From the birth of the Soviet nuclear industry to a detailed analysis of the dramatic events of April 26, 1986, Plokhy (history, Harvard Univ.; The Gates of Europe) provides the most comprehensive exploration of the events that led to the Chernobyl disaster. The engrossing narrative covers how past Soviet nuclear accidents guided the response—and denial—of the explosion at Reactor 4 and significantly impacted the future of the now-abandoned town of Pripyat, the surrounding regions, and ultimately the Soviet Union. Plokhy also details the lasting effects the catastrophe are predicted to have on the residents and ecosystems of Ukraine, Belarus, and Russia for more than 20,000 years. A cautionary closing explores the continued operation of the power plant for years afterward and reveals how easily another tragedy could occur at nuclear facilities around the world. VERDICT A comprehensive overview of the Chernobyl disaster, with enough scientific inquiry to present nuclear topics without getting bogged down in details and jargon. Readers will appreciate the breadth of coverage of this nuclear and Soviet history, from environmentalists to interested general audiences.—Zebulin Evelhoch, Central Washington Univ. Lib., Ellensburg