The Making of a Soviet Scientist: My Adventures in Nuclear Fusion and Space from Stalin to Star Wars

by Roald Z. Sagdeev

Book Overview

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...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0471020311
• ISBN13: 9780471020318
• Release Date: April 1994
• Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
• Length: 339 Pages
• Weight: 1.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 6.4" x 9.6"

Customer Reviews

How Science Works in Totatitarian Society

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.

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.

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.