For the Good of Mankind: A History of the People of Bikini and their Islands

In this, the second edition of FOR THE GOOD OF MANKIND, new interviews have been added along with a Foreword by anthropologist Dr. Leonard Mason. By using firsthand accounts by the people of Bikini describing their half-century of nuclear exodus, this important book journeys through the Marshallese and Bikinian cultures from ancient to modern times. “I thoroughly enjoyed the book, particularly reading the history of Bikini in the words of the people. The book assures that these traditional stories will be available for others to read, but perhaps most importantly, for younger generations of islanders.” -Allen P. Stayman U.S. Compact of Free Association Negotiator 1999-2001. “FOR THE GOOD OF MANKIND is a compelling account of the troubled history of the people of Bikini Atoll. Niedenthal’s skillful use of oral history enables the Bikinians to tell much of their own story, and his personal reflections about that history and his own involvement with the community enrich the account. A welcome and useful contribution to Pacific Islands studies.” -Robert C. Kiste, Director Center for Pacific Islands Studies University of Hawai'i "Although Niedenthal peppers the book with his own insights and commentary, it is the words of Bikini elders that tell their story of how 23 American nuclear tests disrupted their lives beginning in 1946." -Pacific Islands Magazine, March 2002 "For the Good of Mankind is a remarkably unique book..." -International Monitor Institute, May 2002 "Jack Niedenthal's work is a labor of love..." -The Contemporary Pacific magazine, Fall 2003 "[For the Good of Mankind] is probably the most complete history of Bikini Island, and will continue to be a reference touchstone for future studies of the Marshall Islands and even the south Pacific...The cultural observations are superb." -Nick Wreden, Peace Corp Writers Magazine, January 2004