Author: Department of the Navy and Department of Energy
Publisher: CreateSpace
ISBN: 9781499180947
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 84
Book Description
A strong Navy is crucial to the security of the United States, a nation with worldwide interests which conducts the vast majority of its trade via transoceanic shipment. Navy warships are deployed around the world every hour of every day to provide a credible "forward presence," ready to respond on the scene wherever America's interests are threatened. Nuclear propulsion plays an essential role in this, providing the mobility, flexibility, and endurance that today's smaller Navy requires to meet a growing number of missions. About 45 percent of the Navy's major combatants are nuclear-powered: 11 aircraft carriers, 53 attack submarines, and 18 strategic submarines (the Nation's most survivable deterrent) - 4 of which were removed from strategic service and converted to a covert, high-volume, precision strike platform designated as SSGN. The mission of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program, also known as Naval Reactors, is to provide militarily effective nuclear propulsion plants and ensure their safe, reliable, and long-lived operation. This mission requires the combination of fully trained U.S. Navy men and women with ships that excel in endurance, stealth, speed, and independence from logistics supply chains. Presidential Executive Order 12344 and Public Laws 98-525 and 106-65 set forth the total responsibility of Naval Reactors for all aspects of the Navy's nuclear propulsion, including research, design, construction, testing, operation, maintenance, and ultimate disposition of naval nuclear propulsion plants. The Program's responsibility includes all related facilities, radiological controls, environmental safety, and health matters, as well as selection, training, and assignment of personnel. All of this work is accomplished by a lean network of dedicated research laboratories, nuclear-capable shipyards, equipment contractors and suppliers, and training facilities that are centrally controlled by a small headquarters staff. The Director, Naval Reactors, is Admiral Kirkland H. Donald; who also serves as a Deputy Administrator in the National Nuclear Security Administration. Naval Reactors maintains an outstanding record of over 145 million miles safely steamed on nuclear power. The Program currently operates 103 reactors and has accumulated over 6,300 reactor-years of operation. A leader in environmental protection, the Program has published annual environmental reports since the 1960s, showing that the Program has not had an adverse effect on human health or on the quality of the environment. Because of the Program's demonstrated reliability, U.S. nuclear-powered warships are welcomed in more than 150 ports of call in over 50 foreign countries and dependencies. Since USS NAUTILUS (SSN 571) first signaled "UNDERWAY ON NUCLEAR POWER" over 50 years ago in 1955, our nuclear-powered ships have demonstrated their superiority in defending the country-from the Cold War, to today's unconventional threats, to advances that will ensure the dominance of American seapower well into the future.
The Naval Nuclear Propulsion Training Program
Author: United States. Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Nuclear submarines
Languages : en
Pages : 36
Book Description
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Nuclear submarines
Languages : en
Pages : 36
Book Description
Rickover and the Nuclear Navy
Author: Francis Duncan
Publisher: US Naval Institute Press
ISBN:
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 432
Book Description
An official Atomic Energy Commission historian assigned to Admiral Rickover's office, Duncan draws on files, documents, and interviews to chronicle the introduction of nuclear powered ships into the US Navy. Covers the period from the mid-1950s to the early 1980s. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR
Publisher: US Naval Institute Press
ISBN:
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 432
Book Description
An official Atomic Energy Commission historian assigned to Admiral Rickover's office, Duncan draws on files, documents, and interviews to chronicle the introduction of nuclear powered ships into the US Navy. Covers the period from the mid-1950s to the early 1980s. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR
The United States Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program
Author: Department of the Navy and Department of Energy
Publisher: CreateSpace
ISBN: 9781499180947
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 84
Book Description
