In the book of AN. Khitrova reflects the main historical stages of the creation of nuclear and thermonuclear weapons in different countries of the world, as well as the problems associated with the struggle of the world community for nuclear disarmament. Data published in open sources of information were used as initial data. The author of the book is a veteran of the Navy, a retired captain of the 1st rank, a candidate of technical sciences, a specialist in the field of nuclear missile weapons and weapons on new physical principles. Designed for a wide range of readers.