William E. Burrows

William E. Burrows was an American journalist, author, and educator who specialized in aerospace, national security, and science writing. During his career spanning over five decades, he authored numerous influential books on space exploration, surveillance technology, and nuclear weapons. As a professor of journalism at New York University from 1974 to 2024, Burrows founded the Science, Health and Environmental Reporting Program. His most notable works include "Deep Black: Space Espionage and National Security" (1986) and "This New Ocean: The Story of the First Space Age" (1998), which received widespread recognition for their detailed research and analysis. Burrows regularly contributed to publications including The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Foreign Affairs. His expertise in aerospace and national security made him a respected voice in both academic and journalistic spheres, where he provided insights into complex technological and scientific developments of the Cold War era and beyond.

Reader reviews indicate Burrows has expertise in space exploration and military technology but some found his writing dense. Readers noted his thorough research and historical details across books like "Deep Black" and "This New Ocean." Readers appreciated: - Strong technical accuracy and insider knowledge - Coverage of previously unreported Cold War incidents - Clear explanations of complex aerospace concepts Common criticisms: - Overly academic writing style - Too much jargon and technical detail - Some books feel repetitive and overlong Ratings: Goodreads: "This New Ocean" - 4.08/5 (224 ratings) "Deep Black" - 3.82/5 (89 ratings) Amazon: "Deep Black" - 4.1/5 "By Any Means Necessary" - 4.0/5 Multiple reviews cite Burrows' intensity and credentials on the topics but want clearer organization and more engaging narrative. One reviewer noted "encyclopedic knowledge but reads like a textbook."

Deep Black: Space Espionage and National Security (1986) Examines the history and technology of space-based reconnaissance systems used by the United States for national security during the Cold War.

This New Ocean: The Story of the First Space Age (1998) Chronicles the development of space exploration from early rocketry through the Space Race between the US and Soviet Union to the end of the 20th century.

By Any Means Necessary: America's Secret Air War (2001) Documents the history of American aerial reconnaissance missions and covert air operations from World War II through modern times.

The Survival Imperative: Using Space to Protect Earth (2006) Explores how space technology and satellite systems are used to monitor environmental changes and potential threats to Earth.

Watching Earth from Space: How Surveillance Helps Us and Harms Us (2010) Details the dual-use nature of satellite technology for both civilian applications and military surveillance.

The Infinite Journey: Eyewitness Accounts of NASA and the Age of Space (2000) Presents first-hand accounts from NASA personnel and others involved in America's space program throughout its history.

Norman Mailer Mailer wrote extensively about space exploration, particularly in "Of a Fire on the Moon" which covered the Apollo program from a journalist's perspective. His combination of detailed reporting and broader cultural analysis matches Burrows' approach to aerospace topics.

Walter McDougall McDougall's Pulitzer-winning "The Heavens and the Earth" examines the political history of the Space Age with similar depth to Burrows' work. His research focuses on the intersection of technology, politics, and national security during the Cold War.

Tom Wolfe Wolfe's "The Right Stuff" delivers a comprehensive account of the Mercury space program and test pilot culture. His journalism background and focus on aerospace history align with Burrows' investigative approach to space exploration topics.

James Bamford Bamford's books on the NSA, including "The Puzzle Palace," explore surveillance technology and national security like Burrows' "Deep Black." His work focuses on detailed research of classified programs and intelligence operations.

Philip Taubman Taubman writes about national security and intelligence technology for The New York Times, covering similar territory to Burrows' work. His books examine Cold War reconnaissance programs and nuclear weapons development with comparable attention to technical detail.