A strong Navy is crucial to the security of the United States, a nation with worldwide interests which conducts the vast majority of its trade via transoceanic shipment. Navy warships are deployed around the world every hour of every day to provide a credible "forward presence," ready to respond on the scene wherever America's interests are threatened. Nuclear propulsion plays an essential role in this, providing the mobility, flexibility, and endurance that today's smaller Navy requires to meet a growing number of missions. About 45 percent of the Navy's major combatants are nuclear-powered: 11 aircraft carriers, 53 attack submarines, and 18 strategic submarines (the Nation's most survivable deterrent) - 4 of which were removed from strategic service and converted to a covert, high-volume, precision strike platform designated as SSGN. The mission of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program, also known as Naval Reactors, is to provide militarily effective nuclear propulsion plants and ensure their safe, reliable, and long-lived operation. This mission requires the combination of fully trained U.S. Navy men and women with ships that excel in endurance, stealth, speed, and independence from logistics supply chains. Presidential Executive Order 12344 and Public Laws 98-525 and 106-65 set forth the total responsibility of Naval Reactors for all aspects of the Navy's nuclear propulsion, including research, design, construction, testing, operation, maintenance, and ultimate disposition of naval nuclear propulsion plants. The Program's responsibility includes all related facilities, radiological controls, environmental safety, and health matters, as well as selection, training, and assignment of personnel. All of this work is accomplished by a lean network of dedicated research laboratories, nuclear-capable shipyards, equipment contractors and suppliers, and training facilities that are centrally controlled by a small headquarters staff. The Director, Naval Reactors, is Admiral Kirkland H. Donald; who also serves as a Deputy Administrator in the National Nuclear Security Administration. Naval Reactors maintains an outstanding record of over 145 million miles safely steamed on nuclear power. The Program currently operates 103 reactors and has accumulated over 6,300 reactor-years of operation. A leader in environmental protection, the Program has published annual environmental reports since the 1960s, showing that the Program has not had an adverse effect on human health or on the quality of the environment. Because of the Program's demonstrated reliability, U.S. nuclear-powered warships are welcomed in more than 150 ports of call in over 50 foreign countries and dependencies. Since USS NAUTILUS (SSN 571) first signaled "UNDERWAY ON NUCLEAR POWER" over 50 years ago in 1955, our nuclear-powered ships have demonstrated their superiority in defending the country-from the Cold War, to today's unconventional threats, to advances that will ensure the dominance of American seapower well into the future.
Publisher: CreateSpace
ISBN: 9781499180947
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 84
Book Description
A strong Navy is crucial to the security of the United States, a nation with worldwide interests which conducts the vast majority of its trade via transoceanic shipment. Navy warships are deployed around the world every hour of every day to provide a credible "forward presence," ready to respond on the scene wherever America's interests are threatened. Nuclear propulsion plays an essential role in this, providing the mobility, flexibility, and endurance that today's smaller Navy requires to meet a growing number of missions. About 45 percent of the Navy's major combatants are nuclear-powered: 11 aircraft carriers, 53 attack submarines, and 18 strategic submarines (the Nation's most survivable deterrent) - 4 of which were removed from strategic service and converted to a covert, high-volume, precision strike platform designated as SSGN. The mission of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program, also known as Naval Reactors, is to provide militarily effective nuclear propulsion plants and ensure their safe, reliable, and long-lived operation. This mission requires the combination of fully trained U.S. Navy men and women with ships that excel in endurance, stealth, speed, and independence from logistics supply chains. Presidential Executive Order 12344 and Public Laws 98-525 and 106-65 set forth the total responsibility of Naval Reactors for all aspects of the Navy's nuclear propulsion, including research, design, construction, testing, operation, maintenance, and ultimate disposition of naval nuclear propulsion plants. The Program's responsibility includes all related facilities, radiological controls, environmental safety, and health matters, as well as selection, training, and assignment of personnel. All of this work is accomplished by a lean network of dedicated research laboratories, nuclear-capable shipyards, equipment contractors and suppliers, and training facilities that are centrally controlled by a small headquarters staff. The Director, Naval Reactors, is Admiral Kirkland H. Donald; who also serves as a Deputy Administrator in the National Nuclear Security Administration. Naval Reactors maintains an outstanding record of over 145 million miles safely steamed on nuclear power. The Program currently operates 103 reactors and has accumulated over 6,300 reactor-years of operation. A leader in environmental protection, the Program has published annual environmental reports since the 1960s, showing that the Program has not had an adverse effect on human health or on the quality of the environment. Because of the Program's demonstrated reliability, U.S. nuclear-powered warships are welcomed in more than 150 ports of call in over 50 foreign countries and dependencies. Since USS NAUTILUS (SSN 571) first signaled "UNDERWAY ON NUCLEAR POWER" over 50 years ago in 1955, our nuclear-powered ships have demonstrated their superiority in defending the country-from the Cold War, to today's unconventional threats, to advances that will ensure the dominance of American seapower well into the future.
