Critical Mass

“I find it difficult to believe the traditional explanation that the Germans spent four fruitless years trying to bring a rubber plant on line, the technology for which they had previously developed, proven and used. I also cannot comprehend, nor do I believe, a buna (rubber) plant of that time period consumed as much power as the eighth-largest city in the world (Berlinas stated by directors of the plant).” –George M. Ladzun, (Ret.) Director, Process Development, Zeon Chemicals; Manager, Two Synthetic Rubber (buna) Plants, Zeon Chemical“Critical Mass brings to the surface defining new information, long hidden within archives, about the birth of the Atomic Bomb … . Should be in every library.” –D. Ray Smith Oak Ridge Y-12 (uranium enrichment facility) Historian“A coherent and well researched history of events that have been covered up for half a centuryexciting and revealing!” –Otis Maclay, Pacifica Radio Host“Compelling … as gripping as good fiction. Hydrick’s book is important history well written.” –Tony Hillerman, New York Times Best Selling author, Retired Journalism Professor, Decorated Hero of D-Day and the Italian Front“The assertion in Critical Mass that the uranium surrendered to U.S. authorities onboard the German submarine U-234 was enriched U-235 [enriched uranium] is certainly a credible conclusion in view of the storage, containment and prevailing shipping conditions.” –Dr. Gary Sandquist, Instructor, Nuclear Engineering, United States Military Academy, West Point

Carter Plymton Hydrick has been a professional writer and communicator for over a quarter century. While Critical Mass is his first book, he has written or produced hundreds of scripts, articles, and advertisements, as well as written, produced, and directed over 100 film and video productions, including work on feature films. He has served as director of corporate communications for a Fortune 500 company, and as a global marketing executive for one of the world’s largest computer companies. He and Kris, his wife of over 40 years, make their home near Houston, Texas. They are the parents of four children and grandparents of 14 at this writing.