Harvey Wheeler
Harvey Wheeler (1918–2004) was an American author, political scientist, and expert in constitutional law. He is best known for co-authoring the novel 'Fail-Safe' with Eugene Burdick, which was published in 1962. The book, which explores the theme of accidental nuclear war, was later adapted into a successful film directed by Sidney Lumet. Wheeler's work often focused on issues of governance, technology, and the implications of scientific advancements on society.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. Fail Safe
The book is a Cold War thriller that explores the terrifying possibility of a technical malfunction in the United States' nuclear deterrent system, leading to an accidental path toward a nuclear war with the Soviet Union. As a group of American bombers mistakenly receives an erroneous go-code, they head towards Moscow, fully armed and ready to attack. The President and his advisors must navigate a tense and complex situation, trying to recall the planes and avoid an international catastrophe, while dealing with the political and moral implications of their decisions. The narrative delves into the intricate workings of military protocols and the precarious nature of nuclear command and control systems, highlighting the razor-thin line between safety and global annihilation during the height of nuclear tensions.
The 5389th Greatest Book of All Time
