Book Description
During the height of the Cold War, the U.S. Government prepared a document, known as The Emergency Plans Book, outlining what might happen to America in the event of total nuclear war with the Soviet Union. In late 1998, the National Archives declassified this document, and the authors made a copy of it. In 1999, the document was reclassified, once again burying the information in the halls of secrecy. This book is based on the only known declassified copy in existence, and is an unedited presentation of the Plans. This is a shocking snapshot of what our government was thinking might happen if Russia attacked, supported by expert commentary and compelling photos of the results of real nuclear explosions. Illustrations of U.S. nuclear weapons tests show the effects of atomic explosions on ordinary things: houses, factories, cars, tanks, radio towers, etc. It tells the sobering truth about the utter destruction the U.S. government assumed would happen to America in the event of total nuclear war. It also decribes the government's seemigly futile plans to deal with it.
Customer Reviews:
Old Hat .......2007-08-30
Keeney's publication of this memo brings curiosity out in anyone interested in a "What If" scenario that would stem from the age old and now bygone era of a nuclear strike at the United States by the Soviets. At 128 pages, it is a quick read and at times interesting, but it lacks any tell tale judgments, actions or possibilities that have not already been gone over a million times in the last thirty years. Even Fiction writers implore the devastation of such an event with the same astute delivery: Hunger, fallen infrastructure and nuclear fallout destroying much of the populace. The bottom line is, there is nothing here that is revering or surprising.
40 Year Old "Doomsday" Scenario.......2006-04-05
An okay book for someone just starting to read about "World War III" or the "Doomsday Scenario," but I wouldn't recommend it to anyone who is familiar with the topic. The book alternates between the official, recently declassified (and re-classified, as the author explains) World War III scenario from 1958, and the authors commentary on each paragraph of the report. While the title leads the reader to believe that this is some recently unearthed, top secret doc with new information, it is nothing that was not available (in different forms) before. In fact, much of this info can be found in the more recent report (ca. 1979) "The Effects of Nuclear War", and in much more detail.
What we have in this book is not detailed, and rather cursory, with the author drawing frequent comparisons between 9/11 and the 1958 nuclear war scenario. While there are several apt comparisons, the author seems to draw the line too often between every incident in the report to 9/11 -- often times, it is a stretch.
Overall, a fair book for the "beginner," but nothing new for the researcher.
Interesting little ditty from a bygone era.......2003-08-20
"The Doomsday Scenario" instantly catches one's attention with a glowing mushroom cloud on the book's cover. Closer examination also reveals that what is inside is potentially fascinating, too. Thanks to a brief window granted by the Freedom of Information Act, author Douglas Keeney was able to get his hands on a copy of the 1958 version of the U.S. Government's Emergency Plans Book. This book was the definitive study on impact of a nuclear attack on the United States. It focuses on the prelude, the actual attack, and the aftermath. It's fascinating and scary to see what our 'Cold Warriors' feared might be the end result of such a war. This manual predicts what would happen and recommends broad approaches to handling it after the fact.
Author Keeney published this manual in conjunction with his own notes regarding the manual. In it, he expands on the points made in the manual and also uses the events of September 11th, 2001 as an example of how the U.S. eventually DID face a disastrous attack of great magnitude. This makes for a quick and fascinating read for any who are students of the Cold War and intrigued by this subject matter.
Valuable inside look at Cold War nuclear strategy.......2003-06-14
"The Doomsday Scenario" by L. Douglas Keeney is actually a briefly declassified copy of the "Emergency Plans Book", a high level consideration of the challenges facing the U.S. in a post nuclear strike world, published in 1958. Along with Keeney's extensive footnoting (on opposite pages to the original text) and an excellent introduction by Stephen I. Schwartz, that is the extent of the book; thus, those reviewers who have argued that this book is dry are correct, although I would argue that their focus is incorrect.
Keeney's primary purpose in "The Doomsday Scenario" was to make available to the public a fascinating snapshot of how the government viewed the prospects for survival in a nuclear war as the Cold War approached its height (although, ironically, 1958 was a time when the U.S. actually had legitimate first-strike capability). As such, his notes are largely contextual (he also includes some excellent pictures of test shots, which effectively convey the destruction being so baldly stated in the document) rather than opinion or conjecture. Hence, if you are looking for a fleshed out portrait of a individual survival after a nuclear war, I would recommend fiction such as "Alas, Babylon", "On the Beach" or "The Last Ship". However, if you are interested in Cold War history in general, "The Doomsday Scenario" offers a superb primary reference, and nicely frames the nuclear strategy of the following thirty years.
