Better a Shield Than a Sword: Perspectives on the Defense and Technology [Hardcover]

Edward Teller (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

This first-person account, not all of it new, may not change opinion about Teller, a controversial, anti-communist conservative; but it will lead toward better understanding of his role in science and politics. Teller records his early years in Hungary, his escape from Nazism, his attachment to America, his role in developing the atomic and hydrogen bombs, his close association with other scientists and political figures. A central theme is an unswerving support of President Reagan's militant military and defense policy and a strong desire to prevent war. He calls for technological innovations by scientists, who must bear heavy moral responsibilities. This is a forceful and revealing book on the man, his personal credo, and the events of history which bear his lasting imprint. Clifton E. Wilson, Political Science Dept., Univ. of Arizona, Tucson
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 257 pages
• Publisher: Free Pr; 1st edition (April 1987)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0029324610
• ISBN-13: 978-0029324615
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.4 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 1.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,054,895 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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0 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Rights of Ownership, May 21, 2000

By 

Bruce P. Barten - See all my reviews

This review is from: Better a Shield Than a Sword: Perspectives on the Defense and Technology (Hardcover)

I own a copy of this book, and I have read a few things about Leo Szilard. Allow me to report that in the Dedication of this book, regarding Szilard, Teller wrote, "He criticized others too often for his own good, and not tactfully enough for the good of those whom he criticized. But unlike Socrates, Szilard was not condemned to drink the poisoned cup, which suggests that freedom of speech is respected more in the United States than it was in ancient Athens. In a democratic society, a man like Leo Szilard can have an influence no matter what his opinions. In a totalitarian society, he could end up in a psychiatric institution." (p. ix) My hope in the year 2000 is that the twentieth century will be viewed as the collapse of that kind of psychotically imposed totalitarianism, rather than the collapse of communism, and that a new realm of freedom will allow me, the most spaced out poet on the planet, to dedicate an irate poem to the memory of an actual invasion across a border into a place that just happened to be Cambodia thirty years ago. On a more intellectual level, this poem was also written in memory of every poisoned cup that has passed our lips since the death of Socrates was 100 % successful.

Yellow is for Asian people,

Green for young G.I.s,

Red for facing bloody truths,

Pink for feeling wise.

Orange is the agency

that offers explanations.

Defoliation is a minor de-flowering

Compared to the final defamations.