The Sunday Times bestseller is a gripping exploration of what will happen in the event of a nuclear war, ideal for readers of American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer.

*Nominated for the Baillie Gifford Prize for Non-Fiction 2024*

"Essential" New York Times

"A gut-wrenching, multi-layered geopolitical thriller with a countdown" Forbes

"Tells a terrifying story in a devastatingly simple way" Guardian

Nuclear war begins with a small note on a radar screen. This is a minute-by-minute account of what follows. It must be read to be believed.

There is only one scenario aside from an asteroid collision that could end the world as we know it in a few hours: nuclear war.

Until now, no one outside of official circles knew exactly what would happen if a rogue state were to launch a nuclear missile at the Pentagon.

Second by second and minute by minute, these are the real protocols that choreograph the end of civilization as we know it.

Decisions affecting hundreds of millions of lives have to be made within six minutes, based on limited information, with the knowledge that once launched, nothing can stop the destruction.

Based on dozens of new interviews with military and political experts who have built the weapons, have knowledge of the retaliatory plans, and have taken responsibilities for critical decisions, this is the definitive account of what a nuclear exchange would look like.

Nuclear War is both a riveting non-fiction thriller and a powerful argument that we must get rid of these weapons that can end the world forever.

"This terrifying book is a must-read for every global leader" Mother Jones

"These are scenes straight from Dr Strangelove" Telegraph

"Both methodological and vivid" The Economist

Pages: 400, Dimensions: 16.2x16.2cm