The Dead Hand (Abridged): The Untold Story of the Cold War Arms Race and its Dangerous Legacy Audiobook

" We don't hear much about weapons of mass destruction these days, but this history of the Cold War arms race and its aftermath is a warning bell that much needs to be done, not only to abolish nuclear weapons, but also chemical and biological weapons and stocks of enriched uranium and plutonium. Hoffman lays out in plain language the extent of unsecured weapons, weapons-grade materials and scientists and technicians who are able to make more of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons. "

" A great book for Cold War historians. Similar to "One Minute to Midnight" in that it's amazing in hindsight to realize how much the US and USSR misunderstood each other. Hoffman writes that the USSR concealed massive biological and chemical weapons programs that only came to light recently even though they denied having these programs. His writing about these weapons and the nuclear weapons that were basically left lying around when the USSR dissolved is scary...almost to the point where it's remarkable we're still around at all. Makes great points about Reagan and Gorbachev not being nearly as deal-making on strategic arms as we believe. "

" Pretty fascinating, and extremely scary. My only complaint might be that it focuses on the Soviet side of things, and doesn't go into depth about the nuclear control systems or internal power struggles around nuclear management in the U.S. Still, the peek behind the Soviet system is scary, and shows how a small misunderstanding could have triggered nuclear war. Nice brief history of Gorbachev, too, who I didn't know too much about, but who I respect more now for trying to pull his country back from the brink. He failed in a way, but he also succeeded in a way. "

" "Chilling! If you thought that Dr Strangelove was just a comedy with no basis in fact. Think again. During the Cold War, the Soviets did have a doomsday device. They also continued with the production of civilization ending biological warfare agents until well into the 1990's. These are but a few of the shocking revelations in Hoffman's book. But perhaps scariest of all is the greatest danger came well after the fall of the Soviet Union. Loose nukes, destitute scientists, and leaking bio-bombs. Gave me the shivers! " "

" This the third Pulitzer prize winner that I have read this year and I have not been disappointed. An incredible read that explores the nuclear, biological and chemical weapons of the Cold War. Very interesting to read how each side misunderstood the other. It ends with the tragic thought of how ideologies and threats have changed but the potential for mass destruction is still real. "

" Abandoned half way through. It was interesting to learn about soviet political structure. But I just can't take it any more. Makes The Americans tv show a better watch. The soviets were genuinely that paranoid about US intentions. "

" A fantastic overview of the '80s and '90s of Cold War nuclear politics, with chilling information about the biological and chemical programs undergone by the USSR at the same time. "

" Probably one of the best contemporary history books I have read in a long time. I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in the period. "

" I listened to this book via CD (a first for me). A comprehensive exploration of the Cold War Arms Race. Way more than I needed to know for my research but definitely worth hearing. "

" Just started on this one, and already it's chock full of scary anecdotes about nuclear war near-misses and other Cold War disasters. "

" A brilliant, readable book that has transformed my view of the Soviet Union: the worst country ever. "

" Probably a little longer than it needed to be and I started to lose interest at the halfway mark. Interesting subject and the writer is skilled but the narrative was a little drawn out. "

" An excellent book on the legacy of the Cold War--a legacy that still puts us all at risk. The information on the Soviet biological weapons program is frightening. "

" A good choice by the Pulitzer committee. Riveting. Bravo to Mr. Hoffman for impeccable writing and historianship. "

" A gripping tale of the cold war arms race (both biological and nuclear) that centers around the negotiations between Regan and Gorbachev. This is not an exhaustive history of the cold war, it's a detailed look at how the cold war ended and how the world dealt with the aftermath. "

" This is an excellent read. The Dead Hand is full of facts and goes in depth about the Russian nuclear weapons program. Citing a lot of the Russian government officials is what makes this book come alive. David Hoffman reveals a lot of untold secrets and compiles it into one great read. "

" Scary. The world is not safe. "

" How the Cold War ended -- not as we thought! "

" Interesting, but very dry and dense "

" Very scary...to think what potential destruction is out there, and how easily it can fall into the wrong hands. "

" The rating should be more like a 4.5; there were just a few places where it dragged a little. I would recommend this book. "

" This book is a chilling look at the nuclear and biological weapons programs of the Soviet Union and the remaining danger to civilization. I finished the book with a sense of alarm at how easily a lone terrorist could use a form of these weapons to inflict great harm. "

" Scary. The world is not safe. "

" A fantastic overview of the '80s and '90s of Cold War nuclear politics, with chilling information about the biological and chemical programs undergone by the USSR at the same time. "

" I listened to this book via CD (a first for me). A comprehensive exploration of the Cold War Arms Race. Way more than I needed to know for my research but definitely worth hearing. "

" Very well researched and readable account of secret Russian nuclear and (most scary) biowarfare programs and how arms control agreements were reached. Also the disintegration of the Soviet Union, Gorbachev, Yeltsin and Reagan. Some interesting tidbits about our current defense secretary, Gates. "