Fallout: the Hiroshima cover-up and the reporter who revealed it to the world

Lesley Blume's book "Fallout" reveals how a courageous reporter uncovered the true effects of the atom bomb, potentially saving millions of lives. The US had begun a secret propaganda campaign to celebrate these weapons as the ultimate peacekeepers, hiding the extent of their devastation. John Hersey's article in "The New Yorker" became an instant global sensation, inspiring horror about the weapons and deterring their use since the end of World War II.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 288 pages
\n Publication date: 12 November 2020
\n Publisher: Scribe Publications
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Lesley Blume, a New York Times bestselling author, has written a book that delves into a courageous reporter's uncovering of one of the greatest and deadliest cover-ups of the 20th century. The book, titled "Fallout," reveals the true effects of the atom bomb and the subsequent cover-up by the US government to celebrate these weapons as the ultimate peacekeepers.

In the aftermath of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the Japanese surrendered unconditionally. However, even before the surrender, the US had initiated a secret propaganda campaign to portray these weapons as the ultimate peacekeepers, hiding the true extent and nature of their devastation. The cover-up intensified as Americans closed the atomic cities to Allied reporters, preventing information from leaking about the horrific and lasting effects of radiation that would kill thousands of people in the months following the blast.

For nearly a year, the cover-up remained successful, until New Yorker journalist John Hersey entered Hiroshima and reported the truth to the world. Hersey and his editors kept the whistleblowing story secret, even from most of their New Yorker colleagues. When the magazine published "Hiroshima in August 1946," it became an instant global sensation, inspiring pervasive horror about the weapons that had been covertly waged in America's name.

Since 1945, no nuclear weapons have ever been deployed in war, partly due to Hersey's alerting the world to their true, devastating impact. This knowledge has remained among the greatest deterrents to using them since the end of World War II.

"Fallout," released on the 75th anniversary of the Hiroshima bombing, is not only an engrossing detective story but also an important piece of hidden history. It showcases how one heroic scoop saved and can still save the world. Blume's book sheds light on the untold stories of the individuals who risked their lives to expose the truth and the consequences of the atomic bombings. It serves as a reminder of the importance of journalism in holding governments accountable and promoting peace.

In conclusion, "Fallout" by Lesley Blume is a powerful and eye-opening book that delves into the hidden history of the atomic bombings and the courageous efforts of those who exposed the truth. It is a must-read for anyone interested in history, journalism, and the consequences of nuclear weapons.

\n Weight: 414g\n
Dimension: 154 x 235 x 2 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781913348212\n \n