Archimedes and Leonardo worked for their departments of defense, and when the telescope was invented it was an immediate instrument of war. Why do astrophysicists even have jobs? asks Neil deGrasse Tyson. Now you can see the inside story, from early times to the Cold War, the Apollo program, spy satellites and the Hubble Space Telescope, the Iraq War, and perhaps asteroid mining. A wonderful book and a fascinating read, full of amazing stories, all backed up with deep scholarship.--John Mather, winner of the Nobel Prize in Physics

Throughout history, wars tend to be won by nations that are at the forefront of science. Thus astronomers and physicists have, since ancient times, benefited from an uneasy alliance with the military. This enlightening book explores the history and current implications of this partnership between space science and national security.--Walter Isaacson, author of Steve Jobs and professor of history, Tulane University

Neil deGrasse Tyson and Avis Lang have provided a wonderful history of the interplay between scientists and warfare. From telescopes to GPS satellites, astrophysicists have been closely linked to the military. A fascinating read with a worthy message for today.--James Clay Moltz, author of Crowded Orbits, Asia's Space Race, and The Politics of Space Security

A sweeping panoramic overview of the enduring alliance between astrophysics and the military--from the Greeks to Galileo to GPS.-- "Science"

Through ample research and nimble storytelling, Tyson and [Lang] trace the long and tangled relationship between state power and astronomy.... Deep and eloquent.--Joshua Sokol "Washington Post"

Fascinating.... The book's message rings like a wake-up call.--Marcelo Gleiser "NPR"

With brutal honesty, Tyson and Lang reveal how looking at the stars has always been both 'pure' science and an adjunct of war-making.... Thought-provoking and reflective.--Sharon Weinberger "Nature"

Exhaustively researched.... Rich with wry humor and vivid descriptions of cosmic goings-on.-- "Science News"

Accessory to War is a phenomenal work that should be required reading for policymakers everywhere.--William E. Burrows, author of Deep Black: Space Espionage and National Security and This New Ocean: The Story of the First Space Age

Accessory to War: The Unspoken Alliance Between Astrophysics and the Military is not just about astrophysics. It is a readable account of the intersection between science and security policy, complete with historical background and personal insights and anecdotes from America's most trusted scientist. This is a much-needed read for both policymakers and the public, who in 'normal' times know and care too little about science, but in today's political climate increasingly show disdain for scientific principles that fail to fit their philosophical reality or political goals. Astrophysics is too often perceived as 'not touching me or my life, ' but this book artfully explains otherwise.--Joan Johnson-Freese, professor of national security affairs, Naval War College

Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company

Pub date: 2019-09-03

Length: 592 pages