Space and the American Imagination

by Howard E. McCurdy

Book Overview

Advocates of space exploration have long advanced a fantastic vision of the future: cavernous space stations, extensive lunar bases, sophisticated spacecraft and colonies on Mars. In books, movies,... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1560987642
• ISBN13: 9781560987642
• Release Date: October 1997
• Publisher: Smithsonian Books (DC)
• Length: 294 Pages
• Weight: 1.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.3" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Why Is Spaceflight so Popular? Or Is It?

Actually, spaceflight seems to be generally popular with Americans, but not a high priority for most. Commitment to it, therefore, is widespread but not deep. This book seeks to understand and explain the relationship of space exploration to the larger popular culture. It is one of several recent works to do so in a serious way in recent years, and clearly the most important of all of them. "Space and the American Imagination" presents a significant analysis of the interplay between popular culture and public policy. Howard McCurdy concludes that how closely the dominant trends in science fiction literature and film, as well as public perceptions, reinforce actual events in spaceflight fundamentally affects public support for spaceflight. McCurdy notes that during the 1950s and 1960s the relationship between reality and perceptions drew tightly together and created an expectation that allowed the accomplishment of the lunar landings. Since that era, the paths of public perceptions and actual events has diverged. A challenging interpretation that requires skepticism but also continued consideration, McCurdy has demarked an important area of consideration that will keep scholars working for years testing his hypotheses.This is a highly recommended book!

A fun history to read

McCurdy explores the space age by explaining its relationship to popular culture. He explains how and why public opinion shaped the space age, as well as how the space age shaped public opinion. Plus he examines how American history, both real and romanticized, shaped our culture. He makes many references to literature, television, and movies, making it a book everyone can relate to at least a little bit. I would have given it 5 stars, but he does go off subject sometimes and leaves you not quite sure where he's going.

A good book that covers a lot

The book shows you the battle between what we can do with science and what we want to do. It starts with a short history of rockets and the idea of space exploration than moves swiftly into the mid and late 20th century. The book allows you to see the huge rift between what people wanted and what governments could deliver. Its about the many sided battle between politics of leadership, military goals, dreams of a new frontier and a more limited, but maybe mature vision. It deals with the cold war, space stations, rocket ships and even the search for life in space. Any person interested in the space race between the US and the USSR or the space programs of the USA should read this book.