The United States Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program
Author: Department of Department of the Navy
Publisher: CreateSpace
ISBN: 9781505420968
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 86
Book Description
A strong Navy is crucial to the security of the United States, a nation with worldwide interests which conducts the vast majority of its trade via transoceanic shipment. Navy warships are deployed around the world every hour of every day to provide a credible "forward presence," ready to respond on the scene wherever America's interests are threatened. Nuclear propulsion plays an essential role in this, providing the mobility, flexibility, and endurance that today's smaller Navy requires to meet a growing number of missions. About 45 percent of the Navy's major combatants are nuclear-powered: 11 aircraft carriers, 53 attack submarines, and 18 strategic submarines (the Nation's most survivable deterrent) - 4 of which were removed from strategic service and converted to a covert, high-volume, precision strike platform designated as SSGN. The mission of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program, also known as Naval Reactors, is to provide militarily effective nuclear propulsion plants and ensure their safe, reliable, and long-lived operation. This mission requires the combination of fully trained U.S. Navy men and women with ships that excel in endurance, stealth, speed, and independence from logistics supply chains. Presidential Executive Order 12344 and Public Laws 98-525 and 106-65 set forth the total responsibility of Naval Reactors for all aspects of the Navy's nuclear propulsion, including research, design, construction, testing, operation, maintenance, and ultimate disposition of naval nuclear propulsion plants. The Program's responsibility includes all related facilities, radiological controls, environmental safety, and health matters, as well as selection, training, and assignment of personnel. All of this work is accomplished by a lean network of dedicated research laboratories, nuclear-capable shipyards, equipment contractors and suppliers, and training facilities that are centrally controlled by a small headquarters staff. The Director, Naval Reactors, is Admiral Kirkland H. Donald; who also serves as a Deputy Administrator in the National Nuclear Security Administration. Naval Reactors maintains an outstanding record of over 145 million miles safely steamed on nuclear power. The Program currently operates 103 reactors and has accumulated over 6,300 reactor-years of operation. A leader in environmental protection, the Program has published annual environmental reports since the 1960s, showing that the Program has not had an adverse effect on human health or on the quality of the environment. Because of the Program's demonstrated reliability, U.S. nuclear-powered warships are welcomed in more than 150 ports of call in over 50 foreign countries and dependencies. Since USS NAUTILUS (SSN 571) first signaled "UNDERWAY ON NUCLEAR POWER" over 50 years ago in 1955, our nuclear-powered ships have demonstrated their superiority in defending the country-from the Cold War, to today's unconventional threats, to advances that will ensure the dominance of American seapower well into the future.
