Thomas F. (hardtack) - , reviewed on 7/14/2012 + 2797 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 2

This is an interesting look at German science, and scientists, from mostly the early part of the 20th century through today, with emphasis on the years before, during and somewhat after World War II.

Not only are advances in science studied, but also the moral compromises German science made, as a whole, with the military aspects of both world wars.

It also shows how German scientists were often quite willing to take advantage of the problems of their fellow German scientists (i.e., Jews) to advance themselves.

The author then extends these moral failures to our present day world.

However, the best part of the book deals with the inadequacies of German scientists to support the world effort. The author provides numerous paragraphs, scattered throughout the narrative, showing how scientific planning failed the German war effort in World War II.

For example, when the Germans invaded Russia in 1941, they had over 2,000 different models of vehicles, which resulted in a logistical nightmare and required millions of spare parts. Plus, while German military aircraft were excellent at the beginning of World War II, they could not keep up with the improvements the Allies made for a number of different reasons. I especially like the comment made by the German Chief of Technology who refused to consider placing radar in aircraft, giving as the reason, "It would take all the fun out of flying."

I have read of these in other books, but never have I found so many in one book. As a result, this is a good book for those who need to understand why the Germans were sometimes their own worst enemy during the war.

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