This volume investigates the physical, thermal, and radiological consequences of nuclear detonations to provide a comprehensive technical framework for civil defense and emergency response. Written by Samuel Glasstone and Philip J. Dolan, the text synthesizes extensive data from atmospheric nuclear testing and theoretical physics. It serves as a definitive reference for professionals tasked with modeling blast effects, radiation fallout, and infrastructure damage in the event of a nuclear incident.

Experts and practitioners in the field of national security regard this work as a foundational, highly technical reference for understanding the mechanics of nuclear weaponry. Readers frequently note the extreme density of the prose and the rigorous scientific approach required to fully grasp the provided data sets.