Giant Telescopes : Astronomical Ambition and the Promise of Technology

Rating:
Summary: The post-war development of US astronomy
Review: This is a very well-researched history of the twists and
turns of post-war US large telescope astronomy and its
desire to retain leadership against growing competition
from Europe and Japan. The story involves a seemingly
endless conflict between private and publicly-funded
astronomers and differing mirror technologies and their
outspoken advocates, against a backdrop of
international partners attempting to join the US effort
and simultaneously knock some order in the US process.

McCray has worked hard to produce a very readable
account. Whether you are a practising astronomer or
interested in how hard it is to synthesize US scientific
opinion, this is well worth reading.