"Interesting and informative reporting, research, and analysis concerning the impact on individuals and families of a Cold War industrial disaster that killed 53 workers." --Paul C. Rosenblatt, University of Minnesota "The 53 brings to light a story from the back pages of the Cold War arms race in which 53 men perished in an accident at a Titan II missile facility near Searcy, Arkansas. As the book describes, this event was a combination of sociotechnical weaknesses and failures, poorly-followed safety regulations, and human error--hallmarks of technological hazards and disasters. Professor Ulsperger provides an innovative application of structural ritualization theory (SRT) to examine how family members of the victims experienced disruption, grief, and recovery related to this tragic event. The book provides the best application of SRT to a disaster that currently exists, making significant advancements to both SRT and disaster studies." --Duane Gill, Virginia Polytechnic Institute.