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

by Jack Niedenthal (Author)

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

Author Biography

Having lived, studied and worked in the Marshall Islands from 1981 until the present, author Jack Niedenthal speaks fluent Marshallese. His wife, Regina, is a Bikini islander. They have five children and one grandchild. His first six years in the Marshalls were all spent in the isolated jungles of the outer islands. He was a Peace Corps volunteer on Namu Atoll (1981-84). He then contracted to work with the Bikini Council on Kili Island (1984-late 1986) teaching English to the adults, teaching in the elementary school and working with the Kili/Bikini/Ejit Local Government Council. After the death of former Trust Liaison, Ralph Waltz, he was asked by the Council to begin work as the Trust Liaison for their local government (1987 to present). Duties of the Trust Liaison for the People of Bikini include the management and coordination of the funds allocated by the United States government to compensate the Bikinians for their suffering and to facilitate the radiological cleanup of Bikini Atoll. He acts as a liaison for the Council to the media, the U.S. government and its various agencies, the scientists who work on Bikini, the Bikini Council's attorney, trustees, money managers, construction companies, engineers, project managers, auditors and business associates. The Trust Liaison also coordinates travel schedules, is used as an advisor and translator, manages the Bikinians' scholarship program, and is responsible for the Bikini Council's accounting. He also manages the Bikini Atoll Dive Program for the Bikinians He has published a number of articles and photos about the people of Bikini in World View magazine, The Health Physics Journal, the San Francisco Chronicle and others. He is also an award winning filmmaker/producer/director of full-length feature Marshallese language films that include Ña Noniep (2009), Yokwe Bartowe (2010), Lañinbwil's Gift (2011) and Ainikien Jidjid ilo Boñ (The Sound of Crickets at Night) (2012). He founded Microwave Films of the Marshall Islands.