Includes bibliographical references (pages 444-450) and index.

"Edward Teller was one of the giants of the nuclear age. Born in 1908, he spent the best part of the Twentieth Century at the forefront of national and international defence strategies, becoming one of its most controversial and powerful scientific figures. Seen by some as a champion of freedom and democracy and by others as an enemy of humanity, few have had as profound an impact on the shape of the post-war world." "Never afraid to stand up and be counted, Teller began in the political mainstream but was later assailed as the mastermind of a ruinous arms race - the original Dr. Strangelove who had drawn the world deeper into the Cold War, his effigy burnt by students who branded him a war criminal." "In this biography, Peter Goodchild places Teller firmly in his historical context. He unravels the web of obsessions and character flaws, harsh early experiences and personal and professional frustrations that motivated this complex and enigmatic figure - a man who alienated many of his friends and scientific colleagues while continuing to provide the intellectual lead for politicians, the military and Presidents up until his death in September 2003"--Jacket.

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