An insider's look at the people of Bikini Atoll, site of 23 U.S. nuclear weapons tests from 1946-54, including the largest hydrogen bomb ever tested by the United States.
Author Jack Niedenthal relates the history of the people he has lived with for almost 20 years via interviews and personal experiences.
ISBN 982-9050-02-5
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Critical acclaim for FOR THE GOOD OF MANKIND: "I thoroughly enjoyed the book, particularly reading the history of Bikini in the words of the people. The book assures that these traditional stories will be available for others to read, but perhaps most importantly, for younger generations of islanders." Allen P. Stayman, U.S. Compact of Free Association Negotiator 1999-2001. "FOR THE GOOD OF MANKIND is a compelling account of the troubled history of the people of Bikini Atoll. Niedenthal's skillful use of oral history enables the Bikinians to tell much of their own story, and his personal reflections about that history and his own involvement with the community enrich the account. A welcome and useful contribution to Pacific Islands studies." Robert C. Kiste, Director, Center for Pacific Islands Studies, University of Hawai'i "Although Niedenthal peppers the book with his own insights and commentary, it is the words of Bikini elders that tell their story of how 23 American nuclear tests disrupted their lives beginning in 1946." Pacific Islands Magazine, March 2002 "For the Good of Mankind is a remarkably unique book..." International Monitor Institute, May 2002 |
*MORE Details about the tragic history of the people and their islands
*MORE Interviews with elder Bikinians and their leaders about their struggles from ancient to modern times and personal stories about the author's relationship with the islanders
*Updated Details about the Bikinians' local government and trust funds
*Updated Information on the radiological concerns and cleanup on Bikini Atoll
*Updated Demographics about the people and the geography of their islands
*Brief histories about the ships now at rest in Bikini's lagoon and also info as to the whereabouts of the other ships that were used for nuclear testing on Bikini
*Tourism details and dive profiles
*Updated Sources for researchers of Bikini Atoll's history
*Fully indexed with a brand new bookcover.
The historical information within this site, while constantly updated, is drawn largely from the book, FOR THE GOOD OF MANKIND: A History of the People of Bikini and their Islands, Second Edition, published in September of 2001 by Jack Niedenthal. This book tells the story of the people of Bikini from their point of view via interviews, and the author's more than two decades of firsthand experiences with elder Bikinians.
Copies can be purchased from this direct ordering link at Amazon.com, or you can also buy and download the Kindle edition.