Stephen Walker (1) (1961–)

After recently reading “Mercury Rising” about the early days of the American manned space program (Book #69) this book provides an equally fascinating insight into what was happening on the other side of the so-called space race.

Walker does an excellent job in contrasting and comparing the approaches of USA and USSR to launching a man into space. But the focus of the book is firmly on the formerly hidden people behind the successful mission to put a man into orbit.

While it’s a story influenced by technological innovation and political meddling (on both sides of the Iron Curtain) it is above all a very human story, and one which Walker tells superbly.

This is a must read if you have any interest in the history of space exploration.… (more)