who worked under wartime pressure to produce this terrifying success... This precise chronicle covers every contingency the leaders planned for, from building a huge steel containment vessel to recover the plutonium to outfitting Sherman tanks for examining a radioactive environment. This uniquely thorough and richly informative analysis of the Trinity test site illuminates the complex efforts involved in building the bomb and preparing the site, covering nearly everything readers and researchers might want to know."-Booklist
"A detailed history of the Trinity test site, where the first atomic bomb was detonated.... a thorough and technically sound history...recommended"-Choice
"Much has been written about the development of atomic weapons, but no previous book quite matches Birthplace of the Atomic Bomb. Along with his detailed text, Loring includes many fascinating photographs with informative captions. His abilities to identify so many obscure aspects of the photos, and deduce so much data from them, testify to his deep knowledge of the subject. This book stands as the ultimate account of the successful detonation of the Gadget"-Stone & Stone
"Highly recommended"-Argunners Magazine.



Book Information
ISBN 9781476675510
Author William S. Loring
Format Paperback
Page Count 445
Imprint McFarland & Co Inc
Publisher McFarland & Co Inc
Weight(grams) 776g
Dimensions(mm) 254mm * 178mm * 23mm