just published . . .

MAD MUSIC: Charles Ives, the Nostalgic Rebel

learn more about the new biography of the famed American modernist composer at charlesivesbio.com

Blackett’s War

“A fascinating portrayal of how science contributed to winning the war in Europe.” — Wall Street Journal

“A terrific story, exciting, illuminating, well told” — Dallas Morning News

“Excellent, well-researched account of the unlikely group of some 100 British and American scientists whose ideas halted the Nazi submarine menace . . . An engrossing work rich in insights and anecdotes.” — Kirkus (starred review)

In March 1941, after a year of unbroken and devastating U-boat onslaughts, the British War Cabinet decided to try a new strategy in the foundering naval campaign. To do so, they hired an intensely private, bohemian physicist who was also an ardent socialist. Patrick Blackett was a former navy officer and future winner of the Nobel Prize; he is little remembered today, but he and his fellow scientists did as much to win the war against Nazi Germany as almost anyone else. As the scientific director of the World War II antisubmarine effort, Blackett used little more than simple mathematics and probability theory—plus a steadfast faith in the scientific method and a fearless willingness to challenge conventional wisdom—to save the campaign against the U-boats.

Published by Alfred A. Knopf