This monograph provides a concise introduction to the tangled issues of
communication between Russian and Western scientists during the Cold
War. It details the extent to which mid-twentieth-century researchers
and practitioners were able to communicate with their counterparts on
the opposite side of the Iron Curtain.
Drawing upon evidence from a range of disciplines, a decade-by-decade
account is first given of the varying levels of contact that existed via
private correspondence and conference attendance. Next, the book
examines the exchange of publications and the availability of one side's
work in the libraries of the other. It then goes on to compare general
language abilities on opposite sides of the Iron Curtain, with comments
on efforts in the West to learn Russian and the systematic translation
of Russian work.
In the end, author Christopher Hollings argues that physical
accessibility was generally good in both directions, but that Western
scientists were afflicted by greater linguistic difficulties than their
Soviet counterparts whose major problems were bureaucratic in nature.
This volume will be of interest to historians of Cold War science,
particularly those who study communications and language issues. In
addition, it will be an ideal starting pointing for anyone looking to
know more about this fascinating area.