61 pages • 2 hours read
Richard RhodesThe Making of the Atomic Bomb
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1986A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Making of the Atomic Bomb by Richard Rhodes details the development of the atomic bomb in the 1930s and 1940s, chronicling how international scientists turned a theoretical possibility into a lethal weapon, culminating in the bomb's deployment on Hiroshima. The book covers the discovery of nuclear fission, scientific advancements, political dynamics, and ethical debates among scientists. The narrative includes descriptions of wartime atrocities.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Richard Rhodes's The Making of the Atomic Bomb is consistently praised for its thorough research, engaging narrative, and balanced portrayal of scientific and historical contexts. Readers commend its detailed character insights and accessible explanations of complex topics. Some find its dense information overwhelming, but overall, it's considered a monumental work in both science and history literature.
Who Should Read The Making of the Atomic Bomb?
A reader who relishes in-depth historical narratives and complex scientific breakthroughs will enjoy Richard Rhodes' The Making of the Atomic Bomb. This book appeals to fans of Walter Isaacson's Einstein and David McCullough's The Wright Brothers, blending meticulous research with compelling storytelling.