Good Books on Nuclear War?

Uraniun235 · Post by **Uraniun235** » 2004-01-16 02:49pm

Can anyone here recommend some good books to read that accurately detail the history, strategy, and technology of the USA and USSR during the Cold War with respect to their nuclear weapons?

Admiral Valdemar · Post by **Admiral Valdemar** » 2004-01-16 03:09pm

"Good" and "nuclear war" are mutually exclusive.

Have you tried GlobalSecurity.org? They may have links to books or extracts from said books.

lukexcom · Post by **lukexcom** » 2004-01-16 05:39pm

I found this a good source of nuclear strategy analysis, albeit published in 1986 or so.

"Strategic Nuclear War: What the Superpowers Target and Why" by Martel and Savage

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/de ... ce&s=books

Here's what is said at the page:
"This is an excellent, well-written, and dispassionate analysis of nuclear weapons strategies by two experts in the field. The authors examine American and Soviet strategic nuclear forces and strategies and then, with the assistance of a computer, simulate realistic models of a strategic war between the two. Their data are accurate and their tables are helpful, as is the glossary. The book is well researched and stimulating, with extensive references and bibliography. A provocative afterword provides an interesting and challenging war game created by the authors and first played by a group of students at St. Anselm College. It is a timely simulation exercise that places the players in the roles of the decision makers. This is a book that deserves to be in university as well as professional libraries. It will also serve as a valuable text in graduate and advanced undergraduate courses of strategic and national defense. The authors deserve to be congratulated on a job well conceived and well executed."

Found it in my University's library. Good read, but, again, it's a 1986 book.

phongn · Post by **phongn** » 2004-01-16 06:59pm

Herman Kahn's On Thermonuclear War. I would suggest reading it on an empty stomach. However, it is a dated read and probably only available in a library.

Normal Friedman's The Fifty Year War is a very good one on general strategy of the Cold War.

Post by **weemadando** » 2004-01-16 09:52pm

I've been re-reading "The Cold War: A Military History" by David Miller, light on the politics and diplomacy, heavy on the military and technology.

Not sure if its what you're looking for, but give it a shot.