In many ways, the tensions of the Cold War were epitomized by the struggle for dominance in outer space. But for decades we only knew part of the story of this clash between the United States and the Soviet Union. That all changed after the downfall of Communism, when decades of formerly classified files unmasked the true heroes and villains behind one of the most exciting -- and frightening -- races in history.

Historian Deborah Cadbury brings this tale to life in a fascinating story that takes a behind-the-scenes look at both superpowers. At the center of Space Race are Werner von Braun, the media-friendly former Nazi scientist who led the American rocket design team, and Sergei Korolev, the chief Soviet designer and former political prisoner whose identity was a closely guarded state secret. Cadbury has unearthed many documents that were previously unknown, even to the Soviet government, to tell a story that is sure to rewrite the history of space exploration.

Deborah Cadbury is an Emmy award-winning science producer for BBC TV. She is also the highly-acclaimed author of The Lost King of France, Terrible Lizard: The First Dinosaur Hunters and Dreams of Iron and Steel.

" A] wonderfully written account of the Cold War dash to the Moon ... Cadbury skillfully weaves together politics, technology and biographical detail to produce a gripping tale of the moves, countermoves, bluffs and intrigues that defined this ruthless struggle." -- Slava Gerovitch, Moscow Times--Kirkus Reviews (starred)

Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Harper Perennial
Published: 06/26/2007
ISBN: 9780061176289
Pages: 370
Weight: 0.77lbs
Size: 8.08h x 5.40w x 0.99d