The critically acclaimed memoir that rips the curtain of secrecy off the world of Soviet science "Revelations and insights about the Soviet space program . . . It is good that such a wise man will live among us for a while." --The New York Times "A rare, valuable, insider's look at the Soviet military industrial machine."--Publishers Weekly "I found it fascinating . . . important not only to scientists, but also for those who fashion government politics generally."--Herman Feshbach Institute Professor Emeritus Massachusetts Institute of Technology "A real contribution to the literature of the space age."--Chicago Sun-Times "This is a powerful yet charming account of the Soviet Union's scientific, space, and military enterprise, characterized by Sagdeev's frank and insightful style mixed with delightful humor and humanity."--Charles H. Townes Nobel Laureate in Physics University of California, Berkeley "For all who are interested in the interaction of science and society, and in the nature of the Soviet Union as seen by a keen observer who was at the same time an 'insider' and a dedicated humanist, this book is highly recommended." --Physics Today
I recommend this book get a sample of what science is like in a totalitarian society. I grew up in the USSR, and I visited IKI in the middle of 1980s as a lead engineer from a lab that developed waveguide systems for IKI. Everything was secret and KGB guards were everywhere, but we were able to carry out documents and materials for waveguide systems in our pockets. Sagdeev's account of events is quite interesting since he can tell how things were in the USSR without being afraid for his life and well-being any more. I wish he talked more about the scientific side rather than politics.
Science at the other side of the iron curtain.
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 26 years ago
We are used to read about science in Europe or America, but this book refers to the knowledge of science in Rusia. How it affects to the politics and how the policts involve in science matters. Very easy to read. It goes from the beginning of the century to the Star War. Personal anectotes of the author with famous russian physicists.
The autobiography of one of the finest people on the planet.
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 29 years ago
Now that the madness of Star Wars *seems* be to behind us, check out this book. If you thought Regan and E.T. were nuts, wait til you read about the opposition. History is gracious-she provides sane leaders at insane moments. Just about everyone on the planet owes this gentleman big time. He writes beautifully. The history of Eastern bloc physics is not well known in the west-this book is the perfect place to start. One of the sanest, most decent men on the planet.
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