Admiral Hyman Rickover

Engineer of Power (The Jewish Lives Series)

By: Marc Wortman

Narrated by: Paul Bellantoni

A riveting exploration of the brilliant, combative, and controversial “Father of the Nuclear Navy”

Admiral Hyman George Rickover (1899-1986) remains an almost mythical figure in the United States Navy. A brilliant engineer with a ferocious will and combative personality, he oversaw the invention of the world’s first practical nuclear power reactor. As important as the transition from sail to steam, his development of nuclear-propelled submarines and ships transformed naval power and Cold War strategy. They still influence world affairs today.

His disdain for naval regulations, indifference to the chain of command, and harsh, insulting language earned him enemies in the navy, but his achievements won him powerful friends in Congress and the White House. A Jew born in a Polish shtetl, Rickover ultimately became the longest-serving US military officer in history.

In this exciting biography, historian Marc Wortman explores the constant conflict Rickover faced and provoked, tracing how he revolutionized the navy and Cold War strategy.

©2022 Marc Wortman (P)2022 Blackstone Publishing

Insightful but incomplete

Really great story of one man’s impactful life. Glossed over many of the negatives only to touch on them briefly at the end. Overall a great listen.

A must for Rickover fans

Picked up some new knowledge about the admiral and his quest for nuclear power. Great listen!

Admiral Rickover

Love him or hate him a true Titan in American history. An excellent recount of the beginning and development of the nuclear Navy.

Rickover

I have a lot of appreciation for this leader who has done so much for our nation

Rickover - No Compromises

Father of the Nuclear Navy? Knew that. SOB? Knew that, too. But the author tells an evenhanded good, bad, and ugly story how the dedicated/obsessed/workoholic, Rickover survives and prevails as the ultimate outsider in the Navy to kick it, grudging and protesting, into the nuclear age.

Committed, confident, and uncompromising, Rickover survives to reform the Navy ... and to become the unlikely longest serving Naval officer in history, notwithstanding his penchant for making enemies. He broke a lot of eggs to make that omelette and not everyone joins in his praise (especially in the Navy), but his contribution to America's defense is undeniable.

The narrator does a good job of keeping you company, but Audible really should pre-screen its narrators' pronunciation. After listening to this book, someone, somewhere is going to ask "what did you do in "Ta-raw'-wa, daddy?"

Interesting, but perhaps appropriate, I don't remember a single word of Yiddish in an entire book about the Polish shtetl-born Rickover.

Listen to this book now - learn from the best

This should be an instant & permanent addition to the bookshelf of anyone interested in learning invaluable life lessons from the textured & supremely accomplished tapestry that is the life of the longest serving US naval officer in history. Admiral Rickover's influence on our lives is incalculable - from nuclear power to the strength and projection of the US Navy, to shaping generations of leaders and US Presidents.

Admiral Rickover's story forced me to introspect on who I am as a person, how strongly I want to stand for what I believe, using hard skills & soft power wielded strongly, and the value of courage in my personal and professional life. As I navigate this challenging phase in life, pondering on the Admiral's moral fortitude, tenacious impatience, courage and indefatigability helps me dig deeper to find it in myself to be the best I want to be for myself and so I can leave a long-term positive impact for my sons & in my community.