Review by Choice Review
Von Bencke's claim that this competent history of space-age rivalry, "unlike its predecessors," focuses on superpower conflict within a larger international context is insupportable. At best it is a workmanlike compilation of standard interpretations of the conflict/cooperation dynamic that drove Cold War space development. For those interested in a powerful, compelling, and thorough history of the space age up to 1985, there is no better volume than Walter McDougall's Pulitzer Prize-winning The Heavens and the Earth (CH, Sep'85). Von Bencke's book shows considerable merit, however, in its latter half, where it attempts to complete the space chronicle from 1985 to 1995. Especially well done is his discussion of current commercial space cooperation (chapter 8). Although Von Bencke's book does not approach the level of McDougall's, personal and professional libraries should have a copy of it to update McDougall. Of special interest to graduate students, faculty, space enthusiasts, and professionals. E. C. Dolman College of William and Mary
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
