Dr. Space: The Life of Wernher von Braun

Book Description

Foreword by John Glenn. Wernher von Braun, the father of modern rocketry, is a hero to some and villain to others, and the many books written about him are either bitterly critical or adoring. This biography is neither. After seven years of investigation, veteran aerospace journalist Bob Ward has rejected the extremes and presents a revealing, even-handed portrait of the onetime Nazi Party member who brought the United States into the Space Age. As it chronicles von Braun's life, the book explodes many myths and misconceptions about this controversial genius.

From the young German aristocrat's leadership role in the development of the world's first ballistic missile—the infamous V-2 rocket used against the Allies during the invasion of Europe—to his successes in the United States after the war, a picture of von Braun emerges as a brilliant scientist with limitless curiosity and a drive to achieve his goals at almost any price. Yet the author's lengthy research reveals that the apolitical von Braun accepted nominal Party membership and an essentially honorary SS commission only under heavy pressure, and that his connections to the notorious V-2 slave labor factory were largely peripheral.

Ward sheds new light on von Braun's extraordinary contributions to launching the first U.S. satellite, hurling the first American astronauts into space, and winning the "Moon race" with the Saturn V super-booster that powered Armstrong, Aldrin, Collins, and their successors to the lunar surface. But the author does not shy away from revealing facts about the space leader's humiliating final years with NASA in the nation's capital and his long battle with cancer. Along the way, readers are introduced to the human side of this charismatic visionary who mesmerized audiences across the country. A gregarious, whisky-drinking night owl who could out cuss any of his friends, von Braun also played the piano and cello, mastered scuba diving, flew an array of aircraft, spoke several languages, became a serious amateur astronomer, and was an avid reader and conversationalist, as much at ease discussing Nietzsche as nuclear fission. Including insights and recollections from a number of von Braun's celebrity friends—Walter Cronkite, Hugh Downs, and William Pickering among them—this is a book certain to appeal to von Braun's admirers and detractors.

Customer Reviews:

Very Interesting.......2007-07-14

I found this to be a very interesting book to read. Wernher von Braun is one amazing man and and lived a very different and amazing life. This books gives you a bit of a look inside the man, what made him tick. There are a lot of interviews with people who worked with him or new him. The book is well written and is a must read if you are into the history of the NASA space program.

Excellent Read!.......2006-08-13

I really enjoyed this book. I worked at ABMA and later NASA during the late 1950's and early 1960's as a student trainee and it was pretty heady stuff for a young guy from South Georgia to be involved with members of Dr. Von Braun's team. Ward provides excellent insights into Dr. von Braun as an individual and his role in the nation's "space race". While at times it comes across as a little " promotional" it's an excellent story and makes one wonder what our space efforts would be like today if had he been chosen as head of NASA

An excellent read.......2006-07-08

Many rocket history buffs will review this book very closely, and be very critical if it doesn't treat every aspect of their personal interests completely. This book will fall short for many, depending on an individual's particular interest niche'. Criticizing this book in such a way is crazy.....it's a fine historical read. If you want in-depth technical descriptions of his works, then research those specifically. Similarly, if you want to dwell on the moral aspects of being a Nazi rocket researcher, then research that on its own. But, on balance, if you want to read about a man who rose to prominance "on the wrong side of the tracks," where his brilliance thrived, and how that transformed the modern era into the space age, then read this book. It's a great book about a great mind.

Good read for all interested in space history.......2006-04-18

The novel Dr. Space: The Life of Wernher von Braun is written as a biography to show the main events in the life of Dr. von Braun. Although the book does not strictly follow a timeline of his life, it does basically follow the course of his life from his early childhood until his death in 1977. The book highlights his early promise as a musician but then shows how he became fascinated by rockets and the stars through small experiments and a telescope. The book then goes on to show his rise from firing rockets with a group of young enthusiasts to heading the German army's rocket development throughout World War II. After the war, von Braun heads to the United States where he and his team work on all kinds of missiles. All the while, von Braun attempts to convince the American government to allow him to develop a space program. The novel then follows his incredible career as a designer for the rockets that launched the first U.S. satellite into space and also carried the first man to the moon. This story is given added credibility by the fact that the author was a newspaper writer in von Braun's adopted hometown of Huntsville and knew the scientist personally. He writes the novel to share his opinions on the life and work of Wernher von Braun. The book is a good read for anyone with an interest in history and especially for anyone who is fascinated by rocketry. Since von Braun is the father of the American space program and a pioneer in the field of rocketry, this work is a great read for anyone with an interest in science.

