In this meticulously researched book, first-time author Jessica Wang sheds new light on the tempestuous relationship between scientists and the US government during the Cold War period. Wangs access to previously classified documents, coupled with first-hand interviews with the scientists involved, support fresh thinking on the causes and costs of anticommunist paranoia. Readers will appreciate the tensions that existed during the post-war years and understand why compromise between scientists and political leaders was often elusive. The lessons learned are as applicable today as they were half a century ago. "American Science in an Age of Anxiety" is valuable reading for students of 20th century history, or anyone interested in learning how America dealt with internal challenges during contentious times.
