SKU: 57155854260

The Most Awful Responsibility: Truman and the Secret Struggle for Control of the Atomic Age

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The Most Awful Responsibility: Truman and the Secret Struggle for Control of the Atomic Age"This is historical research at its best." Dan Carlin "I thought I knew the story but learned much that I didn't know. Outstanding!" Richard Rhodes "A well written opus." The Wall Street Journal President Truman's choice to drop the atomic bomb is the most debated decision in the 20th Century. But what if Truman's actual decision wasn't what everyone thinks it was? The conventional narrative is that American leaders had a choice: Invade Japan, which

"This is historical research at its best." -- Dan Carlin

"I thought I knew the story but learned much that I didn't know. Outstanding!"-- Richard Rhodes

"A well-written opus." -- The Wall Street Journal

President Truman's choice to drop the atomic bomb is the most debated decision in the 20th Century. But what if Truman's actual decision wasn't what everyone thinks it was?

The conventional narrative is that American leaders had a choice: Invade Japan, which would have cost millions of Allied and Japanese lives, or instead, use the atom bomb in the hope of convincing Japan to surrender. Truman, the story goes, carefully weighed the pros and cons before deciding that the atomic bomb would be used against Japanese cities, as the lesser of two evils.

But nuclear historian Alex Wellerstein argues that is not what happened. Based on a close reading of the historical record, The Most Awful Responsibility shows that, despite his reputation as an ardent defender of the atomic bomb, Truman:

 

  • Wanted to avoid the "murder" and "slaughter" of innocent civilians
  • Believed that the atomic bomb should never be used again
  • Hoped that nuclear weapons would be outlawed in his lifetime

 

Not only did Truman not take part in the decision to use the bomb, but the one major decision that he did make was a very different one -- one that he himself did not fully understand until after the atomic bomb was used. The weight of that decision, and that misunderstanding, became the major reason that atomic bombs have not been used again since World War II.

Wellerstein makes a startling case that Truman was possibly the most anti-nuclear American president of the twentieth century, but his ambitions were strongly constrained by the domestic and international politics of the postwar world and the early Cold War. This book is a must-read for all who want to truly understand not only why the bomb was dropped on Japan but also why it has not been used since.

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SKU: 57155854260

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Justice
Carnegie, US
★★★★★ 4
Soft Material, but Color Not as Expected
Size: Queen, Color: Oatmeal, Size: Queen, Color: Oatmeal
I did not open or use this sheet set because the color wasn’t suitable for the occasion I intended. I prefer to return items in unused condition so they can be resold as new, so I cannot comment on the exact fit. From a price point, it's value for money. From touching the fabric through the packaging, the material feels soft and of fair quality. There is no unpleasant smell, and the overall functionality seems fine based on its construction. My only disappointment is the oatmeal color—it looks somewhat dull and gives off an aged or slightly used appearance. I was hoping for a brighter, creamier tone. Aside from the color issue, the product appears to be well made and comfortable, which is why I’m giving it four stars.
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Reviewed in the United States on December 6, 2025
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Anonymous
Port Orchard, US
★★★★★ 5
Nice and soft
Size: Queen, Color: Chambray
Update: I’m very happy with this sheet set! I’m currently only using the fitted sheet as I don’t have a need for the top sheet or pillow cases right now. It hasn’t popped off the mattress at all like the previous cheep sheet I had. Original post: The sheet set arrived today. Haven’t actually tried it yet because I need to wash it first. From I can see, looks great. Once it’s washed and on my bed, and can figure out how to update my review I will do so accordingly. It’s soft like most people have said and the color is nice, though they didn’t have my favorite color purple in a shade I like so I got the ‘fancy blue’ (don’t remember the actual name of the color) because I desperately needed a new sheet of quality.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 1, 2026
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Donna A.
Waukegan, US
★★★★★ 5
Very comfy sheets, nice fabric
Size: Full, Color: Oatmeal
I wasn’t expecting such good quality forthis price. They’re very soft, but of fairly thick fabric. I’m sleeping great on them. The pockets are deep enough for an 8” foam mattress plus my 3” topper. Will be getting another set for the second bedroom.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 13, 2026
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H. Simon
Natrona Heights, US
★★★★★ 5
Great Sheets!
Size: Twin, Color: Oatmeal
Super soft, wash up beautifully, seem well made — very happy! It’s very hard to find 100% cotton t-shirt type sheets and these are really lovely.
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Reviewed in the United States on June 1, 2026
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Chris
Natrona Heights, US
★★★★★ 3
Weirdly textured
Size: King, Color: Dark Gray
I have bought and loved jersey sheets in the past, that have all been as soft as a well worn cotton t-shirt. These arent soft. They have the stretch of jersey, but not the soft smooth texture that they should have. Even after washing a few times these are one of my least favorite sheets I've ever bought on Amazon.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 30, 2026

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