Publisher: CreateSpace
ISBN: 9781505420968
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 86
Book Description
A strong Navy is crucial to the security of the United States, a nation with worldwide interests which conducts the vast majority of its trade via transoceanic shipment. Navy warships are deployed around the world every hour of every day to provide a credible "forward presence," ready to respond on the scene wherever America's interests are threatened. Nuclear propulsion plays an essential role in this, providing the mobility, flexibility, and endurance that today's smaller Navy requires to meet a growing number of missions. About 45 percent of the Navy's major combatants are nuclear-powered: 11 aircraft carriers, 53 attack submarines, and 18 strategic submarines (the Nation's most survivable deterrent) - 4 of which were removed from strategic service and converted to a covert, high-volume, precision strike platform designated as SSGN. The mission of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program, also known as Naval Reactors, is to provide militarily effective nuclear propulsion plants and ensure their safe, reliable, and long-lived operation. This mission requires the combination of fully trained U.S. Navy men and women with ships that excel in endurance, stealth, speed, and independence from logistics supply chains. Presidential Executive Order 12344 and Public Laws 98-525 and 106-65 set forth the total responsibility of Naval Reactors for all aspects of the Navy's nuclear propulsion, including research, design, construction, testing, operation, maintenance, and ultimate disposition of naval nuclear propulsion plants. The Program's responsibility includes all related facilities, radiological controls, environmental safety, and health matters, as well as selection, training, and assignment of personnel. All of this work is accomplished by a lean network of dedicated research laboratories, nuclear-capable shipyards, equipment contractors and suppliers, and training facilities that are centrally controlled by a small headquarters staff. The Director, Naval Reactors, is Admiral Kirkland H. Donald; who also serves as a Deputy Administrator in the National Nuclear Security Administration. Naval Reactors maintains an outstanding record of over 145 million miles safely steamed on nuclear power. The Program currently operates 103 reactors and has accumulated over 6,300 reactor-years of operation. A leader in environmental protection, the Program has published annual environmental reports since the 1960s, showing that the Program has not had an adverse effect on human health or on the quality of the environment. Because of the Program's demonstrated reliability, U.S. nuclear-powered warships are welcomed in more than 150 ports of call in over 50 foreign countries and dependencies. Since USS NAUTILUS (SSN 571) first signaled "UNDERWAY ON NUCLEAR POWER" over 50 years ago in 1955, our nuclear-powered ships have demonstrated their superiority in defending the country-from the Cold War, to today's unconventional threats, to advances that will ensure the dominance of American seapower well into the future.
Rickover
Author: Thomas B. Allen
Publisher: Potomac Books, Inc.
ISBN: 1612340695
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 135
Book Description
Hyman G. Rickover was not long removed from his Jewish roots in Poland when he graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1922. After a respectable career spent mostly in unglamorous submarine and engineering billets, he took command of the U.S. Navy's nuclear propulsion program and revived his career, being retired--involuntarily--some thirty years later in early 1982. He was not only the architect of the nuclear Navy but also its builder. In the process, he erected a network of power and influence that rivaled those who were elected to high office, and that protected him from them when his controversial methods became objectionable or, as critics would suggest, undermined the nation's vital interests. Authors Thomas B. Allen and Norman Polmar, whose full-length biography of Rickover (in manuscript in 1981) was consulted by the Reagan Administration during the decision to remove him from active duty, are eminently qualified to write an essential treatment on the controversial genius of Admiral Rickover.
Publisher: Potomac Books, Inc.
ISBN: 1612340695
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 135
Book Description
Hyman G. Rickover was not long removed from his Jewish roots in Poland when he graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1922. After a respectable career spent mostly in unglamorous submarine and engineering billets, he took command of the U.S. Navy's nuclear propulsion program and revived his career, being retired--involuntarily--some thirty years later in early 1982. He was not only the architect of the nuclear Navy but also its builder. In the process, he erected a network of power and influence that rivaled those who were elected to high office, and that protected him from them when his controversial methods became objectionable or, as critics would suggest, undermined the nation's vital interests. Authors Thomas B. Allen and Norman Polmar, whose full-length biography of Rickover (in manuscript in 1981) was consulted by the Reagan Administration during the decision to remove him from active duty, are eminently qualified to write an essential treatment on the controversial genius of Admiral Rickover.
Applied Engineering Principles Manual - Training Manual (NAVSEA)
Author: Naval Sea Systems Command
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780359793839
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 454
Book Description
Chapter 1 ELECTRICAL REVIEW 1.1 Fundamentals Of Electricity 1.2 Alternating Current Theory 1.3 Three-Phase Systems And Transformers 1.4 Generators 1.5 Motors 1.6 Motor Controllers 1.7 Electrical Safety 1.8 Storage Batteries 1.9 Electrical Measuring Instruments Chapter 2 ELECTRONICS REVIEW 2.1 Solid State Devices 2.2 Magnetic Amplifiers 2.3 Thermocouples 2.4 Resistance Thermometry 2.5 Nuclear Radiation Detectors 2.6 Nuclear Instrumentation Circuits 2.7 Differential Transformers 2.8 D-C Power Supplies 2.9 Digital Integrated Circuit Devices 2.10 Microprocessor-Based Computer Systems Chapter 3 REACTOR THEORY REVIEW 3.1 Basics 3.2 Stability Of The Nucleus 3.3 Reactions 3.4 Fission 3.5 Nuclear Reaction Cross Sections 3.6 Neutron Slowing Down 3.7 Thermal Equilibrium 3.8 Neutron Density, Flux, Reaction Rates, And Power 3.9 Slowing Down, Diffusion, And Migration Lengths 3.10 Neutron Life Cycle And The Six-Factor Formula 3.11 Buckling, Leakage, And Flux Shapes 3.12 Multiplication Factor 3.13 Temperature Coefficient...