Lack of Impartiality Hurts Biography.......2005-11-20

The old admonish about never judging a book by its cover is very apropos to Dr. Space. The book's jacket touts this biography as a "...rare, balanced study..." of Von Braun's life. Sadly, that isn't the case. Ward clearly states that he had met Von Braun more than once. Those interactions obviously left Ward with favorable impressions of the man, which end up shaping the portrayal of his subject. Von Braun is depicted as an almost super-human being that was loved by most, but despised by a jealous, inferior few who made the end of his life miserable. Even Von Braun's faults, toward which a chapter is dedicated, are depicted not as flaws in character but as mild eccentricities and naughtiness. Yet, Von Braun's career strongly hints that he was a firm believer that (at least professionally) the ends justified the means. A more balanced biography would have the explored this aspect of Von Braun's personality further.

The reader is especially shortchanged in the depiction of Von Braun's technical skills. Von Braun is primarily shown in the workplace as a cheerleader type manager who got the best from his staff. Virtually none of his technical accomplishments are mentioned, leaving the reader to wonder why a good manager would be awarded the National Medal of Science and ranked second on the list of the 100 "Stars of Aerospace". While detailed technical descriptions might be over the head of some readers (after all, most of us aren't rocket scientists), some illustration would have been helpful to appreciate Von Braun's creativity.

With the atrophying of the U.S. space program and the time that's passed since his death, the general public's knowledge and appreciation of Von Braun is sadly fading from memory. A good biography of this rocketry giant would restore the widespread respect that he deserves. Unfortunately, Dr. Space is just a warm up to that more definitive biography which has yet to be written.

Book Description

The famed Skyraider in Korea and Vietnam, emphasizing its great ground assault capabilities., over 100 b/w and color photographs, 8 1/2" x 11"

Customer Reviews:

Definitely A-1!.......2001-03-24

If you are a Skyraider fan, you MUST get this book. It has the entire developmental history of the A-1. From its early beginnings as an "overnighter" sketch session in a hotel room to the various versions and models that served proudly for almost 40 years. A very informational book that is more than just pretty photos...

Douglas A-1 Skyraider - WarbirdTech Volume 13 (WarbirdTech)

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Skyraider A1

Douglas A-1 Skyraider - WarbirdTech Volume 13 (WarbirdTech)
Larry Davis
Manufacturer: Specialty Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1580070663

Book Description

Discover every detail of the most versatile aircraft of the 20th century. Chapters include: The XSB2D-1; The SBT2D-1 Development; Improved Firepower; The AD 5; The Skyraiders Colors; Skyraiders in Foreign Service, and more. Filled with exploded views and cutaway drawings. WarbirdTech 13.

Customer Reviews:

Skyraider A1.......2007-05-29

I brought this book so I could see how the plane looks from all angles with regards to a plastic model that I was building ,I had hoped that there was a scaled drawing in the book somewhere but while it had some drawings there was nothing of the flaps etc which was why I'd brought the book in the first place.It is still a nice book to read

Skyraider: The Douglas A-1 Flying Dump Truck

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For all students of aviation history and military buffs
This is an excellant history of the "SPAD"

Skyraider: The Douglas A-1 Flying Dump Truck
Rosario Rausa
Manufacturer: Nautical & Aviation Pub Co of Amer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0933852312

Customer Reviews:

For all students of aviation history and military buffs.......2001-05-23

Skyraider: The Douglas A-1 "Flying Dump Truck" is the story of an basic American military aircraft from its conception in June 1944 by Douglas Aircraft designer Ed Heinemann, to its initial launch nine months later. It was continuously employed by the U.S. Navy and Air Force during Korea and Vietnam. This sturdy, stubby, prop-driven attack plane was a true aeronautical workhorse and called a "flying dump truck" because of its enormous capacity for ordnance to be delivered to the assigned target. Not only did the American armed forces rely on the A-1 but so did allied forces including the British, French, and Swedish. Navy Captain Rosario Rausa brings a special expertise to his aviation history of this remarkable plane from its beginnings down to its last mission (shooting down MiG jets over Vietnam). These stories of the A-1 and the men who piloted it into aviation history is very highly recommended reading for all students of aviation history and military buffs.

