The U.S. government established Oak Ridge, Tennessee, as a clandestine city during World War II to accelerate the development of the atomic bomb. This book examines the daily lives of the individuals who lived and worked in this unique, government-controlled environment between 1942 and 1946. It draws upon a combination of oral histories and previously classified documents to reconstruct the social fabric and experiences of this wartime community. The narrative focuses on the patterns of life within the confines of this rapidly constructed, secretive city.

The book offers a detailed look into the social history of Oak Ridge during its formative years. It is recognized for its use of primary source material, including oral histories, to provide an intimate perspective on life within the secret city. The work is valued for its contribution to understanding the human element behind the Manhattan Project. The narrative effectively captures the unique atmosphere and daily realities of this wartime community.