Theodore Rockwell

Rockwell, Rickover’s former Technical Director, has written a notable, anecdote-rich biography of the controversial “father of the nuclear navy.”…In lay language, Rockwell explains how [Rickover] accomplished this amazing feat. For one thing, Rickover gave new meaning to the concept of industrial quality control. Rockwell also makes clear why his former boss was widely feared, and provides examples of his unique ability to infuriate as well as inspire. Also, Rockwell demonstrates Rickover’s genius for getting things done. - Publisher’s Weekly

This thought-provoking, well-written and stimulating book is not a standard biography of Admiral Hyman G. Rickover, the father of nuclear naval propulsion. Rather, it deals with this remarkable man’s philosophy regarding professional competence and work ethics . . . Rockwell calls this influence “The Rickover Effect,” a rippling outward flow of Rickover’s per-sonality that extends beyond the bounds of his life. It is an honest tribute to a man whose greatness will one day be recognized even more than it is today. - Associated Press (Norman N. Brown)

Together with Rhodes’ definitive [best-selling, Pulitzer Prize winning] account of the…race to develop a nuclear bomb, these two works constitute the most important contributions to date on the history of atomic energy. - Nuclear News (Lawrence Ruby)

Rockwell has neatly used existing histories as a framework for his personal recollections of what it was like to work for Rickover…a lively but serious account of scores of incidents that illustrate Rickover’s extraordinary skills and personality. This is the stuff that many histori-ans would like to include in a book but cannot afford to use. The book is vintage Rickover and thus a welcome addition to our understanding of this remarkable man. - Technology & Culture (R.G. Hewlett)

This book is not just a history of accomplishments or a biography; it is much more. It gives us insights into the vision, philosophy, ethics, methods, and values behind the history and biography…Rockwell has made the book thoroughly understandable, entertaining, thought-provoking, and stimulating to anyone and everyone. - Nuclear Technology (T.J. Iltis)

[The author} was immensely respected by Rickover. The Admiral admired his technical competence as well as his good judgment and versatility in a host of other problem areas, including political. Because of this, and blessed with the ability to track and report events in detail, he was the ideal person to write this book. . . Thus, The Rickover Effect is much more than the story of a great technological achievement. . . This is a very readable book. The writer has a fine ability to describe technical things in easily understood ways. - The Submarine Review (CAPT William R. Anderson, USN, ret.)

This is an interesting book, particularly for anyone familiar with the nuclear Navy and interested in understanding how Rickover managed to develop a unique operation with a large bureaucracy. . . the book is also valuable because it provides insight into a certain system of task-management: one that focuses on extraordinarily hard work, that demands constant dedication to a clear set of objectives and that has little, if any, tolerance for human frailty. It is not necessarily a system to be emulated, but it is an important model to be understood. - American Scientist (John F. Ahearne, PhD)

This book describes in detail and with wit…the difficult, stubborn man whose single-minded drive made his relationship with the Navy volatile and contentious.- Reference & Research Book News

…a riveting piece of recent history. - New Scientist

This is a candid, insightful portrait as only an insider could write it and adds to what we already know about one of this country’s most controversial and elusive personalities. It shows a Rickover who was fierce, supportive, idealistic, pragmatic, sensitive and at times very cruel. . . Overall, this is an interesting book which presents Rickover from a different perspective than previously written. - The Friday Review of Defense Literature (CAPT G.V. Ned-erveen, USAF)

This book is a treasure trove of information. . . There are no coverups of the roadblocks put up by the Navy and the Atomic Energy Commission. . . and Rickover’s warts and blemishes are also shown full-sized. - The Oak Ridger (Elsie Schmied)

The book is not hagiography. . . Rickover-as-man is only half of Mr. Rockwell’s theme. By the “Rickover Effect,” the author means the bow wave of innovation and reform that flowed from Rickover’s projects: everything from technical advances in related fields to new educational standards and ways of doing business. Mr. Rockwell concludes, Rickover’s career validates the old cliche that “one man can make a difference.” - The Washington Times (Philip Gold)

Rockwell has made an interesting and captivating story out of the career of Admiral Rickover. He brings out the character of the man who was able to work and fight for his objectives against the most powerful people in the government and the military, and yet gain their respect and admiration. This massive book can be a textbook case for study on political science, industrial management, psychology and motivation. It is a detailed record of one of the most important achievements in military and scientific work. - B’nai B’rith Messenger (Soll H. Marshall)

[This book] shows that there’s nothing more important than hiring the right people…second, that in hiring the right person one can’t be demanding enough; and third, it’s one hell of a story of a man who wouldn’t settle for anything less than the best. - Across the Board (A.J. Vogl, Editor)

An intimate portrait of Rickover by a man who worked closely with him for many years and knew him well. A serious and important book. - Dr. Francis Duncan, USAEC historian, author of Rickover and the Nuclear Navy

Rockwell, who spent many years as Rickover’s technical director and confidante, has written a book that is less a pure biography than an exploration of courage, innovation and allegiance to ideals…Whatever one’s view of nuclear power, this lively firsthand account evokes admiration for the sweep of Rickover’s vision and the sheer nerve that carried him to his dream. The “Rickover effect” is Rockwell’s metaphor for the mental discipline and demand for excellence that is as crucial to success today as in Rickover’s era. - Brain/​Mind and Common Sense (Eric Ferguson)

Admiral Hyman G. Rickover’s technical director for ten years, the author draws on his close relationship with the admiral to present a candid and revealing biography of the man who made naval nuclear power a reality. - Naval Institute Proceedings (Editor)

This fascinating book is not a biography but rather a memoir with a purpose. The purpose is to show, by anecdote and example, the Rickover style and how it was used to create the nuclear Navy…succeeds in not varnishing over, or sliding by, the thorny aspects of Admiral Rickover’s personality and career.…The book reflects the flavor, the methods and the results well. It is not only a lesson in a way of doing things, it is a fascinating tale as well. - Physics Today (Robert A. Frosh)

A detailed and exciting account…shows how well-educated and gifted individuals can have enormous effects upon modern technology and society. Students and teachers who are gifted in science and mathematics should read [it]. - Gifted Education News-Page

As for the book, it is just plain great.…For those looking for a good story or are interested in learning how our nuclear navy came about, this book’s for you. - Maine Coastal News