Description

One of the most exhilarating true adventures in history, the race into space was marked by courage, duplicity, political paranoia, astonishing technological feats, and unbelievable triumphs in the face of overwhelming adversity. It is the story of an unparalleled rivalry between superpowers and of the two remarkable men at the center of the conflict. On the American side was Wernher von Braun, the camera-friendly former Nazi scientist, who was granted hero status and almost unlimited resources by a government panicked at the thought of the Cold War enemy taking the lead. The Soviet program was headed by Sergei Korolev, a former political prisoner whose identity was a closely guarded state secret. Korolev was expected to—and did—work miracles on a shoestring budget, his cooperation assured through intimidation and threats of possible disgrace or death. These rivals were opposite in every way, save for one: each was obsessed with the idea of launching a man to the Moon.

Deborah Cadbury's extraordinary history combines action and suspense with a moving portrayal of the space race's human dimension. Using source materials never before available, she tells a riveting story of the espionage, ambition, ingenuity, and passion behind humankind's mind-bending voyage beyond the bounds of Earth.

About the Author

Deborah Cadbury is the highly acclaimed author of several books, including Dreams of Iron and Steel, The Lost King of France, and Terrible Lizard. She has also won numerous international awards as a television producer for the BBC. She lives in London.

Praise For…

“A fascinatingly detailed account.” — GQ

“A fresh and revealing look at one of the most crucial battlefields of the cold war.” — Randy Dotinga, Christian Science Monitor

“A fascinating book.” — Los Angeles Daily News

“This is an utterly engrossing book.” — Robert Legvold, Foreign Affairs

“Space Race is an admirable record of humanity’s daring first forays away from the home planet.” — Chris Scott, BookPage

“Cadbury skillfully weaves together politics, technology and biographical detail to produce a gripping tale.” — Slava Gerovitch, Moscow Times

“A swift, exciting history of the race to the moon....First-rate research and reporting.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred)

“Cadbury’s book is an excellent example of sound research, superb writing, and accomplished storytelling all rolled into one masterly effort.” — Library Journal