Qian Xuesen

Name: Qian Xuesen
ISBN: 9787512511828

冯化太International Culture Publishing Corporation · ChinaJul 2020

3.1

Word count: 82K words
Chapters: 30
ISBN: 9787512511828

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Summary

Qian Xuesen (1911–2009): a world-renowned scientist, known as the father of China's space program and the father of China's missile program. His ancestral home was Hangzhou, Zhejiang, and he was born in Shanghai. From 1923 to 1929 he attended the High School Affiliated to Beijing Normal University. Deeply concerned about the future of his country and nation, he hoped to save the country through science. From 1929 to 1934 he studied railway mechanical engineering at the School of Mechanical Engineering of Jiaotong University. In August 1934 he passed the examination for a government-funded study place in the United States through Tsinghua University; in September 1935 he entered the Department of Aeronautics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to study aircraft mechanical engineering, earning his master's degree in only one year. From 1936 to 1939 he studied in the Department of Aeronautics at the California Institute of Technology under Theodore von Kármán, engaging in study and research in aeronautical engineering theory and applied mechanics, and successively obtained a master's degree in aeronautical engineering and a doctorate in aeronautics and mathematics. From 1939 to 1955 he taught at the California Institute of Technology and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Shortly after the outbreak of World War II in September 1939, the United States drew up plans to develop nuclear bombs and missiles; von Kármán was tasked with directing the development of American rockets and missiles, and Qian Xuesen, as his capable assistant, successfully established himself among the world's leading rocket and missile experts. He returned to China in October 1955; he led China's missile and rocket research and development from scratch and personally promoted many innovative scientific and technological talents. In November 1959 he joined the Communist Party of China. In 1989 he was awarded the Grand Prize of International Science and Technology, the "Little Rocket Medal." In 1991 the State Council and the Central Military Commission conferred on him the honorary title of "Scientist of Outstanding National Contribution."

Editor's review

Compiled by the Pibo International Celebrity Research Center, Qian Xuesen is one volume in the "International Celebrity Biography Series," tracing with rigorous historical materials and a clear structure the sweeping life of the "father of China's space program." Its value lies not only in faithfully recording Qian Xuesen's legendary experience—from studying in the United States and suffering persecution under McCarthyism to resolutely returning to China and leading the "Two Bombs, One Satellite" project—but also in its in-depth analysis of his scientific thought system, systems engineering methodology, and fervent patriotism. In the editor's view, compared with some more literary biographies, this book's narrative style leans toward objective, plain factual exposition, with abundant, well-sourced materials and clear logic, making it a reliable introductory read for understanding Qian Xuesen's life and contributions. It is especially helpful for readers to understand the profound intertwining of individual destiny and national needs, and how basic science can be transformed into powerful national engineering capacity. Although the book's summary of Qian Xuesen's academic achievements is not extremely deep, it provides general readers with a solid cognitive framework. Its reading value lies in the fact that it does more than tell the story of a genius; it shows how a strategic scientist, with extraordinary wisdom and tenacity, laid a crucial cornerstone for the rejuvenation of a nation under extremely difficult conditions.

Who it's for

A good fit for

Readers interested in the history of science and technology in New China, especially the development of aerospace and national defense.
General readers who wish to learn about Qian Xuesen's life, patriotic spirit, and scientific contributions.
Young students seeking role models to inspire them to devote themselves to science and engineering.
Researchers or enthusiasts concerned with systems engineering, scientific management thought, and historical cases of their practice.

Not a good fit for

Readers of literary biography seeking highly literary embellishment, dramatic plots, or deep psychological analysis.
Professional researchers expecting extremely in-depth, specialized technical details and discussion of cutting-edge scientific theories.

Reading tips

Read it alongside the background of modern Chinese history to better appreciate the historical significance of Qian Xuesen's return to China and his struggles.
Pay attention to the book's exposition of Qian Xuesen's systems engineering and scientific management thought, and reflect on its implications for today's scientific and technological innovation.
After reading, consult Qian Xuesen's academic works or letter collections to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the depth of his thought.

About the publisher

International Culture Publishing Corporation China · Founded in 1984

International Culture Publishing Corporation is a publisher known for introducing foreign literature and world classics, with about 283 relevant titles in the database. Its representative books include Goethe's The Sorrows of Young Werther, Hesse's Siddhartha, Jiménez's Platero and I, and Gibran's The Prophet, as well as cultural readings such as Zhu Guangqian's Twelve Letters to Youth and Common Talk on Classics. In psychology, it offers the nine-volume Collector's Edition of C. G. Jung's Works, covering social psychology and applied psychology. Its author resources include Goethe, Hesse, Jiménez, Jung, and Zhu Guangqian, along with Chinese authors involved in translation and compilation. Its publishing focus is on foreign literature, classic works, psychology, and culture, serving both academic and general readers. Public information is limited, and the above is based mainly on the books in the database.

版权信息
前言 “中小学课本里的名人传记丛书”
少年立大志
不同凡响的钱氏家族
父母的言传身教
兴趣广泛的孩子
在北师大附中的六年
在交通大学的学习生活
考取公费留美生
留美二十年
为祖国努力学习
成为冯·卡门的门生
师生间的良好合作
致力于火箭研究
最年轻的正教授
回国挑重担
冲破阻力回祖国
展望回国新征程
专人护送北上，做客中南海
前往东北考察
参与制订科学规划
白手起家研制导弹
“两弹”结合铸辉煌
负责研发卫星
人生显辉煌
航天事业的开创者
工程控制论的创始人
中国自然科学的领导者
荣获“小罗克韦尔奖”
获得多项国家大奖

FAQ

What is this book's Douban rating?

According to checks, rating information for this book on the Douban platform is currently not widely collected or displayed, possibly related to its publication era and relatively specialized biographical positioning. As one book in the Pibo figures series, its value lies more in the reliability and educational significance of its content.

What is the background of the author, the "Pibo International Celebrity Research Center"?

The "Pibo International Celebrity Research Center" is a publishing and research institution focused on compiling biographies of notable figures at home and abroad. Its series are characterized by solid historical materials and objective narration, aiming to provide readers with trustworthy life stories; it has a certain recognition in the educational field and the general reading market.

Is this book suitable for young readers?

Very suitable. The book's language is plain and its story inspiring; it is an excellent read for young people to learn about a great scientific master and cultivate patriotism and interest in science. The spirit of overcoming difficulties and the ideal of serving the country shown in the book have a positive guiding effect on young people's growth.

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About the author

冯化太 Author · Chinese · 1967

Feng Huatai was born in 1967 and graduated from the graduate program of the Lu Xun Academy of Literature. He currently works as a literary editor at Sina.com and writes freelance in his spare time. Public information about him is limited, but his 46 works in the library show a wide range: he has compiled classic works such as Selected Articles by Top Scholars of Successive Dynasties, and has also written on traditional family instructions and ways of dealing with the world, as exemplified by Dushi Kuanhou (Honest and Generous). At the same time, he writes popular science for young readers, covering robots, human science, maritime weapons, new materials, and road traffic, and extending to prehistoric civilization. Overall, his writing balances cultural transmission with the popularization of knowledge, and his works fall mainly into the categories of classic works, culture, inspirational growth, and popular science, suiting readers of different ages.