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)

Sloppy production for a great book

The his is a wonderful story and well written. The audio production though is sloppy - bad edits and some changes in audio levels. Re record it! The original narrator is good but the production is poor.

Triumph and Tragedy

On a scale that is simultaneously global and deeply personal, the saga of Robert Oppenheimer plays out in ways that are interesting and worth pondering. As relevant today as it was when the events occurred.

Captivating

I finished it in 3 days. Narration was great. I will be checking to see what else this narrator’s does.

Science made endearing!

Oppenheimer was such an open mind, ready to soak up all opportunities as well as imparting his rich background in social justice, fine art, food and music and educational foundation. Reading about his first years at Berkeley as he learned to profess and not bloviate was fascinating. I learned so much political history, especially in my California. Who knew Upton Sinclair ran in 1934 for governor!

I can see the criticism of the narration, but it wasn’t off putting. I just thought there were two narrators rather than two authors!

I like to read books before the movie comes out and this one was a winner. And that says a lot because I have a mental block against science! My high school was super rigorous and we took a field trip to the linear accelerator, but Physics was a struggle/slog for me. I feel guilty about my elementary school classes that I taught because they got short shrift in science and a heavy dose of history and geography.
This book will not disappoint!

best biography I have read

I don't know how Lewis Strauss didn't go to jail for all the illegal things he did to defame Oppenheimer.
Also, idk how people could be against programs to lessen the chance of nuclear war that he unsuccessfully advocated for.

Excellent

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

A Very Important Bio

This was an intriguing, comprehensive story. At times ponderous and exhaustive, I was rewarded by continuing. As other reviewers have stated, the audio narration is a major distraction. It’s a travesty that Audible released this major biographical work with such low audio production quality.
Regardless, I still highly recommend it.

Absolutely amazing

What an incredible story and history lesson this book is. It’s definitely long and thorough but we’ll worth the read.

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.