Nuclear Illusion and Reality
Jerry Bauer (Author photo) New York: The Viking Press, 1982. Presumed First Edition, First printing. Hardcover. xiv, 15-154 pages. Pencil marks and comments noted. Includes: Acknowledgments, Introduction, Chapters on: The Nuclear Arsenal; Nuclear Destruction; Deterrent Strategies, Fighting with Nuclear Weapons, Independence, The Arms Race, The Advice of Scientists, and What's Next? The chapters are followed by References, Glossary and Index. DJ has some wear and soiling and is taped to boards. Solomon "Solly" Zuckerman, Baron Zuckerman OM KCB FRS (30 May 1904 – 1 April 1993) was a British public servant, zoologist and operational research pioneer. He is best remembered as a scientific advisor to the Allies on bombing strategy in the Second World War, for his work to advance the cause of nuclear non-proliferation, and for his role in bringing attention to global economic issues. During the Second World War, Zuckerman worked on several research projects for the British Government, including measuring the effect of bombing on people and buildings and an assessment of the bombardment (Operation Corkscrew) of an Italian island in 1943. He was thus one of the pioneers of the science of operational research. He was chief scientific adviser to the Ministry of Defence from 1960 to 1966, and the first chief scientific adviser to the British Government from 1964 to 1971. He published Scientists and War in 1966. Zuckerman wrote two volumes of autobiography: From Apes to Warlords and Monkeys Men and Missiles. Derived from a Kirkus review: We are "painting ourselves into a corner" with nuclear weapons, said then American NATO forces chief, General Earle Wheeler, back in 1961; how were we to extricate ourselves? The question followed Zuckerman's presentation of a war frames paper before NATO brass. He concluded that since NATO and the USSR both had nuclear arms, their use in field warfare could only lead to disaster, escalation, and the annihilation of millions. Twenty years later the arms race continues and NATO thinking remains the same: superweapons are at the ready should Warsaw Pact nations move aggressively into the West. Zuckerman has been a government scientific advisor officially and unofficially for decades. In this work he reviews how the world got into its present fix and what ways he sees of getting out of it. He advocates a comprehensive test ban and blames scientists, technicians, and intelligence forces--even more than the military--for the continual badgering for bigger bangs and advanced delivery systems. The idea that an anti-ballistic missile system (ABM) could work is another concern he pursues with a vengeance. Such a system would have to be 100 percent effective--clearly an impossibility. Yet both sides pour significant time and money into developing counterforce systems. The goals should be to eliminate research and development on nuclear weapons, give up ABM approaches, and reduce the nuclear arsenal--by specified stages. Zuckerman is ready to admit that none of what he suggests is easy or even likely. And he is realist enough to disparage any thoughts of unilateral disarmament for the UK, as some prominent figures propose. Overall Zuckerman's voice is brisk and coldly logical. Condition: Good / Good.
Keywords: Nuclear Weapons, Deterrence, Arms Race, Ballistic Missiles, Military Technology, NATO, Strategic Arms, Arms Limitation, Test-Ban Treaty, Disarmament, Targeting, Military Research and Development
ISBN: 0670518220
[Book #83098]
Price: $45.00