About the Author

James R. Chiles began writing about technology and history while a student at the University of Texas Law School. His first piece was a 1979 Texas Monthly article on the Pantex nuclear weapons assembly plant in Amarillo, Texas. He began writing features for Smithsonian in 1983, and since that time has published features and cover stories there and in Audubon, Air & Space, Harvard magazine, and American Heritage of Invention & Technology. He lives in Minnesota.

Reviews

"ultimatly hopeful, recounting numerous acts of foresight or bravery in the face of bureaucratic opposition" -- Publisher's Weekly "Full of scary news, but unsensational and thoroughly documented. Just don't read it in flight." -- Kirkus Reviews

"ultimatly hopeful, recounting numerous acts of foresight or bravery in the face of bureaucratic opposition" -- Publisher's Weekly "Full of scary news, but unsensational and thoroughly documented. Just don't read it in flight." -- Kirkus Reviews

Anyone who's been caught in a traffic jam caused by an accident can attest to what seems to be a universal fascination with disaster. While an engaging topic does not guarantee a good book, this volume on the conflicts between machines and humans is accessible and free of excessive technical jargon. This is not a Luddite's call for a return to the days before complicated technology but a careful examination of various disasters such as Chernobyl, Three Mile Island, the Space Shuttle, and an assortment of industrial and airline accidents and how they might have been prevented. While not all accidents can be avoided, Chiles shows how a large number of them could have been. Chiles contributes regularly to Smithsonian magazine, Audubon, and Air & Space, and the level and style of writing exhibited in these publications is maintained in this text. Highly recommended for academic and public libraries. James Olson, Northeastern Illinois Univ. Lib., Chicago Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.