Oppenheimer: Portrait of an Enigma - Softcover

Bernstein, Jeremy

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1566636663 ISBN 13: 9781566636667

Publisher: Ivan R. Dee, Publisher, 2005

Synopsis

A study of the great nuclear physicist is an intensely interesting biographical profile, both personal and historical, Oppenheimer brings the reader close to the life and workings of an extraordinary and controversial man. an extraordinary and controversial man.

About this title

About the Author:

For nearly three decades Jeremy Bernstein wrote profiles of scientists for the New Yorker. Many were prizeDwinners, and his book Einstein was nominated for the National Book Award. But he hesitated to write about Oppenheimer until now. Mr. Bernstein, a theoretical physicist best known for his nonscientific work, has also written The Dawning of the Raj and The Merely Personal as well as Hitler's Uranium Club; Three Degrees Above Zero; and Cranks, Quarks, and the Cosmos. He lives in New York City and Aspen, Colorado.

Review:

Bernstein, himself a theoretical physicist, has profiled scientists for The New Yorker for nearly three decades.... His memoir, which elucidates difficult scientific problems in the clearest English, is a must-read for anyone interested in the power of science and the state. (Toronto Globe and Mail)

It brims with new stories and scientific explanations, making it an ideal layman's introduction to this elusive and conflicted 20th-century giant. (William Lanouette Issues In Science and Technology)

Jeremy Bernstein, combining the grace of a New Yorker writer with the insight of a theoretical physicist, draws a fine and fascinating portrait of the man who gave us the atomic bomb. (Arthur Schlesinger Jr.)

Having had the advantage of shrewdly observing Oppenheimer at close range, Jeremy Bernstein combines in this gripping biography his expertise in physics and history of science with his talent as a master storyteller. (Gerald Holton, Harvard University)

Jeremy Bernstein has written an engrossing portrait of the life and contributions of J. Robert Oppenheimer―providing keen insights into his complex personality and, in clear language, his impressive contributions to physics and to the development of the atomic bomb. (Athan Theoharis, author of From the Secret Files of J. Edgar Hoover)

Fascinating...a splendid addition.... It reads exceedingly well from beginning to end. I was particularly impressed with his analysis of Oppenheimer's security hearing.... Every part of the book contains new and fascinating insights into Oppenheimer's life and work and the people with whom he was associated. (Roger H. Stuewer, Tate Laboratory of Physics, University of Minnesota)

What makes this little book worthwhile is its personal view of the conflicted genius. A fine introduction to an ever-fascinating man. (Bill Ott Booklist)

A revealing, involving, highly recommended biographical survey. (Bookwatch)

His memoir, which elucudates difficult scientific problems is in the clearest English, is a must-read for anyone interested in the power of science and the state. (Chris Scott Toronto Globe and Mail)

Oppenheimer: A Portrait of an Enigma is full of amusing and enlightening anecdotes and asides that illuminate both Oppenheimer's personality and the milieu in which he lived. If the book has a moral, it is that even a genius can be too clever. (Washington Sunday Times)

About this edition

• Publisher: Ivan R. Dee, Publisher
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 1566636663
• ISBN 13: 9781566636667
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 238