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

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)

Excellent

Thoroughly enjoyed the contents, history & narration. Must read piece of history and the toll on a man's life

Great book

Would loved to have had more on the Manhattan project and less on the whole communist elements but overall great book.

Great book

Amazing man, amazing story . Such a different time from today. Many of the same issues remain, however

A very in depth history of JRO

This book is beast of a read and can be a little boring at times if you are not expecting so much detail. Very well written.

The performance was patchy and distracting at times.

Great story, meh audio

Such a compelling story, and so well researched! The audio recording sounds like they kept switching out the equipment, as the sound is not consistent.

Very interesting and informative but long

This was very interesting and informative to read after seeing the movie. Had more detail than I felt was necessary at parts, but overall a good listen. The performance was rough/strange at times- but again worth it for the overall story and history.

A man with a moral compass

I’m neither a physicist nor a poet, but I was fascinated by the story of this genius who was both. Oppie was an enigma with a strong moral compass and a maddening personality. The book is riveting, and a horror story as it describes the craziness of the McCarthy period.

The greatest biography I’ve ever read (listened to)

This was without a doubt the greatest bio novel I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading (or hearing). I loved the movie Oppenheimer so much I thought I’d give the book a shot and wow, it floored me in every aspect.

Great narrator

Amazing. I understand why the movie had to be made. Crazy to believe some of the people were real.

Apt title: Prometheus is always punished…

It is a compelling story well told, but the reading could have been better. The readers numerous and varied mispronunciations were a terrible distraction.