This is probably one of the best biographies I’ve read to date. Sherwin and Bird bring to light the portrait of a man whose contributions to science and its ethical repercussions have been, and continue to be, greatly undermined and underappreciated.
Oppenheimer is best known as the father of the atomic bomb; but in this biography the authors have convincingly argued how his “child” was never properly raised to further the benign advantages of atomic energy. Repenting the manifestation of “Death that soon had become”, Oppenheimer attempted, but ultimately failed, to dissuade the US government – at the height of McCarthyism – from augmenting its nuclear arsenal, developing the H-bomb, and in working towards the Bohrian policy of “openess” (a policy encouraging nations to act transparently in nuclear energy-related matters). Instead, he became the victim of one of America’s greatest anti-communist purges and was forced to witness the world come within yards of Armagaeddon.
While evidence of very thorough research is palpable, I must in particular commend the authors for their rare and genuine ability to reflect upon what they have compiled. As someone who has heard so much about the man who was responsible for the deaths of a many hundred thousands, I give fulsome praise to the authors’ ability to convince me otherwise and sympathise with him. I’d also like to note the very complete nature of this biography; it does not only focus on what Oppenheimer is known for, but also on the smaller details that ultimately makes him human – albeit a fascinating one!
A biography that fully deserved the Pulitzer.
5 stars out of 5
— C.S.
swasdiburi 