Fallout

Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown

By: Steve Sheinkin

Narrated by: Roy Samuelson

New York Times bestselling author Steve Sheinkin presents a follow up to his award-winning book Bomb: The Race to Build—and Steal—the World's Most Dangerous Weapon, taking listeners on a terrifying journey into the Cold War and our mutual assured destruction.

As World War II comes to a close, the United States and the Soviet Union emerge as the two greatest world powers on extreme opposites of the political spectrum. After the United States showed its hand with the atomic bomb in Hiroshima, the Soviets refuse to be left behind. With communism sweeping the globe, the two nations begin a neck-and-neck competition to build even more destructive bombs and conquer the Space Race. In their battle for dominance, spy planes fly above, armed submarines swim deep below, and undercover agents meet in the dead of night.

The Cold War game grows more precarious as weapons are pointed towards each other, with fingers literally on the trigger. The decades-long showdown culminates in the Cuban Missile Crisis, the world's close call with the third―and final―world war.

The way he weaves the factual stories together

It was great. All true all facts very listen able. Makes history come alive. Thanks.

Fantastic Listen

The book does a fantastic job summarizing the events of the Cold war. It is aimed at middle school or high school students, but does an excellent job giving the facts in an interesting and well paced way. I really think any fan of history would enjoy it.

Stupidity of leadership on both sides.

A good tell tell story of my generation of fools. It goes on today still.

Great History

Life is fragile, this confluence of events almost wiped it out. It is easy to go to war, it’s not easy to go to peace.

Journalistic excellence

Nicely balanced, incredibly detailed. Well crafted insight to an era globally but not intimately known.