This is an excellant history of the "SPAD".......1999-03-16

CAPT Rausa spent a lot of time researching this work - and even more time strapped into the seat of the Skyraider. The stories, the history, the memories his work rekindles are all tremendous. Some of my stories are reccounted - along with those of officers and men I served with and served under. I loaned my copy to my Dad and found that his Boss was in it! This book is a must for any military aviation afficianado. CWO4 James W. Doran, USN (RET): AOAN, VA-122, A-1E/H/J, 1963-1964 AO3, VA-52, A-1H/J, 1964-1966 AO2, VA-125, A-1E, 1966-1969

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A-1 Skyraider (Walk Around, No. 27)

Manufacturer: Squadron/Signal Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Douglas A-1 Skyraider (Koku-Fan, April 4, 1979) (Famous Airplanes of the World, 108)

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Douglas A-1 Skyraider (Koku-Fan, April 4, 1979) (Famous Airplanes of the World, 108)
-
Manufacturer: Bunrin-Do
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: B000V10QKW

Douglas A-1 Skyraider (Osprey Air Combat)

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Douglas A-1 Skyraider (Osprey Air Combat)
Robert F. Dorr
Manufacturer: Osprey Publishing Ltd. (UK)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Douglas A-1 Skyraider (Warbirdtech Series , Vol 13)

Average customer rating:

Very informative, But I prefer more color pics

Douglas A-1 Skyraider (Warbirdtech Series , Vol 13)
Kris Hughes , and Walter Dranem
Manufacturer: Specialty Press (MN)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Book Description

This is the first and only series to take a technical look at some of the world's most exciting combat aircraft. Each volume emphasizes the unique, the groundbreaking, and the technical characteristics of each aircraft.

Customer Reviews:

Very informative, But I prefer more color pics.......2002-03-10

Pretty good book overall, but I would have liked it more if there were more color sheme charts/ drawings to choose from.

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Skyraider, the Douglas A-1 "Flying Dump Truck"
Rosario Rausa
Manufacturer: Nautical & Aviation Publishing Co of America
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000NDCU20

Models of yesteryear: U.S. Navy convair PB4Y-1 patrol bomber & Douglas AD-6 Skyraider.: An article from: Airpower

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Models of yesteryear: U.S. Navy convair PB4Y-1 patrol bomber & Douglas AD-6 Skyraider.: An article from: Airpower

Manufacturer: Sentry Books, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

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Book Description

This digital document is an article from Airpower, published by Sentry Books, Inc. on July 1, 2003. The length of the article is 597 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Models of yesteryear: U.S. Navy convair PB4Y-1 patrol bomber & Douglas AD-6 Skyraider.
Publication: Airpower (Magazine/Journal)
Date: July 1, 2003
Publisher: Sentry Books, Inc.
Volume: 33 Issue: 4 Page: 62(2)

Distributed by Thomson Gale

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Douglas A-1 Skyraider
Robert F. Dorr
Manufacturer: London : Osprey Publishing Limited (1989)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000KRGQX8

Book Description

What are the political logics explaining the spread of populist experiences in the contemporary world? What is involved in constructing the idea of the people? And how does this construction relate to other forms of political subjectivity—classes, corporations and other forms of association?

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Reason, published by Thomson Gale on January 1, 2007. The length of the article is 2213 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Paradise lost: a populist's nostalgic ode to an America gone by.(Look Homeward, America: In Search of Reactionary Radicals and Front-Porch Anarchists)(Book review)
Author: John McClaughry
Publication: Reason (Magazine/Journal)
Date: January 1, 2007
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 38 Issue: 8 Page: 62(4)

Article Type: Book review

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Book Description

Aimed at both the general reader and amateur naturalist, this Green Guide offers a wealth of information on observing and identifying 150 of the most commonly encountered bird species in Britain and Europe. Beautifully illustrated with a full color drawing, each bird has a detailed description of its plumage, behavior, calls and songs, and habitat. The accompanying maps indicate the areas where the birds will usually be found. There are sections on how to identify birds and approach them without causing disturbance and the account of family groupings will help birdwatchers in the field recognize the species they observe. Informative and compact, this book is ideal for both home reference and as a pocket companion in the field.

Green Guide Trees of Britain and Europe (Green Guides)

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Great pocket guide

Green Guide Trees of Britain and Europe (Green Guides)
Bob Press
Manufacturer: New Holland Publishers, Ltd.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1859749275

Book Description

Aimed at both the general reader and amateur naturalist, this Green Guide offers a wealth of information on observing and identifying 150 of the most commonly encountered tree species in Britain and Europe. Each tree is described in detail with information on height, shape and important features such as foliage and fruit, and is illustrated with beautifully detailed, full color drawing. The introduction contains information on characteristics to help distinguish one family group of trees from another, and there are also keys which provide step-by-step clues to aid identification. Informative and compact, this book is ideal for both home reference and as a pocket companion in the field.

Customer Reviews:

Great pocket guide.......2003-12-10

I looked for some books on trees and this one fulfilled all of my criteria, it is light-weight, relatively inexpensive (especially the copy I got), has very fine illustrations (colored drawings) and covers most trees, both native ones and introduced, including several "cultivated fruit trees" that are regularly omitted from "wild species" books, but we city dwellers need help in recognizing them just the same. By the way, I also own the book on herbs from the same series, and plants are much better illustrated that animals (such as in Garden Wildlife book).

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