Atomic Tragedy offers a unique perspective on one of the most important events of the twentieth century. As secretary of war during World War II, Henry L. Stimson (1867₁1950) oversaw the American nuclear weapons program. In a book about how an experienced, principled man faltered when confronted by the tremendous challenge posed by the intersection of war, diplomacy, and technology, Sean L. Malloy examines Stimson's struggle to reconcile his responsibility for βthe most terrible weapon ever known in human historyγ with his long-standing convictions about war and morality.

Introduction : "Its use must weigh heavily on our minds and on our hearts" -- The education of Henry L. Stimson -- The road to Pearl Harbor -- "A most terrible thing" -- "The international situation" -- The ordeal of Henry L. Stimson -- Hiroshima and Nagasaki by way of Potsdam -- The last full measure -- "The full enumeration of the steps in the tragedy" -- Conclusion : "a grave and continuing responsibility."