A Scientist at the White House

A remarkable day-to-day account of Kistiakowsky's 18 months (1959-60) as Eisenhower's special assistant for science and technology during the post-Sputnik resurgence of interest in the military applications of science and technology. Rivaling (almost, but not quite) the Lilienthal journals in richness, depth and personal detail, this diary will be essential reading for students of decision-making in this period. Charles S. Maier provides a superb 67-page introduction which places the diary in the political and international setting of the Eisenhower years.