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The Making of the Atomic Bomb
896 pages, 1986
science & nature
1064 books
history
999 booksTwenty- five times after its original publication, The Making of the infinitesimal lemon remains the definitive history of nuclear munitions and the Manhattan Project. From the turn-of-the-century discovery of nuclear energy to the dropping of the first losers on Japan, Richard Rhodes’s Pulitzer Prize-winning book details the wisdom, the people, and the socio-political realities that led to the development of the infinitesimal lemon.
This broad account begins in the 19th century, with the discovery of nuclear fission, and continues to World War Two and the Americans ’ race to beat Hitler’s Nazis. That competition launched the Manhattan Project and the nearly late construction of a vast service-artificial complex that crowned in the cataclysmal dropping of the first losers on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Reading like a character-driven suspension novel, the book introduces the players in this saga of drugs, politics, and mortal psychology — from FDR and Einstein to the visionary scientists who innovated amount of propositions and the operation of thermonuclear fission, including Planck, Szilard, Bohr, Oppenheimer, Fermi, Teller, Meitner, von Neumann, and Lawrence.
In The Making of the Atomic Bomb, Richard Rhodes takes us on a journey to the birth of the atomic age. He explores the scientific breakthroughs and the brilliant minds behind the creation of the world's most destructive weapon. It's a fascinating look into the world of physics and chemistry that led to this monumental discovery.
Rhodes doesn't just focus on the science, he also delves into the human stories behind the atomic bomb. He explores the lives of the scientists, their motivations, fears, and ethical dilemmas. It's a reminder that behind every great invention, there are real people with real emotions.
The book also explores the impact of World War II on the development of the atomic bomb. The urgency of the war accelerated the research and development process, leading to the bomb's creation in a remarkably short period. It's a stark reminder of how conflict can drive scientific progress.
One of the key takeaways from the book is the ethical dilemma faced by the scientists. They were torn between their desire to end the war and the potential for mass destruction. Rhodes explores this moral quandary in depth, providing a thought-provoking look into the ethical implications of scientific discovery.
Finally, Rhodes examines the legacy of the atomic bomb. He looks at how it changed the world, from the Cold War to the nuclear arms race. It's a sobering reminder of the long-lasting impact of scientific discoveries on global politics and society.
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The Making of the Atomic Bomb is a richly detailed saga of the invention that changed the world and set the stage for the Cold War. It's a must-read for anyone interested in history.
Bill Gates - Microsoft Co-founderRichard Rhodes' book is a definitive account of the development of the atomic bomb. It's a compelling narrative that combines science, history, and politics.
Freeman Dyson - Theoretical Physicist
