Frank Close

Physicist, broadcaster, and author of DESTROYER OF WORLDS The Deep History of the Nuclear Age. On sale 12 June Beware imitiations. Support your local bookstore.

[Always Take Notes @takenotesalways]

When @closefrank started writing about physics for Nature and later The Guardian, he improved his writing the same way any scientist would – asking the right questions, careful experimentation and learning which variables to tweak each time.

https://t.co/z9KE1bBiTS

[Frank Close @closefrank]

This was great fun as the full length interview reveals. Thanks Simon, Rachel and @takenotesalways for making such a fascinating record of the origins of Destroyer of Worlds, and of science writing over the decades. @pew_literary @Walsh_e_Patrick @annabelhuxley @AllenLaneBooks

[Always Take Notes @takenotesalways]

NEW EPISODE: Theoretical physicist @closefrank speaks to Simon and Rachel live from EA Festival about making physics accessible for a general audience and the inspiration for his latest book “Destroyer of Worlds”, a history of the nuclear age.

https://t.co/z9KE1bBiTS

[Engelsberg Ideas @EngelsbergIdeas]

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[RBmediaTopAuthors @RBmediaAuthors]

The search for your next audiobook is over! For a limited time, save 50% on the "Particle Physics" audiobook by @closefrank. https://t.co/vGb6kz1dXh

[RBmediaTopAuthors @RBmediaAuthors]

A deal like this won't last long - buy the "CHARGE" audiobook today and save 50%! @closefrank https://t.co/fJxxiaPOhd

[Prospect @prospect_uk]

🏛️ History winners 🏛️

A SCANDAL IN KONIGSBERG by @Clarkstopher

CAPTIVES AND COMPANIONS by @justinmarozzi

THE REVOLUTIONISTS by @burke_jason

DESTROYER OF WORLDS by @closefrank

CRAFTLAND by James Fox

[Frank Close @closefrank]

I am now an historian! Thanks @prospect_uk Honoured to be on your list.
@Walsh_e_Patrick @annabelhuxley @AllenLaneBooks @BasicBooks

[Prospect @prospect_uk]

🏛️ History winners 🏛️

A SCANDAL IN KONIGSBERG by @Clarkstopher

CAPTIVES AND COMPANIONS by @justinmarozzi

THE REVOLUTIONISTS by @burke_jason

DESTROYER OF WORLDS by @closefrank

CRAFTLAND by James Fox

[Basic Books @BasicBooks]

@closefrank @guardian "Destroyer of Worlds" is available now: https://t.co/CpaTHO9HVl

[Basic Books @BasicBooks]

“Physicist Frank Close ventures beyond the Manhattan Project to tell the gripping story of the nuclear age.”

"Destroyer of Worlds," by Frank Close (@closefrank), is a @guardian Best Book of 2025!

See the full list: https://t.co/SAicqA4x6f

[Frank Close @closefrank]

Honoured that Destroyer of Worlds is one half of a "brilliant duology" that "make the best two-volume history of the nuclear age that has yet been published." @Walsh_e_Patrick @pew_literary @annabelhuxley @AllenLaneBooks

[Peter Hoskin @pghoskin]

The reviewed books are both excellent, btw: @SPlokhy’s THE NUCLEAR AGE and @closefrank’s DESTROYER OF WORLDS.

[ஜீவன் @jeevanvasagar]

@NorthbankTalent And more on @closefrank's book here, via @HistoryExtra

https://t.co/qE8OmEP7sb

[ஜீவன் @jeevanvasagar]

Can nuclear power provide the abundant clean energy that saves the world? Looking forward to joining @closefrank and Tim Gregory to discuss the wonders of atom-splitting.

Tuesday 21 October, 7:30pm, @Wimbookfest London SW19

Last few tickets here:

https://t.co/bpny2dRk08

[Frank Close @closefrank]

C N "Frank" Yang, co-discovererr of parity violation, founder of Yang-Mills theories and much more has died today aged 103

[Tsinghua University @Tsinghua_Uni]

Prof. Chen Ning Yang, a world-renowned physicist, Nobel Laureate in Physics, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Professor at Tsinghua University, and Honorary Director of the Institute for Advanced Study at Tsinghua University, passed away in Beijing due to illness at the age of 103. His life stands as a timeless chapter in human history—one that shines not only for China but for the global community of thinkers and innovators. His legacy will live on forever.

[The Podcast Browser @PodcastBrowser]

Podcast with Frank Close about his book Destroyer of Worlds: The Deep History of the Nuclear Age: 1895–1965. Discusses the history of, and key figures in, discovering and exploiting atomic energy.
@HistoryExtra
@closefrank https://t.co/YNkAXZZV6F

[Frank Close @closefrank]

Power & Terror: A History of the Nuclear Age https://t.co/aaxWjDCNp0
From Becquerel to Tsar Bomba: the story of Destroyer of Worlds @Walsh_e_Patrick

[Frank Close @closefrank]

@GeneDannen @brianclegg Very interesting! Now need to find if one in Southampton Row. If so then maybe their very novelty (and pedestrian uncertainty referred to) indeed stimulated his subconscious tho' his version of sequence seems illogical as described

[Frank Close @closefrank]

@GeneDannen @brianclegg pps. Check https://t.co/t3YFp3gtWI either theres an error or some fine print! 1931 seems police also needed to direct pedestrians

[Frank Close @closefrank]

@GeneDannen @brianclegg p.s. Where does the Alamy photo link to? How sure of June 1931? Seems in conflict with the Piccadilly 1937 story.

[Frank Close @closefrank]

@GeneDannen @brianclegg The Ox Circus photo however does seem to qualify as "robot" so what story does this come from? How sure Alamy have right date? If correct seems conflict with the Piccadilly 1937 report...?

[Frank Close @closefrank]

@GeneDannen @brianclegg Also semaphore signals back in 1868. The first *fully automatic* electric traffic lights were Piccadilly Circus in 1937; "Crowds of people assembled .. to watch Minister of Transport, Wilfrid Ashley, switching on our first "Robot" traffic lights". 1931 Ox Circus peds had bells.