About the Author

Ronald E. Powaski teaches history at John Carroll University and Euclid Senior High School in Euclid, Ohio.

Reviews

"My search for a solid survey history of the postwar nuclear arms race is finally over. This is the book I would have written, if I could."--H. Peter Krosby, SUNY at Albany
"A solid, readable, but not intimidating introduction to the great question of our time."--Booklist
"A remarkably concise, thorough, and balanced account....A very impressive accomplishment."--Isis
"Accessible and scholarly....Powaski describes in clear detail the weapons development and arms control policies of presidents from Truman to Reagan....This comprehensive survey will be a basic resource for would-be arms controllers and disarmament activists."--Nuclear Times
"This comprehensive survey will be a basic resource for would-be arms controllers and disarmament activists."--Nuclear Times
"An excellent synthesis....In a concise, well-organized narrative, Powaski traces the grim story from pre-Manhattan Project days to the Reykjavik Summit....Clearly elucidates this complex and all-important subject."--Publishers Weekly
"A detailed history of the arms race from the Manhattan Project to the Iceland Summit of 1986....Powaski provides the reader with the details of the arms race in a comprehensive, well-organized, well-written fashion."--Library Journal
"[This volume] synthesizes and clarifies the existing literature in a way that makes a real contribution....A remarkably complex story, told with clarity, grace, accuracy, and pace."--Alex Roland, Duke University
"A relentlessly precise, step-by-step account of the doomsday race, including Reagan's escalation."--Philip Berrigan
"An exceedingly diligent and detailed survey of the unfolding arms race, very useful as a reference, carefully listing the items on the agenda of negotiations, the immediate circumstances, and the arguments advanced by the leading policy-makers and qualified commentators."--Theodore H. Von Laue, Clark University
"A monumental book....The author is to be commended for a masterful job of explaining [the fine points of thermo-nuclear strategy] in capsule form but with precision."--History Book Review
"A welcome addition to the literature on American nuclear policy."--Air Power Journal