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The Making of the Atomic Bomb

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The Making of the Atomic Bomb

Written by: Richard Rhodes
Narrated by: Holter Graham
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About this listen

Here for the first time, in rich human, political, and scientific detail, is the complete story of how the bomb was developed, from the turn-of-the-century discovery of the vast energy locked inside the atom to the dropping of the first bombs on Japan.

Few great discoveries have evolved so swiftly - or have been so misunderstood. From the theoretical discussions of nuclear energy to the bright glare of Trinity, there was a span of hardly more than 25 years. What began as merely an interesting speculative problem in physics grew into the Manhattan Project and then into the bomb with frightening rapidity, while scientists known only to their peers - Szilard, Teller, Oppenheimer, Bohr, Meitner, Fermi, Lawrence, and yon Neumann - stepped from their ivory towers into the limelight.

Richard Rhodes takes us on that journey step by step, minute by minute, and gives us the definitive story of man's most awesome discovery and invention. The Making of the Atomic Bomb has been compared in its sweep and importance to William L. Shirer's The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich. It is at once a narrative tour de force and a document as powerful as its subject.

©1995 Richard Rhodes (P)2016 Simon & Schuster Americas Military Physics Science United States Wars & Conflicts Weapons & Warfare War Imperialism Mathematics Russia Imperial Japan Metaphysical Air Force Franklin D Roosevelt Discovery Interwar Period Nuclear Weapons
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I enjoyed listening to this book so much that I purchased a hard copy. Though it is long it is deeply immersive and each chapter is independently fascinating.

A harrowing and compassionate account of history.

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Great book that delights in its characters and its marginally topical anecdotes. Written in such a way that held my attention, the only way I learn anything.

Sweeping and authoritative

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probably one of the best books ever written, and the narrator in this audiobook is great

phenomenal

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Rich in biographical and just enough technical detail; a rewarding experience about an event of profound consequence that has left humanity forever changed.

Masterful popular history.

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Terrific book. First part is about scientific discoveries leading to nuclear fission, (late 1800s - WW1) second part is very WW2 & manhatten project focused. The book is 37 hours long, its not going to be for everyone. But if your patient enough, this is the definitive story the most important scientific & military event ever.

An epic story

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Great book and narration at 37 plus hours she is a long one but most definitely worth a listen.  #Audible1

great book

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When I started this a month ago at an hour a day I hoped for a journey of education. I missed the boat on that. This is the compilation of too many lives to imagine. Details, Facts, Context. The 'all in' experience of GREATNESS within the context of not only humanity, but also universal everything from origin to extinction . I couldn't miss the next part and I cant wait to explore history with this genius next and again. Great Author, Great Narration. BUY NOW. Never regret.

Nothing About this is Wrong NO REGRET

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It takes immense concentration to get through some of the highly technical scientific details about the bomb but, if you're able, The Making of the Atomic Bomb is an essential tome of knowledge about the subject.

Dense but essential

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The Pulitzer Prize winning history of the making of the atomic bomb. The book follows the discovery of radioactivity through to the realization that certain elements could be split in a self-sustaining chain reaction which made possible the atomic bombs. The author manages to cover the science involved in a clear and concise manner that never overwhelms. He also paints a vivid picture of the various personalities involved, their backgrounds, conflicts and beliefs. I have read this book twice and listened to this version once. Unfortunately, the narrator is weak. He mispronounces names and places. Consonants often disappear up his nose. His attempt at accents and voices is preposterous. This important and well-crafted book deserved better.

A classic book with a weak narrator

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after watching Oppenheimer i had to learn more. this book constantly came up and wow what a piece of work. it took a while to get through but the information was just overwhelming. i don't know what happens next in this crazy world but i hope it's more peace

dang what a world

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