Author Edward (Ted) Aldrich will speak to the New Canaan Men’s Club Friday (Sept. 8) on the World War II decision on how to use the atomic bomb, outlining the series of strategic recommendations that emanated from its successful development and testing as described in his book, “The Partnership: George Marshall, Henry Stimson and the Extraordinary Collaboration that Won World War II.”
The meeting at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church will begin at 10 a.m. with Aldrich’s remarks slated to begin around 10:40 a.m., following the business portion of the club’s meeting.
In his talk, Aldrich will describe the decisions that had to be faced by Presidents Franklin Roosevelt and Harry Truman, as well as Stimson and Marshall and others within the civilian and military ranks as to how the bomb would be utilized. Noted historian and Tulane Professor Walter Isaacson, who has written biographies of Steve Jobs and Albert Einstein, has praised Aldrich’s book as “a valuable addition to history.”
Aldrich will draw on his extensive research to describe the decisions that went into how the bomb would be used while providing a sense of Stimson’s background in order to “give a sense of the man to whom so much responsibility was given.” And, with the success of the summer’s release of “Oppenheimer,” Aldrich will add comments on the physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer, who led the Manhattan Project.
A Westport resident, Aldrich’s career is in financial services, but he has been fascinated by history ever since he began second grade in Rowayton. He studied economics and political science at Colgate University before receiving an M.B.A. in finance from Boston College. He is currently head of Corporate Development for Auramet Trading, one of the world’s largest physical precious metals merchants in the world.
The Men’s Club has openings for new members, men 55-years old and above. For membership information, email ncmens@ncmens.info.