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780359793839
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 454
Book Description
Chapter 1 ELECTRICAL REVIEW 1.1 Fundamentals Of Electricity 1.2 Alternating Current Theory 1.3 Three-Phase Systems And Transformers 1.4 Generators 1.5 Motors 1.6 Motor Controllers 1.7 Electrical Safety 1.8 Storage Batteries 1.9 Electrical Measuring Instruments Chapter 2 ELECTRONICS REVIEW 2.1 Solid State Devices 2.2 Magnetic Amplifiers 2.3 Thermocouples 2.4 Resistance Thermometry 2.5 Nuclear Radiation Detectors 2.6 Nuclear Instrumentation Circuits 2.7 Differential Transformers 2.8 D-C Power Supplies 2.9 Digital Integrated Circuit Devices 2.10 Microprocessor-Based Computer Systems Chapter 3 REACTOR THEORY REVIEW 3.1 Basics 3.2 Stability Of The Nucleus 3.3 Reactions 3.4 Fission 3.5 Nuclear Reaction Cross Sections 3.6 Neutron Slowing Down 3.7 Thermal Equilibrium 3.8 Neutron Density, Flux, Reaction Rates, And Power 3.9 Slowing Down, Diffusion, And Migration Lengths 3.10 Neutron Life Cycle And The Six-Factor Formula 3.11 Buckling, Leakage, And Flux Shapes 3.12 Multiplication Factor 3.13 Temperature Coefficient...
Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program
Author: United States. Congress. Joint Committee on Atomic Energy
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Nuclear ships
Languages : en
Pages : 88
Book Description
Reviews progress of nuclear propulsion research and application of technical developments to naval construction program.
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Nuclear ships
Languages : en
Pages : 88
Book Description
Reviews progress of nuclear propulsion research and application of technical developments to naval construction program.
Against the Tide
Author: David R Oliver
Publisher: Naval Institute Press
ISBN: 1612517838
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 193
Book Description
Against the Tide is a leadership book that illustrates how Adm. Hyman Rickover made a unique impact on American and Navy culture. Dave Oliver is the first former nuclear submarine commander who sailed for the venerable admiral to write about Rickover’s management techniques. Oliver draws upon a wealth of untold stories to show how one man changed American and Navy culture while altering the course of history. The driving force behind America’s nuclear submarine navy, Rickover revolutionized naval warfare while concurrently proving to be a wellspring of innovation that drove American technology in the latter half of the twentieth-century. As a testament to his success, Rickover’s single-minded focus on safety protected both American citizens and sailors from nuclear contamination, a record that is in stark contrast to the dozens of nuclear reactor accidents suffered by the Russians. While Rickover has been the subject of a number of biographies, little has been written about his unique management practices that changed the culture of a two-hundred-year-old institution and affected the outcome of the Cold War. Rickover’s achievements have been obscured because they were largely conducted in secret and because he possessed a demanding and abrasive personality that alienated many potential supporters. Nevertheless he was an extraordinary manager with significant lessons for all those in decision-making positions. The author had the good fortune to know and to serve under Rickover during much of his thirty-year career in the Navy and is singularly qualified to demonstrate the management and leadership principles behind Rickover’s success.
