A personal interpretation of the impact of the Chernobyl disaster both in the Soviet Union and the West, examining the environmental consequences, Soviet media coverage, reconstruction of life in the disaster zone (including the city built for Chernobyl workers) and safety changes in the industry.

Introduction: the cause of the Chernobyl accident, Victor G.Snell. The victims of Chernobyl; the environmental impact; the economic and political repercussions; images of Chernobyl - arts and the public; the special zone; restoration and reconstruction; the nuclear power debate.