Sunday Times, 11 April 2004
'A gripping account of one side of one of the most important periods in the history of humankind.'
Review
'The man who did more than anyone in practical terms to bring about the hydrogen bomb was Edward Teller... read Edward Teller by Peter Goodchild for a balanced insight.' (
THE TIMES - T2 (1/3/04) )
'... first class... Goodchild has produced a gripping account of one side of one of the most important periods in the history of humankind. I certainly feel that I understand Edward Teller much better now than I did as a radical student in the 1960s.' (John Gribbin
THE SUNDAY TIMES )
'As Peter Goodchild demonstrates in this sensitive and fascinating biography, Teller's danger arose from the fact that he was both a brilliant scientist and a skilled political manipulator - but unfortunately also a man of limited wisdom... The most impressive aspect of this book is its insight into a strange and often troubled man. Goodchild demonstrates that Teller was a sensitive and complex individual...' (
THE SCOTSMAN )
'...fine biography... Goodchild provides us with a first-rate thorough portrait, in which his subject is set in proper context. Yes, Teller was a warmonger, but so were the Soviets. And while he consistently exaggerated the Red threat for his own ends, the Russians scarcely helped.' (
THE OBSERVER )
'It is the great merit of Peter Goodchild's absorbing and fair-minded book that conveys vividly why one might detest Teller and why one might love him. He avoids both demonisation and hagiography... this book is to be recommended to anyone who wants to understand how Teller can be seen both as 'an enemy of humanity... and as '...one of the bulwarks of American Freedom'. (
THE SPECTATOR )
'Edward Teller, a very comprehensive and thoroughly researched biography, shows why Teller's career was so controversial... Goodchild's account of the Teller-Oppenheimer clash is particularly interesting... Edward Teller is fascinating reading and will convince many its subject was Dr Strangelove.' (
NEW SCIENTIST )
'Taking a bold and original line [Goodchild] argues that Teller's form of madness was a necessary evil... admirably thorough...' (
NEW STATESMAN )