As for the text itself, the document covers quite thoroughly (albeit at a high level) all of the military and societal implications of a nuclear war. Among the items considered are casualties, accessibility to medical facilities, economic consequences, food production, transportation and communication. Surprisingly, the government is rather bleak in its assessment and takes a worst case view in most instances. That's not to say that they were wrong to do so, but American's have become accustomed to the positive spin-doctoring of their elected officials, and it was a little odd to see the fact being so plainly stated. Although brief, there are still more points than I could consider in a review, but there were a few aspects of the document that I (and the author) found intriguing. Specifically, although chemical and biological weapons are never considered at length, nuclear weapons are explicitly only part of a suite of WMD's that the U.S. anticipated the Russians using. It is noteworthy that the government anticipated outbreaks of Yellow Fever, smallpox, cholera and even plague within a few weeks of an attack. While the breakdown of medical services would account for some of this, there seems to be a darker consideration underlying this assessment. At the same time, the plan explicitly considers sabotage (e.g. terrorism) playing a significant role in any Soviet strike.
Which brings me to my one complaint about this book: all to often Keeney draws comparisons to 9/11. While 9/11 was certainly awful, it pales in comparison to a nuclear strike, and while some of his comparisons are valid (strain on the communications network being one) all to often he assumes that the U.S. could rebound from 50 million casualties in the same way it did from a few thousand. There's just not much common ground between these two events, and while I believe Keeney is sincere, repeated analogies with no foundation in reality begin to smack of exploitation.
Ultimately, this is a book that will be best appreciated by those interested in the Cold War as a whole. As I mentioned early, this work is best utilized when it provides context and insight for other aspects of the struggle between the U.S. and U.S.S.R. While dry, the original document is fascinating in and of itself, and in spite of my complaint above, Keeney generally provides valuable insight into what the document is really saying.
Jake Mohlman
Add this to your Nuclear Library.......2002-07-07
The National Archives has withdrawn/reclassified the DOD Emergency Plans Book used to write this book. That fact alone makes this book a must read. I was very excited to start this book but have to agree with the others its a little thin. The author or a subject matter expert probably could have added more information and rounded it out nicely. The introduction is excellent and a good chronology of recent COG events. The actual document was very dry. Reading this reminded me of another book I read, Dropshot The American Plan for WWIII. Only facts and little elaboration. For someone from the Nuclear/COG/Command and Control world this is probably a little basic but some from the outside I would have to say this is must have book but you can put it on your wish list for Christmas.
Book Description
From prehistoric stone circles to medieval high crosses, from seaside stone castles to Elizabethan tower houses, the monuments of Ireland fascinate scholars and travelers alike. Whether crumbling or perfectly preserved, in the midst of cities or standing alone in isolated landscapes, they bear mute but eloquent witness to the island's rich past. Now, back by popular demand, comes a stunningly illustrated guide to Ireland's historic places. Ranging from the earliest remnants of the prehistoric past to the end of the medieval era, Ancient Ireland provides an outstanding survey of the island's finest archaeological and architectural sites. Peter Harbison provides lively and thoughtful descriptions of megalithic wedge tombs, medieval round towers, and Tudor manor houses--matched by more than 300 hauntingly beautiful photographs by Jacqueline O'Brien. Harbison also provides a narrative overview of Ireland's history, placing the architectural monuments in the context of Roman influence, Celtic migration, Brian Boru's battles, Norse and Norman invasions, Gaelic revival, and Cromwell's conquests. He describes the earliest monasteries against the background of St. Patrick's missionary efforts, examines the cultural impact of the Viking conquests, and explores the literary flowering that took place even as the Anglo-Norman aristocracy asserted its primacy in the twelfth century. The book brims with colorful details. And throughout, the carefully rendered and captioned photographs bring to life the rich physical legacy of the island's tumultuous past. Ireland remains a favorite destination for travelers, whether tourists or scholars of its fabled culture and history. Ancient Ireland provides an essential guide for all who are bound for the emerald isle--a delightful volume for tourists and armchair travelers.
Book Description
Introduction to the Human Body has provided countless readers with a strong understanding of the structure and function of the human body. Now in its much-anticipated seventh edition, this book presents the latest information in the field combined with an effective blend of stunning art and clearly written concepts. It approaches the study of the human body system by system, beginning with a look at the integumentary system. Readers will also benefit from the popular features that are integrated throughout the pages, such as Focus on Wellness Essays, Common Disorders, Focus on Homeostasis, and Clinical Applications. These are powerful learning tools that help make important concepts easier to understand.
