The Making of the Atomic Bomb by Richard Rhodes (5-Jul-2012) Paperback

This is a expansive and easily readable study of the development of nuclear energy, it’s use in World War II, as well as the brilliant men and women who thoughtfully worked , mostly in secret. I am not strong in science but the author explains the science with care and clarity.

This book is a very good read! I highly recommend it!

I'm a history teacher and was looking for a book to help me understand the process behind the making of the A-bomb more thoroughly, this book exceeded my expectations. Although it can be a little technical, it is relatively easy to understand.

First part was directed toward science which I do not understand but was kept interested by the people and progress being made. The second part more understanding because it dealt with the development through life understanding events.

An exceptional book. Very well researched with excellent writing. A must read book that gives a unique view and extremely valuable context to the background and decisions that went into developing and using the atomic bomb.

Pulitzer prize winning title here. 'Nuf said...Source material for any discussion on any events in atomic/nuclear weapons.Ultimate summary: After WW2, It was all a waste of money and resources. See Eisenhower's "guns and butter speech"....

Make sure you first read the forward by Rhodes. You won't waste your time reading anymore if you do. Unfortunately I skipped reading the forward only to find out in the last 2 chapters that Rhodes equates the USA to the USSR and considers president John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan war mongers the same as those in Nazi Germany or post WWII USSR. Rhodes completely skips operation Olympic (invasion of Japan) which had conservative loss of life estimates at 3 million (1 million American and 2 million Japanese). Rhodes demonizes Col Paul Tibbets who flew Enola Gay as some crazed Nazi-like blood thirsty monster instead of the great American WWII B17 and B29 pilot/patriot that he was. Rhodes concludes that America is an equal "evil empire" along with the USSR. Rhodes equates America and the USSR both as crazed war lord societies hell bent on the destruction of the world. Never mind that America rebuilt Japan and Western Germany after WWII and is now both countries greatest ally. Never mind America has been the world's leader for freedom for the past 250 years and has sacrificed unmatched blood and treasure to ensure freedom triumphs over tyranny. I did give one star to Rhodes for his scientific research and facts which was interesting but my overall rating was a "don't waste your time". Interesting Rhodes brags about his beautiful Connecticut property but somehow fails to connect the dots that freedom is the reason Connecticut is beautiful and freedom is not free.

The book is highly detailed, giving great background as to what made him the leader of the team of competing scientists while coordinating with the military.