Tom Zoellner: Uranium
You may not expect a fascinating, complex piece of history from a book about a mineral.
Tom Zoellner, however, is making a career of just that. In 2006, Zoellner—a one-time Salt Lake Tribune reporter—explored the politics and economics of the international diamond trade in The Heartless Stone. His new book Uranium similarly uses the quest for a precious product of the earth as a way to study the ruthlessness of such pursuits, and how they can change history.
His tale spans centuries, from the earliest discoveries of “pitchblende” as a by-product of silver mining in Bohemia to the “intelligence” about Iraq’s pursuit of uranium and the current push for increased nuclear power. Along the way, he relates the discoveries that changed the perception of uranium from useless slag to potential miracle cure and, eventually, as a key to both abundant energy and previously unimaginable destruction.
But the most compelling human angle for locals comes when Zoellner revisits the “uranium rush” of the 1950-70s, as the United States and Soviet Union both raced to stockpile the element that was the key to nuclear weapons. Part of that story involves the rich deposits found in southern Utah, including the one that turned prospector Charlie Steen into a millionaire. Moab emerges as just one of the many places changed forever by the quest for the radioactive material, and Zoellner makes the sprawling narrative fascinating—and more than a little bit scary. Join him this week for a local reading and signing event.
Tom Zoellner: Uranium @ Sam Weller’s Bookstore, 254 S. Main, 801-328-2586, Thursday, March 19, 7 p.m. SamWellers.com
Speaking of...
-
Bad Day at Red Rock
Moab's former city manager sues alleging she was fired for being a whistleblower on troubled police dept.
- Jan 11, 2017
-
Central Book Exchange
A look at the history and current happenings at the Sugar House bookshop
- Jul 15, 2015
-
The Girl & The Beast
Local author Peter Clampton on his digital book series
- May 12, 2015
- More »
More by Scott Renshaw
-
Film Reviews: New Releases for May 9
Fight or Flight, Juliet & Romeo, Summer of 69, Clown in a Cornfield, Secret Mall Apartment and more
- May 8, 2025
-
Movie Reviews: FIGHT OR FLIGHT, SUMMER OF 69, CLOWN IN A CORNFIELD
Three new movies explore the art of the outrageous premise.
- May 7, 2025
-
May art: Holly Rios @ UMOCA, Mural Fest, Lizzie Wenger @ "A" Gallery
Diverse kinds of art on display for spring
- May 7, 2025
- More »
Latest in Entertainment Picks
Readers also liked…
-
THE ESSENTIAL A&E PICKS FOR MAR 14 - 20
St. Patrick's Day, Bored Teachers Comedy Tour, Downy Doxey-Marshall: Bloom and Laura Sharp Wilson: Gilding the Lily: A Choreography , and more.
- Mar 13, 2024
