Such a well executed, in depth review of Oppenheimer’s life.

Loved it. Well written

Very dry. If you like historical reads and facts, read this. I was hoping it was more of a story

Captivating

There is tons and tons of reliable data in this book, but some of it is without context. It’s not going into enough detail as to why people like Strauss were fearful of communism such as the Holodomor where millions were purposefully starved to death by the communists in Ukraine, the systematic murder of Stalin’s own people, Mao murdering his 40 million in China at the same time as Oppenheimer’s trial, etc. Strauss, McCarthy, and others were right to fear communism. However, were they right in revoking Oppenheimer’s security clearance? That can be debated and there is nothing wrong with a healthy debate so long as the reader sees both sides because this is a history lesson.

Kai Bird reveals himself as a bit of a partisan hack with his pointed attempts to malign one political party. It undermines his objectivity and seems petty when such a broad cast of characters with varied backgrounds from both parties are responsible for a rather long and tragic story that spans administrations.

Excellent story on Oppenheimer and the A-Bomb. Highly recommended.

After watching the 2023 movie Oppenheimer I had to read American Prometheus. It is in my opinion one of the best biographies I’ve ever read. It is so much more that the life and times of J. Robert Oppenheimer. His story told within the context of World War Two, the atomic bomb, the Cold War, and the sad events of McCarthyism provides a rich history of the times that vaulted America into the roll of world leader with all the good and bad that that entails. Richly written this book also bares extraordinary insight into our current political discourse. Genuinely showing how powerful and destructive, petty, thin skinned political operatives can control false narratives to destroy reputations. A must read for anyone who understands that history, well told, can show a clear path to understanding current events.

Excellent summary... Now to watch the movie!

Outstanding. Detailed and riveting.