Samuel Glasstone (3 May 1897 – 16 November 1986) was a British-born American academic and writer of scientific books.

He received two doctorates, in 1922 and 1926 (PhD and DSc), in chemistry at London University.

After numerous studies of physical chemistry, for example the discovery of the C–H···O interaction mentioned above, Glasstone worked with Henry Eyring and Keith Laidler on the theory of absolute reaction rates.

Former Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) Chairmain Glenn T. Seaborg wrote:[3]Over a period of 17 years he has produced for the AEC 12 classical nuclear texts or reference books, each a model in its field.

His books ... show what science writing at its best can be – unfairingly correct, but also fluent, lucid, gracesful and superbly organized.Popular works are: His book The Effects of Nuclear Weapons, has appeared in three editions: 1957,[5] 1962,[6] and 1977[7] (originally titled The Effects of Atomic Weapons[8]), and documented the effects of nuclear explosions.