The Story of Nuclear Power, 1972, Series 601 (lam)

The Story of Nuclear Power was first published in 1972 and was the 20th title in the long-running Achievements series, 601.  It was illustrated by the brilliant visual-storyteller Robert Ayton and was written by E H Childs.  This is an interesting book in terms of Ladybird and social history.  I feel this book was written at the turning of the tides – at the point at which the energy and enthusiasm of the post-war period towards technology as the means to build a better world was beginning to falter.  The writing of this book is a little confused.  I think there was too little knowledge or two little motivation in the editorial team to edit the book properly and it lacks the conviction and clarity of most of their non-fiction output.  1972 is also the date when Ladybird the company was sold to the Longman-Pearson group.  The out-going editiorial director (Douglas Keen) was, at this point, also becoming very concerned about environmental issues.  All these things coinciding in around 1972 are probably the reason why the text is not a demonstration of Ladybird’s finest hour.  The illustrations up to standard though.

This copy:

Matt boards.  In good condition generally but it has been covered in clear plastic to protect it.  Despite this, it’s still quite worn at the corners.  Inside there’s a school stamp on the free endpapers but otherwise the pages are in VG condition.  This is a rare book in nice condition (if you can live with the plastic) – and, with a tally number of 300 – I believe it to  be a first edition.