• American Prometheus

  • The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer
  • By: Kai Bird, Martin J. Sherwin
  • Narrated by: Jeff Cummings
  • Length: 26 hrs and 30 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (4,339 ratings)

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American Prometheus  By  cover art

American Prometheus

By: Kai Bird, Martin J. Sherwin
Narrated by: Jeff Cummings
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Publisher's summary

PULITZER PRIZE WINNER • The definitive biography of J. Robert Oppenheimer, one of the iconic figures of the twentieth century, a brilliant physicist who led the effort to build the atomic bomb for his country in a time of war, and who later found himself confronting the moral consequences of scientific progress.

THE INSPIRATION FOR THE MAJOR MOTION PICTURE
OPPENHEIMER

J. Robert Oppenheimer is one of the iconic figures of the twentieth century, a brilliant physicist who led the effort to build the atomic bomb for his country in a time of war and who later found himself confronting the moral consequences of scientific progress.

When he proposed international controls over atomic materials, opposed the development of the hydrogen bomb, and criticized plans for a nuclear war, his ideas were anathema to powerful advocates of a massive nuclear buildup during the anti-Communist hysteria of the early 1950s. They declared that Oppenheimer could not be trusted with America’s nuclear secrets.

In this magisterial biography twenty-five years in the making, which won the 2006 Pulitzer Prize for biography, the authors capture Oppenheimer’s life and times, from his early career to his central role in the Cold War.

©2005 Kai Bird; 2007 Blackstone Audio Inc.

Critic reviews

"The definitive biography...Oppenheimer's life doesn't influence us. It haunts us." ( Newsweek)
"[A] profoundly fascinating, richly complex, and ineffably sad American life.... Bird and Sherwin are without peer...in capturing the humanity of the man." ( Booklist)
"A work of voluminous scholarship and lucid insight, unifying its multifaceted portrait with a keen grasp of Oppenheimer's essential nature.... It succeeds in deeply fathoming his most damaging, self-contradictory behavior." ( New York Times)

Featured Article: 12 Thrilling History Listens to Get Ready for Oppenheimer


Dubbed the "father of the atomic bomb," J. Robert Oppenheimer was a theoretical physicist who gained notoriety for the role he played in the Manhattan Project and the creation of the very first nuclear weapon. After the atomic bomb was developed, it was deployed by the United States to destroy the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. These listens provide historical context about the man at the center of Christopher Nolan's biopic.

What listeners say about American Prometheus

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Incredibly moving

Outstanding writing, and weaving together the story. Truly an amazing listen. If the movie interested you at all, you need to listen to this.

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Extraordinary book and narration.

The worst book edition that I'd found in Audible. Impossible to continue the reading after any pause.

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Great Biography

Pronunciation of names not consistent throughout. For example, it was 50/50 whether Strauss would be pronounced in a way that rhymed with "house" or rhymed with "cause." Otherwise fantastic.

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A Great American Story

Listened to the book after seeing the movie Oppenheimer. I recommend the book for everyone who saw the movie. American Prometheus fills in all the missing pieces from the movie.

Moreover, this story intertwines with the Red Scare and McCarthyism of mid century America.

Finally, I was inspired by Oppenheimer's Renaissance World View. He reminds us that science and technology need philosophy and the humanities.

It was an excellent read.

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Excellent

Book is so interesting.! The narrator is good, but the quality of the audio, particularly the consistency of the volume, is erratic and annoying.

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Audio is rough

I quite enjoyed the book and everything I learned. It's a lot of information, so I know I couldn't have caught it all in one listen. My biggest complaint is the audio or, probably more precisely, the editing. The story was clearly not recorded in continuous sessions. The change in volume, tone, and cadence reminds me of an automated voicemail greeting where your name spoken in your voice awkwardly interrupts the standard message. I found this annoying and distracting from the content of the book.

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Terrific Book!

The basis for the 2023 film “Oppenheimer,” “American Prometheus” is a terrific biography of a complicated man, and his contribution to the world, in both positive and negative ways. Grade: A

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Very good listen

Excellent history with good mix of personal details. Worthy of your time and even a second listen.

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Book was fantastic

Book was fantastic. It provided a detailed and unbiased depiction of Oppenheimer’s life. Phenomenally tragic

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So many surprises

What extraordinary humans. Not just Oppenheimer but others as well. A renaissance man for sure. So diverse. I couldn’t stop listening. I loved the movie. I had to learn more. I’m glad I did. What an phenomenal man!!!
It also gave me hope for our future. It is possible to turn things around. I just hope we can and that I live long enough to see it.

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