Wernher von Braun: The Man Who Sold the Moon [Hardcover]

The author's extensive research is thoroughly documented in the notes and bibliography. It includes much data that was classified by the United States Government and withheld from the public during von Braun's lifetime. That von Braun was a working and supportive member of the Nazi Party has now been publicized, well documented and backed up with many previously classified records made available to the public through the Freedom of Information Act.

This book shows a more complete picture of who and what Wernher von Braun was prior to his move to the United States as well as his involvement in the U.S. Space Program. It does not change but presents a much more complete, correct and balanced view of history. It presents "The Rest of the Story".

The author's easy to read style presents accurate history in a well documented, chronological order. This book is easy reading and compellingly interesting to anyone looking for a more complete and accurate history of World War II, Rocket Development, and the Space Race that achieved such accomplishments as placing a man on the moon and returning him safely to earth along with samples of moon rocks and pictures of the earth from the moon.

Specifically, this book shows the underlying character of von Braun and his unrelenting drive to achieve these goals at any price.

It is not a biography of Wernher von Braun "per se", neither is it the history of rocket development under his supervision. Rather it is a highly emotional attempt to prove that:

1) Wernher von Braun was a war criminal

2) he should have been put under trial, sentenced and serve the sentence

3) United States did wrong by bringing him in and using his skills and genius for US rocket program Period

The book presumably covers 30 years span from 1945 (von Braun arrival to US) to 1975 (his death). The developments of rocketry in this era are only a background for the author and never paid any serious attention. Mr. Pinzkiewicz 's real interest and effort are invested into collecting and presenting accusations against von Braun Nazi past in chronological order. The technical details of particular important developments of principal space programs are scarce, while "dirty clothes" and cover-up theories are inspected at length and with great interest.

The whole story of Moonship project from 1960 President Eisenhower directive to Apollo 11 landing in 1969 is covered in 9 pages(!). Wernher von Braun's one-time interchange with a French newspaper concerning his Nazi past takes 3 pages. Compare - 9 years of hard and complex work in 9 pages. Several days and several letters - 3 pages.

Even so - Mr. Pinzkiewicz seems never be able to get to any kind of consistent statement- either PRO or CONS. He never has the bravery to say "Wernher von Braun IS beyond reasonable doubt a war criminal based on this, this and that". Instead we have tabloid quality book - gossips, partial quotes, twisted interpretations - enough to plant a seed of doubt, but not substantial enough to be accused of a lie.

It is truly remarkable that in the whole book not a SINGLE document is ever quoted in full - a must for an investigative report, even trashy one.

Wernher von Braun was not an angel. His most productive years were during a cruel and controversial period of our history. If Mr. Pinzkiewicz tried to show this person as a ruthless, blood-thirsty, dishonest and manipulative individual with selfish agenda, then he fails miserably to convince me.

As I stated in the very beginning, perhaps not so bad in the category of "tabloid investigative report", but has little merit for anything else.