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Book Launch - Soviets in Space

Sixty years ago, in April 1961, Yuri Gagarin, proud Soviet Cosmonaut, became the first human being to travel into space. For the USSR this was proof of Soviet achievement, and the socialist system that had involved so much sacrifice to build. Gagarin was a character of great charm and when he visited Britain in the Summer of 1961 he was mobbed by adoring crowds. This was at the height of the Cold War and international tensions were running high - nonetheless this human achievement was recognised across the world. In Kilwinning, North Ayrshire, the Town Council included an admirer of the USSR - Davey Savage, and he persuaded his colleagues to name a residential street after Gagarin - Gagarin Terrace - one of only two such places in the UK , the other being in the communist mining stronghold of Lumphinnans in Fife.

Soviets in Space, published by Pen & Sword on 30th November 2021, is a social history of the years of Soviet achievement in space - in particular the 1950s and 1960s when the USSR led the world in peaceful space technology, until the death of their chief designer, Sergei Korolev, and overhaul by the USA who were first to land a human on the moon. Written by North Ayrshire author, Colin Turbett, it provides background to the lives and times of the Soviet cosmonauts and the attempts to build a better world at home on earth.

The book launch and exhibition opening will take place in Kilwinning Library in front of a small invited audience including North Ayrshire's Provost, Ian Clarkson. It will involve short contributions on the history from guests present as well as online. The event will be livestreamed and free tickets can be obtained here. The full programme will be announced soon.

A link will be emailed out to all who obtain an Eventbrite Ticket.

Entry Price: Free

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/book-launch-soviets-in-space-tickets-204998063727


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