Rockwell, Rickover's former Technical Director, has written a notable, anecdote-rich biography of the controversial "father of the nuclear navy.
This thought-provoking, well-written and stimulating book is not a standard biography -- It is an honest tribute to a man whose greatness will one day be recognized even more than it is today.—Associated Press
Together with Rhodes' definitive [best-selling, Pulitzer Prize winning] account -- these two works constitute the most important contributions to date on the history of atomic energy.—Nuclear News
a lively but serious account of scores of incidents that illustrate Rickover's extraordinary skills and personality. This is the stuff that many historians would like to include in a book but cannot afford to use. The book is vintage Rickover and thus a welcome addition to our understanding of this remarkable man.—Technology & Culture
This book is not just a history of accomplishments or a biography; it is much more -- Rockwell has made the book thoroughly understandable, entertaining, thought-provoking, and stimulating to anyone and everyone.—Nuclear Technology
[The author} was immensely respected by Rickover. The Admiral admired his technical competence as well as his good judgment and versatility in a host of other problem areas, including political -- The writer has a fine ability to describe technical things in easily understood ways.—The Submarine Review
This book describes in detail and with wit -- the difficult, stubborn man whose single-minded drive made his relationship with the Navy volatile and contentious.
Reference & Research Book News
...a riveting piece of recent history.
This is a candid, insightful portrait as only an insider could write it -- about one of this country's most controversial and elusive personalities. It shows a Rickover who was fierce, supportive, idealistic, pragmatic, sensitive and at times very cruel. . . Overall, this is an interesting book which presents Rickover from a different perspective.—The Friday Review of Defense Literature
This book is a treasure trove of information. . . There are no coverups of the roadblocks put up by the Navy and the Atomic Energy Commission. . . and Rickover's warts and blemishes are also shown full-sized.—The Oak Ridger
Rockwell has made an interesting and captivating story out of the career of Admiral Rickover...a textbook case for study on political science, industrial management, psychology and motivation. It is a detailed record of one of the most important achievements in military and scientific work.—B'nai B'rith Messenger
Rickover's career validates the old cliché that "one man can make a difference."—The Washington Times
Rockwell, Rickover's former technical director, has written a notable, anecdote-rich biography of the controversial ``father of the nuclear navy.'' In 1951 Hyman G. Rickover (1900-1986), then an obscure captain in the navy's Bureau of Ships, set himself the task of creating an atomic submarine. Four-and-a-half years later, USS Nautilus, the world's first nuclear sub, joined the fleet. In lay language, Rockwell explains how he accomplished this amazing feat. For one thing, Rickover gave new meaning to the concept of industrial quality control. Rockwell also makes clear why his former boss was widely hated and feared, and provides examples of his unique ability to infuriate as well as inspire. Most prominently, Rockwell demonstrates Rickover's genius for getting things done. Finally, he relates the strange story of Rickover's enforced retirement in 1982 at the instigation of Navy Secretary John Lehman, who accused him of accepting favors from contractors. If this fine biography has a flaw, it is the author's failure to explain adequately why Lehman was so implacably hostile to the man who immeasurably strengthened the United States Navy. Illustrations. (Oct.)
Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly
Admiral Hyman Rickover was the father of America's nuclear navy. This book describes in detail and with wit the obstacles the Admiral had to overcome in the development of the first nuclear submarine in the 1950s, and it reveals the difficult, stubborn man whose single-minded drive made his relationship with the Navy volatile and contentious. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
