J. Robert Oppenheimer

This captivating biography delves into J. Robert Oppenheimer’s groundbreaking work, from his early scientific achievements to leading the Manhattan Project and his complex legacy as the mind behind the atom bomb.

The brilliant theoretical physicist, J. Robert Oppenheimer is now known primarily for his work on the development of the atomic bomb from 1942-45 at Los Alamos in New Mexico. Though fascinated by the processes that created the bomb, he was horrified by its impact and the devastation wrought on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Chris McNab looks at the body of prior work that led to Oppenheimer’s recruitment to the Manhattan Project as well as the development of the bomb itself. It also reflects on how his political views subsequently put him in opposition to the US government and military factions and ultimately ended his career as a nuclear physicist, despite his talents.

ABOUT THE SERIES: The Sirius Biographies series brings together entertaining biographies of leading figures within scientific world and beyond, tracing their lives, legacy and the pioneering ideas that made them world-famous.

Over the course of his two-decade career as an author and editor, Chris McNab has written more than 100 titles, primarily focused on historical and military topics. His titles include: Weapons of War: AK47, 20th-Century Small Arms, A History of the World in 100 Weapons, The Illustrated History of the Vietnam War, The Book of the Poppy and Hitler’s Fortresses. In addition to his writing work, Chris has made regular contributions on radio and television.