Klara and the Bomb is a photographic and historical work that charts connecting threads between the invention of modern computers, the history of nuclear weapons, and, in particular, the narratives of the women involved. Crystal Bennes builds the book around the little-known life of Klara von Neumann, who came to the United States after marrying the noted mathematician John von Neumann and became one of the first computer programmers. Her story highlights the extent to which women were involved in the development of both computing and nuclear weapons from the 1940s onwards. Klara’s life ended tragically: in 1963, her body was found on the beach not far from her California home, and the coroner’s report stated suicide by drowning.
The publisher notes that while computing technology is ubiquitous today, its militaristic history and colonial connections continue to be underplayed or obscured: the modern computer originates in military-funded nuclear weapons research and development that took place during and after the Second World War. Many of these weapons were later detonated in the Marshall Islands, where indigenous communities were coerced into leaving their homes. These interconnected stories are the substance of the book.
Bennes works as concept, text and photographer. She combines fieldwork images with archival research, declassified papers, military propaganda, historical images and an extensive textual narrative. The book also includes a conversation with historian of science Peter Galison. Design is by Carel Fransen; production by Jos Morree (Fine Books); print by Wilco Art Books (NL); binding by Patist (NL); supported by Creative Scotland.
The first edition is 750 copies. The book is 320 pages, English, in a 170 × 230 mm Otabind softcover with dust jacket, ISBN 9789492051820. For collectors drawn to photographic work that engages archival and political material, the volume is a considered example whose layered structure gives images and documents room alongside sustained prose.
