Rickover and the Nuclear Navy: The Discipline of Technology

No book comes closer to providing an inside overview of Admiral Rickover's nuclear propulsion program, written by Atomic Energy Commission historian Francis Duncan who had free access to files, personnel, and Rickover himself from 1974 until his 1982 retirement.

While focusing on the nuclear program rather than the man, it offers insights into Rickover's personality, his drive for excellence in safety and success, and key events like submarine reactor development, the Thresher loss, surface fleet applications, and the Shippingport reactor.

Duncan balances technical details with analysis and drama, drawing from interviews with presidents, navy leaders, and project participants.