Customer Reviews:
great buy.......2006-08-29
i am very happy with my purchase i needed this book for uni nd it came in perfect new condition and was cheaper than buying it at uni
thanks sue
Did not receive my CD with my textbook..........2006-07-18
I received the textbook it was in good shape. However, my CD-ROM was not in the sleeve inside the book. Where is the CD? Here at the school the CD comes with the textbook? I have tried to get information on my CD nevertheless; I can't get an answer!!!
Book Description
This edition is up-to-date and reflects the latest information and thinking in the field.
Focus on Homeostasis boxes clarify ways in which each system contributes to the homeostasis of each of the other body systems.
Focus on Wellness Essays throughout help readers apply the concepts to good health and understand how life-style factors affect the structure and function of the body.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent text.......2006-03-25
This book is fantastic. I learned a lot from it and the organization of the material was great. It even offers "Checkpoints" for focus on what you just read, and the answers for the "Critical Thinking" questions and "Self-quizzes" are in the back of the book. These questions are so helpful...my instructor actually used several like them on our exams. My only gripe with this text is that a few of the answers to the Self-Quizzes are incorrect. But if you've done your work, you'll be able to tell the answer doesn't jive. Hopefully in the next edition they'll do more meticulous editing on that. But they give you the usual A&P stuff, and then apply it to real-life diagnoses & situations.
great for massage therapy students.......2005-10-19
Required material for some massage students, this book is a great deal, saving nearly 40-50% off what you'd pay at the student book store or anywhere else for that matter. Has excellent diagrams and explanations to help through a/p.
Anatomy Review.......2005-10-16
This text book is very informative and easy to understand. We bought this and the Intro to the Human Body Study Guide. It comes with an interactive CD which enhances the curriculum.
Book Description
Introduction to the Human Body has provided countless readers with a strong understanding of the structure and function of the human body. Now in its much-anticipated seventh edition, this book presents the latest information in the field combined with an effective blend of stunning art and clearly written concepts. It approaches the study of the human body system by system, beginning with a look at the integumentary system. Readers will also benefit from the popular features that are integrated throughout the pages, such as Focus on Wellness Essays, Common Disorders, Focus on Homeostasis, and Clinical Applications. These are powerful learning tools that help make important concepts easier to understand.
Book Description
Introduction to the Human Body 5e offers a balanced introduction to the study of anatomy and physiology. It successfully blends stunning art and clearly written text to illuminate the complexities of the human body and to provide you with a basic understanding of structure and function. Consider these benefits:
* A clear focus on homeostasis as the underlying principle for understanding from and function
* A concise writing style that emphasizes core content over extraneous detail.
* An outstanding illustration program of the finest quality line art and photographs
* A focus on the relevancy of the basic content to everyday life
* A complete pedagogical framework surrounding the narrative and illustrations
* A support package that helps teachers teach and students learn
* A Student Companion CD-ROM specifically developed to go with this text attached to the inside front cover of the text
* A newly designed Web site www.wiley.com/college/apcentral
Customer Reviews:
The Essential of Anatomy and Physiology, 5th Edition.......2005-09-08
I was real pleased with my purchase. It was very well wrapped and in I was pleased with the price.
Book Description
Introduction to the Human Body has provided countless readers with a strong understanding of the structure and function of the human body. Now in its much-anticipated seventh edition, this book presents the latest information in the field combined with an effective blend of stunning art and clearly written concepts. It approaches the study of the human body system by system, beginning with a look at the integumentary system. Readers will also benefit from the popular features that are integrated throughout the pages, such as Focus on Wellness Essays, Common Disorders, Focus on Homeostasis, and Clinical Applications. These are powerful learning tools that help make important concepts easier to understand.
Book Description
This edition is up-to-date and reflects the latest information and thinking in the field.
Focus on Homeostasis boxes clarify ways in which each system contributes to the homeostasis of each of the other body systems.
Focus on Wellness Essays throughout help readers apply the concepts to good health and understand how life-style factors affect the structure and function of the body.
Average customer rating:
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The Gulf War 1991: Environmental Assessments Of Iucn And Collaborators (Marine Conservation and Development Report)
A. R.G. Price
Manufacturer: World Conservation Union
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ASIN: 2831702054 |
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