This book investigates how the nuclear power industry utilizes specialized language and strategic euphemisms to shape public perception and facilitate the expansion of nuclear energy. The authors, Stephen Hilgartner, Richard C. Bell, and Rory O'Connor, draw upon historical records and public relations documentation to demonstrate how technical jargon is deployed to obscure risks and neutralize opposition. They argue that the control of language serves as a primary mechanism for maintaining institutional authority in the face of public concern regarding safety and environmental impact.

Experts frequently cite this work as a foundational text for understanding the intersection of linguistics and corporate propaganda within the energy sector. Readers often note the analytical rigor of the authors in deconstructing how institutional narratives are manufactured to influence public policy.