Blackett's War: The Men Who Defeated the Nazi U-Boats and Brought Science to the Art of Warfare
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | 4.43 (777 Votes) |
| Asin | : | 030759596X |
| Format Type | : | paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 336 Pages |
| Publish Date | : | 2016-10-06 |
| Language | : | English |
DESCRIPTION:
Employing these insights in unconventional ways, from the washing of mess hall dishes to the color of bomber wings, the Allies went on to win essential victories against Hitler’s Germany. The exciting history of a small group of British and American scientists who, during World War II, developed the new field of operational research to turn back the tide of German submarines—revolutionizing the way wars are waged and won. Budiansky shows that these men above all retained the belief that operational research, and a scientific mentality, could change the world. Throughout, Stephen Budiansky describes how scientists became intimately involved with what had once been the distinct province of military commanders—convincing disbelieving military brass to trust the solutions suggested by their analysis. As director of the World War II antisubmarine effort, Blackett used little more than simple mathematics and probability theory—and a steadfast belief in the utility of science—to save the campaign against the U-boat. Here is the story of these civilian intellectuals who helped to change the nature of twentieth-century warfare. In March 1941, after a year of unbroken and devastating U-boat onslaughts, the British War Cabinet decided to try a new strategy in the foundering naval campaign. Patrick Blackett was a former navy officer and future winner of the Nobel Prize; he is little remembered today, but he and his fellow scientists
Abbatiello, Proceedings“A terrific story, exciting, illuminating, well told. And what a movie it would make, especially in 3-D Budiansky is a fine writer.”—David Walton, Dallas Morning News“A broad history of the foundation of ideas in OR Operations Research Revelatory Blackett’s War should bring renewed admiration for some forgotten scientific heroes.”—Rob Hardy, The Dispatch (Columbus, Starkville and the Golden Triangle) “Fabulous Black
How Civilian Intellectuals Helped to Win the Battle of the Atlantic Frank G. Splitt This book is a very well-written history of submarine warfare that reads like a page-turning novel. Although the book centers on Patrick Blackett, it is by no means a biography.The author makes a compelling argument to the effect that during World War II, Allied civilian intellectuals -- scientists and other professionals such as physicists, chemists, biologists, actuaries, and mathematicians -- made remarkable contributions to winning the war in Europe. . Interesting Accounting of Major Contributions Loyd Eskildson From 1941 - 43, a small group of British and American scientists, almost entirely without military experience or knowledge, changed how wars are fought and won. Six would win the Nobel Prize for their other work, most were far left in their politics (some even Marxists or pacifists). Patrick BLackett, British physicist and ex-naval officer, future Nobel winner, and ardent socialists led the British efforts in this dimension.On average, there were 2,000 Br. "Five Stars" according to Steve. A different perspective, definitely worth readin
Stephen Budiansky is a journalist and military historian. His previous books include Air Power, Battle of Wits, The Bloody Shirt, Her Majesty's Spymaster, and Perilous Fight.