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American Prometheus

The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer

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American Prometheus

By: Kai Bird, Martin J. Sherwin
Narrated by: Jeff Cummings
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About this listen

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. 20th Century Historical Modern Physics Professionals & Academics Science Science & Technology War Thought-Provoking Inspiring Imperialism Military Cold War

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Critic reviews

Pulitzer Prize Winner, Biography, 2006

"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)
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I saw the film first and decided to give it a go. It’s a long one nut worth the investment . Highly recommend 👍

Excellent !!

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This is a fascinating review of Oppenheimer's life and relationships. It portrays the significant burden that Oppenheimer carried throughout his adult life during the development of the nuclear weapon and afterwards. The book explores the complexities of the geopolitical landscape during this period. I found this book profoundly informative about world politics and events at the time, as well as providing insight into the tragic lives that the Oppenheimer family had to endure as a consequence.

Fascinating

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It is difficult to truly understand someone. This book makes a dam good stab at it.

Whilst aspects are tragic, the story of Robert J Oppenheimer should be celebrated for his commitment to science and human thinking.

He seems ambiguous at times but context defines the nuonces.

A humanising Insight

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If you have watched the movie, this book is a perfect complement! Shedding light on key events.

Superb

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Very detailed bio. But the audio, recorded back in 2007, is pretty ropey with varying sound volume and obvious edits.

Definitive biography but poor production

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Decided to listen after watching the film adaptation and it made me realise how true to the book Christopher Nolan was. The book managed to help pad out the story even more. Really enjoyed listening. A life full of contradictions and compromise.

Excellent audio book

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Obviously as many other came from the film to the boo and was not disappointed the world and life of J Robert Oppenheimer deserved a well written account of this life. The background of his family and young age were particularly interesting to me

Very interesting and well written

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Outstanding and monumental work , derailed and never boating . Biography is a tricky genre , the authors put in words a complex and unrepeatable story catching inner and intimate aspects drawing a complete picture of the soul and the man , as well as the facts

Incredible, inimitable life of a unique soul , embodied in mortal vests

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This is a long and detailed investigation into the life of a complex man. There were moments when I felt the author was drifting towards hagiography, but in the end it turns out to be a deftly balanced and nuanced take on one of the key players of the 20th century. My only (fairly small, but nonetheless niggling) beef is with the audio production. Jeff Cummings has a great voice and delivers the text fast and skilfully. But annoyingly, there are many, many occasions on which he has clearly had to do a retake, I suspect for mispronunciation of complicated German & other names. (Who’d have thought, for example, that a leading character called Lewis Strauss actually pronounced his name ‘Straws’?!?) The retakes sound as if they’ve been recorded on someone’s phone at a much later date, and then dropped in without enough care or attention to sound quality. Sometimes this even happens mid-sentence! When you’re deep inside the compelling narrative, it’s very annoying to suddenly have the audio quality change from a proper studio to someone’s toilet. Is it only me? Am I being too demanding? Perhaps, but it shouldn’t be impossible to have someone from the publishing company (even the author?) to sit with the narrator during the recording sessions so these daft errors can be avoided. Hey ho…. Otherwise, it’s great. Enjoy it!

A fascinating character, compellingly unpacked

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Either the publisher didn't listen to the finished recording or they did, and don't care about the listeners or being associated with such utter trash.

For the love of Christ, and out of respect for the authors, who have done an amazing job and who I'd imagine are rightly furious with this second rate presentation, spend whatever it takes to get it properly re-recorded and edited by someone with ears. I want my money back.

A fascinating text destroyed by shoddy production.

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