Publisher: Naval Institute Press
ISBN: 1612517838
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 193
Book Description
Against the Tide is a leadership book that illustrates how Adm. Hyman Rickover made a unique impact on American and Navy culture. Dave Oliver is the first former nuclear submarine commander who sailed for the venerable admiral to write about Rickover’s management techniques. Oliver draws upon a wealth of untold stories to show how one man changed American and Navy culture while altering the course of history. The driving force behind America’s nuclear submarine navy, Rickover revolutionized naval warfare while concurrently proving to be a wellspring of innovation that drove American technology in the latter half of the twentieth-century. As a testament to his success, Rickover’s single-minded focus on safety protected both American citizens and sailors from nuclear contamination, a record that is in stark contrast to the dozens of nuclear reactor accidents suffered by the Russians. While Rickover has been the subject of a number of biographies, little has been written about his unique management practices that changed the culture of a two-hundred-year-old institution and affected the outcome of the Cold War. Rickover’s achievements have been obscured because they were largely conducted in secret and because he possessed a demanding and abrasive personality that alienated many potential supporters. Nevertheless he was an extraordinary manager with significant lessons for all those in decision-making positions. The author had the good fortune to know and to serve under Rickover during much of his thirty-year career in the Navy and is singularly qualified to demonstrate the management and leadership principles behind Rickover’s success.
The Rickover Effect
Author: Theodore Rockwell
Publisher: iUniverse
ISBN: 0595252702
Category : Admirals
Languages : en
Pages : 486
Book Description
Originally published: [Annapolis, Md.]: Naval Institute Press, c1992.
Publisher: iUniverse
ISBN: 0595252702
Category : Admirals
Languages : en
Pages : 486
Book Description
Originally published: [Annapolis, Md.]: Naval Institute Press, c1992.
China's Future Nuclear Submarine Force
Author: Lyle J Goldstein
Publisher: Naval Institute Press
ISBN: 1612511503
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 435
Book Description
One of the key concerns of naval strategists and planners today is the nature of the Chinese geostrategic challenge. Conceding that no one can know for certain China s intentions in terms of future conflict, the editors of this hot-topic book argue that the trajectory of Chinese nuclear propulsion for submarines may be one of the best single indicators of China s ambitions of global military power. Nuclear submarines, with their unparalleled survivability, remain ideal platforms for persistent operations in far-flung sea areas and offer an efficient means for China to project power. This collection of essays presents the latest thinking of leading experts on the emergence of a modern nuclear submarine fleet in China. Each contribution is packed with authoritative data and cogent analysis. The book has been compiled by four professors and analysts at the U.S. Naval War College who are co-founders of the college s recently established China Maritime Studies Institute. Given the opaque nature of China s undersea warfare development, readers will benefit from this penetrating investigation that considers the potential impact of even the most revolutionary changes in Chinese nuclear submarine capabilities. The editors believe that to ignore such possibilities would be the height of strategic folly and represent inexcusable negligence in terms of U.S. national defense. Anyone who is interested in the future of the U.S. Navy and the defense of the United States will find this book to be essential reading.
Publisher: Naval Institute Press
ISBN: 1612511503
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 435
Book Description
One of the key concerns of naval strategists and planners today is the nature of the Chinese geostrategic challenge. Conceding that no one can know for certain China s intentions in terms of future conflict, the editors of this hot-topic book argue that the trajectory of Chinese nuclear propulsion for submarines may be one of the best single indicators of China s ambitions of global military power. Nuclear submarines, with their unparalleled survivability, remain ideal platforms for persistent operations in far-flung sea areas and offer an efficient means for China to project power. This collection of essays presents the latest thinking of leading experts on the emergence of a modern nuclear submarine fleet in China. Each contribution is packed with authoritative data and cogent analysis. The book has been compiled by four professors and analysts at the U.S. Naval War College who are co-founders of the college s recently established China Maritime Studies Institute. Given the opaque nature of China s undersea warfare development, readers will benefit from this penetrating investigation that considers the potential impact of even the most revolutionary changes in Chinese nuclear submarine capabilities. The editors believe that to ignore such possibilities would be the height of strategic folly and represent inexcusable negligence in terms of U.S. national defense. Anyone who is interested in the future of the U.S. Navy and the defense of the United States will find this book to be essential reading.