Terrors and Marvels: How Science and Technology Changed the Character and Outcome of World War II

By Tom Shachtman

The dreadful global conflagration known as the Second World War was more than the clashing of great armies on bloody battlefields. A different kind of war was being waged in the secret laboratories on... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0380978768
• ISBN13: 9780380978762
• Release Date: May 2002
• Publisher: William Morrow & Company
• Length: 368 Pages
• Weight: 1.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 6.3" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Highly informative overview

This well researched and tightly written book provides an excellent overview of issues related to the development and introduction of new weapon systems prior to and during World War II. The roles of physicial scientists in the development of radar and the atomic bomb are presented in detail and with great accuracy. Of particular interest is the ongoing series of interactions between Vannevar Bush and Admiral Ernest King. One might conclude that Admiral King was more comfortable with the Navy when it depended on sails for motive power. The book, however makes clear that King was, in due time, able to change his mind and incorporate many of the new tools which were helpful in the defeat of the U-boats during the Battle of the Atlantic. This book is packed with facts and while not easy reading is well worth the effort.Perhaps some one will explore the Bush-King interactions in depth. I think they would make a very interesting study of how powerful and highly independent people strive to settle issues under conditions of great stress.