NPC Virtual Newsmaker: "FALLOUT: The Hiroshima Cover-up and the Reporter Who Revealed It to the World"

Bestselling author Lesley M. M. Blume will discuss her book FALLOUT: The Hiroshima Cover-up and the Reporter Who Revealed It to the World, at a National Press Club Virtual Book Event on Wednesday, August 5.

This 1-hour program will stream live at 1:00 p.m. ET as part of the National Press Club’s Virtual Headliners series, and is accessible to both the media and members of the general public free-of-charge. 

Following the atomic bombing of the Japanese cities of Hiroshima on Aug. 6  and Nagasaki on Aug. 9, the U.S. government sought to suppress the horrific consequences of its first use of atomic power as a weapon. The full effects of the bombing remained hidden until journalist John Hersey told the stories of six victims in a 31,000-word piece published in the Aug. 31, 1946 issue of The New Yorker. The article is considered one of the finest pieces of 20th-century American journalism. In Fallout, Blume tells the story behind the story, explaining how Hersey overcame government and military obstacles to gain access to Hiroshima. 

Blume’s presentation will be followed by a moderated question-and-answer session with National Press Club President Michael Freedman. Viewers can send their questions for the author via email during the live program to [email protected].