Synopsis
Traces the history of the U.S. space program from salvaged U-2 rockets to the Challenger tragedy and discusses its influence on American culture
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
From Publishers Weekly
According to British historian Carter, as much as the 1930s were shaped by the rise of imperialist powers, the postwar era has been characterized by the quest for the domination of space, and the rocket is the symbol and metaphor for postwar American social history. Borrowing his terminology from Pynchon's novel Gravity's Rainbow, Carter says this shift from the Nazi "Oven State" to the American "Rocket State" was signaled by "the appearance of men for whom rocketry has become ideology and idolatry." Despite this intriguing premise, the first third of the book is mired in intellectually self-indulgent literary criticism (of Pynchon, Mailer, et al.) and cultural critique (of film, television, advertising), at times insightful, yet, in large part, remote, jargonistic and tangential. The section in which John Kennedy and the Mercury astronauts are portrayed as Hollywood-type "leading men," i.e., actors chosen to play the role of hero for an admiring audience, is more focused and accessible. Here the analysis is at its sharpest, for example, in the idea that JFK's championing of the space program was actually propaganda and opportunism, or that the astronauts were both components and commodities of NASA. Carter concludes with the unconvincing argument that, since the '70s, NASA's supposed shift away from technological promises into overtly defense-related ends precipitated the Rocket State's demise. He fails to explain why defense is a fundamental change rather than the inevitable evolution of the space program. Photos.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Other Popular Editions of the Same Title
Search results for The Final Frontier: The Rise and Fall of the American...
Seller Image
The Final Frontier: The Rise and Fall of the American Rocket State (Haymarket)
Seller: -OnTimeBooks-, Phoenix, AZ, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: good. A copy that has been read, remains in good condition. All pages are intact, and the cover is intact. The spine and cover show signs of wear. Pages can include notes and highlighting and show signs of wear, and the copy can include "From the library of" labels or previous owner inscriptions. 100% GUARANTEE! Shipped with delivery confirmation, if you're not satisfied with purchase please return item! Ships via media mail. Seller Inventory # OTV.0860919080.G
Stock Image
The Final Frontier: The Rise and Fall of the American Rocket State (Haymarket)
Seller: GridFreed, San Diego, CA, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
paperback. Condition: Good. Good with wear and markings. Ex-library. Looks like an interesting title! Seller Inventory # 300-02113
Stock Image
The Final Frontier: The Rise and Fall of the American.
Print on DemandSeller: Majestic Books, Hounslow, United Kingdom
Seller rating 4 out of 5 stars
Condition: New. Print on Demand. Seller Inventory # 354528030
Buy New
US$ 21.39
US$ 8.60 shipping
Ships from United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Ships from United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Quantity: 4 available
Stock Image
The Final Frontier: The Rise and Fall of the American.
Seller: Books Puddle, New York, NY, U.S.A.
Seller rating 4 out of 5 stars
Condition: New. Seller Inventory # 26357962945
Stock Image
The Final Frontier: The Rise and Fall of the American Rocket State (Haymarket)
Seller: Phatpocket Limited, Waltham Abbey, HERTS, United Kingdom
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Good. Your purchase helps support Sri Lankan Children's Charity 'The Rainbow Centre'. Ex-library, so some stamps and wear, but in good overall condition. Our donations to The Rainbow Centre have helped provide an education and a safe haven to hundreds of children who live in appalling conditions. Seller Inventory # Z1-K-007-02562
Buy Used
US$ 18.61
US$ 14.08 shipping
Ships from United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Ships from United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Quantity: 1 available
Stock Image
The Final Frontier: The Rise and Fall of the American.
Print on DemandSeller: Biblios, Frankfurt am main, HESSE, Germany
Seller rating 4 out of 5 stars
Condition: New. PRINT ON DEMAND. Seller Inventory # 18357962955
Buy New
US$ 22.94
US$ 11.42 shipping
Ships from Germany to U.S.A.
Ships from Germany to U.S.A.
Quantity: 4 available
Stock Image
The Final Frontier: The Rise and Fall of the American Rocket State
Seller: Revaluation Books, Exeter, United Kingdom
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Paperback. Condition: Brand New. 296 pages. 8.50x5.25x1.00 inches. In Stock. Seller Inventory # zk0860919080
Buy New
US$ 43.46
US$ 16.54 shipping
Ships from United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Ships from United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Quantity: 1 available
Seller Image
The Final Frontier
Print on DemandSeller: moluna, Greven, Germany
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: New. Dieser Artikel ist ein Print on Demand Artikel und wird nach Ihrer Bestellung fuer Sie gedruckt. Über den AutorDale Carter has taught US history at the University of Warwick and is currently working on a study of Anglo-American relations in the Southwest Pacific.KlappentextStunned by the news . Seller Inventory # 595109069
Buy New
US$ 37.73
US$ 56.22 shipping
Ships from Germany to U.S.A.
Ships from Germany to U.S.A.
Quantity: Over 20 available
Stock Image
The Final Frontier: The Rise and Fall of the American Rocket State (Haymarket)
Seller: BennettBooksLtd, Los Angeles, CA, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
paperback. Condition: New. In shrink wrap. Looks like an interesting title! Seller Inventory # Q-0860919080