Blind Bombing received a silver medal in the 24th annual Independent Book Publishers (IPPY) Awards.
“A riveting addition to the literature on scientific innovation during the Second World War.”
—Kirkus Reviews
(Click to read the review.)
“Took a peek and became trapped by the story and by your writing.”
—Dr. Daniel Kleppner, National Medal of Science Award and multiple prize-winning Atomic physicist
“DAMN GOOD BOOK!!! ...and fine (pun intended) storytelling.”
—Hayden Hamilton, Editor, American Aviation Historical Society
"If you have an interest in the role technology played in helping determine the outcome of WWII this book should be high on your list. Well written, well documented...."
—American Aviation Historical Society Book Review,
"As a former Vietnam/Cold War era navigator/bombardier, I was fascinated to learn the not well-known history and development of the system that eventually became what I was trained on and used with such precision during my Air Force career. Blind Bombing will be just as fascinating to historians, aviation buffs, and those interested in history in general."
—Sheldon A. Goldberg, Ph.D., Lt Colonel, USAF (Ret)
“Reading like a detective story, Norman Fine’s spell-binding narrative reveals the little-known story of how British and American scientists developed a new radar system critically important to victory over Germany in World War II.”
—Nick Kotz, Pulitzer prize-winning reporter, is the author of six books, including Wild Blue Yonder: Money, Politics, and the B-1 Bomber.
“This is an extremely accurate and detailed account of the development and use of microwave radar from its inception to its role in ending World War II in favor of the Allies. The book has both a technical and a personal spin that held my interest throughout.”
—Col. Dick Rounseville, U.S. Army (Ret.), commander, 334 Attack Helicopter Company (Cobra)
“Norman Fine’s well-crafted account of the development and implementation of microwave radar is a valuable addition to the backstory of the Allied victory in World War II. Fine also has a personal stake in the story: His Uncle Stanley was one of the quiet heroes who risked everything to bring the new radar to the skies over Europe. A deeply satisfying read on multiple levels.
—Howard Means, author of 67 Shots: Kent State and the End of American Innocence
“To completely understand the Allied victory in World War II, read Norman Fine’s new book. Snappy, engrossing prose, vivid aerial combat scenes, and Fine’s ability to relate his uncle’s combat experience imparts a thrilling human dimension to the story of a key technological breakthrough that enabled the Allies to defeat Nazi Germany.
—The Honorable G. Philip Hughes, senior vice president of the Council of American Ambassadors"...[Fine] also draws on his experience in the field—a Raytheon consultant on the design of a large screen radar display scope for use by [FAA] air traffic controllers and cofounder of a cathode ray tube graphic display manufacturer—to explain in simple terms the most important breakthrough in the ultimate Allied victory."
—Dartmouth Engineer Boof Review, Fall 2019
“[Fine] takes care not to turn this intriguing story into a techie-journey of limited interest but captures us with the human side. The role of microwave radar in winning World War II is not well covered even by the notable military historians. [Blind Bombing] adds a needed element to the full understanding.”
—Lt. Ken Lundstrom, U.S. Navy (ret.), Ph.D.
“Norman Fine is an excellent choice to write this book. An electronics engineer and founder of a high tech company, Fine is also a talented writer who has founded two popular magazines related to horse sports. (It sorta makes you wonder when this guy sleeps.) I commend to you his other books, as well.”
—Robin Traywick Williams, author of The Key to the Quarter Pole, former chairman of the Racing Commission, Commonwealth of Virginia
“I have read very few history books in my life—less than a dozen since finishing school. But I do not think I have enjoyed any of them as much as this one.”
—Brian Groover, author of The First Jumper and others
“Norman Fine's fascinating and readable book sheds light on [a] little-known scientific breakthrough....[and] explains the technical aspects of radar clearly enough that science doesn’t slow the arc of the narrative.”
—Kit Naylor, Book Reviewer, Goodreads
“Both in scope and detail, Norman Fine's scrupulously-researched story of American and British ingenuity and determination is a gripping read, even for a reader unfamiliar with military science and engineering.”
—Karin Winegar, author of Lost Man Found, writer for The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Minneapolis Star Tribune
“Though a retired electronics engineer, he writes like a novelist-historian....The book is part thriller, part history, part technical, and part personal. Fine does a brilliant job of integrating [all the] components. I learned a great deal....I can see a powerfully moving film made from this book.”
—Lou Buttino, M.A., Ph.D, award-winning playwright, screenwriter, filmmaker