From nuclear programs in the Middle East to plans for nuclear reactors at home, the element uranium is never far from the headlines. How does uranium deliver the immense power of a nuclear bomb or the slow deadly effect of radiation? In this riveting account, bestselling author of Fermat's Last Theorem, Amir Aczel introduces the history of the mysterious metal and recounts how famous scientists worked to uncover its potential. This is a lively history of the physicists who first isolated the element, learned its properties, and marshalled its explosive power. He also explores what drove so many of last century's geniuses to willingfully collaborate on a project to kill thousands of people? And how did a simple element like uranium show scientists the way to create a deadly bomb that would irrevocably change the course of history and continue to shape global politics.