Neal Stephenson – Dawn of the Atomic Age

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Feb 12, 2025

Neal Stephenson, a #1 New York Times bestselling author, explores his new novel 'Polostan,' intertwining history and fiction. He discusses Dawn Rae Bjornberg's journey through pivotal 20th-century events like the Great Depression and her unexpected role as a KGB spy. The conversation covers Magnitogorsk's steel legacy, the socio-political struggles of British polo, and military tactics during upheaval, revealing the fascinating interplay between technology, ideology, and humanity in shaping history.

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ANECDOTE

Book's Origin

Neal Stephenson's new book, "Polostan," originated from a text message about the atomic bomb's origin.
Game designer Seamus Blackley, a physics geek like Stephenson, shared intriguing, lesser-known stories from the early 1940s.

INSIGHT

Magnetogorsk's Significance

Magnetogorsk, a planned Soviet city near a magnetic mountain, was built to house the world's largest steel mill.
Stalin's ambition for a massive steel industry led to this city's construction under harsh conditions.

ANECDOTE

Historical Context

"Polostan" explores the historical context of Reds, Whites, Wobblies, Czechists, and Cossacks during a turbulent era.
The story highlights the US grappling with internal pro-communist sentiments and a divided labor movement.

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