Customer Reviews

The Star Wars Enigma: Behind the Scenes of the Cold War Race for Missile Defense

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Author Nigel Hey revisits recent history in his entertaining and excellently researched narration of the Cold War's end. He examines the science -- or lack thereof -- economics and politics of the still controversial Strategic Defense Initiative -- "Star Wars." We find that the notion of a defense shield was Ronald Reagan's response to MAD -- mutual assured destruction. Reagan considered MAD dangerous, unstable and insane, exactly what the Soviets -- and many American critics -- thought of Reagan and his Star Wars concept. Hey presents careful analyses of all the key players from Sagdeev and Gorbachev to Teller, "Cap the Knife" Weinburger and George Shultz. He renders a surprising portrait of Ronald Reagan and his complex simplicity. Most importantly, Hey vividly explains the role that Star Wars played in the demise of the Cold War. And he reminds us how very dangerous those times were. The Star Wars Enigma is a rare blend of science, human nature, personalities, politics and history that makes for lively, thought-provoking reading.

Tony Fitzpatrick, science writer
Author of Signals from the Heartland, Walker and Company, New York

What a resourceful document on a subject that the general public knows so little about!!!!The author has detailed much little known research by the average person into an easy-to-read book for anyone who has interest in the Star Wars arena. It is an invaluble resource for students of USA/Soviet History; students in all of the War Colleges; National Defense University; or just in a general interest in history. It contains interesting anecdotal information and is not written in a strict academic style.
J. Willard Williams, Retired Director of Army Continuing Education

Hey's book The Star Wars Enigma is unique in the crowded field of literature on missile defense. As an editor at Aviation Week & Space Technology familiar with many books on the subject, I have found almost all have an axe to grind, pro or con. Hey's book is notable for being thorough, dispassionate and objective. I regard it as the definitvie history of U.S. efforts in missile defense.

This is a serious book, carefully researched with end notes for each chapter. But it is also very readable and free of jargon.

At the time Reagan began the 'Star Wars' program it made such perfect sense to me that I was astounded when a number of my scientifically trained friends came out so against it. I simply couldn't believe that the MAD - Mutually Assured Desctruction - a concept based on fear of revenge was the best that we could do.

Over the years it became clear that regardless of its technical aspects, it was creating a basic impalance in the Soviet Union and in a way they couldn't compete. They simply didn't have the money, the computer skills, the electronic technology to compete. And if it worked it would remove their Strategic Rocket Forces as a threat. In the end, it was instrumental in the collapse of the Soviet Union.

This is the complete story, told from the standpoint of time of the SDI program. It discusses both the technological aspects, and the political. It's a story not well known, but an extremely important part of our recent history. It ended the Cold War.

Little known, and under different names, reaearch into defense against missiles has continued. Lots of people said that it wouldn't work. The Army persisted and attempted to shoot down missiles over the Pacific Missile Range. They failed, they failed, and again and again. Then they hit one. Then they hit another. It has taken a lot longer than planned. A lot of the very advanced technology hasn't come about. But now we can hit an incoming missile. Research is continuing.

I haven't received the book. I have sent a message to the seller but I haven't received any answer.

Of course I ask for refund

Best regards

Claude Wachtel