Davenport is impressively sourced and his book is a fine piece of reporting; historians will be able to use this first draft of rocket history to craft deeper analyses of our first real steps as a space-faring society ... But the international space scape has changed dramatically in the past decade or so ... Davenport’s portraits of them are frequently sympathetic, even complimentary.
A thorough accounting ... At times, the saga feels like a hilarious space soap opera ... Davenport paints a clear portrait of the tortoise-and-hare-style race … More than just an accounting … It’s a story about what happens when certain kinds of men hold power ... In some cases, Davenport gently and powerfully illustrates the absurdity of certain events simply by straightforwardly describing them ... Davenport does a nice job of recounting the burgeoning Chinese space program ... For the rare insider access Davenport had, I was surprised and disappointed that he didn’t take us a level further and examine why these two are the way they are.
Captivating, fast-paced ... Well sourced with a surprising level of access to major players like Musk ... A revealing glimpse into the egomaniacal antics, stagnant bureaucracy, and awe-inspiring advancement that define the new space age.
Timely, thorough ... Well-sourced ... Davenport goes off course only once, recounting a third space mogul’s vain effort to wrest the spotlight. But much more often, he deftly blends nuanced portraits of his principals with accessible explanations of the relevant technology and fascinating space lore.
