Download or read book SPACE & AMERN IMAGINATION written by Howard E. McCurdy and published by Smithsonian Books (DC). This book was released on 1997-10-17 with total page 312 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Examining popular images that have helped motivate the most ambitious civil space program in the world, McCurdy argues that the spacefaring dream tapped into several of America's most deeply rooted cultural ideals. He also explains how space advocates, playing on the public's Cold War fears, convinced politicians that control of space meant control of the earth.He also contends that the gaps between expectations and reality led to public policy obligated to entertain as well as inform. 43 photos.