Publisher's Synopsis
A fascinating look at the behind–the–scenes duel to develop the winning weapons of World War II
What most people don’t realize is that the decisive factor in the outcome of the Second World War wasn’t the brilliance of the famous Allied military leaders and statesmen. As noted military historian William Breuer proves in this ingenious volume, victory or defeat in the twentieth century’s climactic conflict depended on the secret war of wits that occurred between the scientists, mathematicians, and codebreakers on each side.
In Secret Weapons of World War II, we learn about these fascinating figures, many of whom have thus far gone unnoticed in history’s telling of the tale, including:
Sergeant C. W. H. Cox, the son of a postman and a former actress–and the least likely candidate to perform the century’s most audacious heist . . .
Wernher von Braun, a German technical director who helped mastermind the revolutionary supersonic rocket that threatened to bring England to her knees . . .
Walther Koehler, history’s first nuclear spy, who brilliantly ferreted out the secrets of America’s atomic experiments . . .
Critical acclaim for William B. Breuer’s Top Secret Tales of World War II
"As evidenced time and again by the prolific Breuer, WWII continues to be a source of absorbing espionage tale. . . . This is a book for rainy days and long solitary nights by the fire. If there were a genre for cozy nonfiction, this would be the template." –Publishers Weekly
"A book perfect for the curious and adventure readers and those who love exotic tales and especially history buffs who will be surprised at what they didn’t know. Recommended for nearly everyone." –Kirkus Reviews
