A Fiery Peace in a Cold War

In A Fiery Peace in a Cold War, Neil Sheehan tells the captivating story of American Air Force officer Bernard Schriever and the pivotal role he played in the nuclear arms race. The narrative explores Schriever's journey from his humble beginnings as a German immigrant to his ambitious efforts in creating intercontinental ballistic missiles that would deter nuclear conflict with the Soviet Union. Blending biography with historical context, Sheehan introduces a cast of influential figures, including mathematician John von Neumann and leaders like Eisenhower and Khrushchev, while detailing the high-stakes battles against both technical and political challenges. This epic tale not only chronicles the technological advancements of the era but also highlights the broader implications for peace during a time of intense global tension.