military science

This is a big book (almost 800 pages), covering the history of atomic physics from late the 19th century discoveries of the atomic nucleus and radiation to the 1945 atomic bomb strikes and the immediate post-war developments. The most amazing part of the story concerns the (almost unbelieveable) rapidity of scientific advance in this field during the early 19th century -- then again, perhaps people 75 years from now will be saying the same about computer or DNA knowledge during our era (I'm certain the same won't be said of my field).

I enjoyed this book, and recommend it highly. Anybody with a rudimentary understanding of nuclear physics (e.g., who can understand the meaning of the terms electron/ neutron/ proton) and early 20th century history will have no problem with this book. I gave it 4 stars out of 5, because I reserve 5 stars for books that, when I'm finished, I wish would continue: this is a very fine book, but I was ready to move on by the end. If I were the author, I would have included a section on the long-term costs of the US atomic program -- i.e., the environmental cleanup costs we are paying today as a consequence of the "victory now at any cost" mindset of 50 years ago (yeah, I know, I just implied that it's already too long -- but it really isn't).

I used to think that mankind was essentially a foolish, greedy, vain, self-indulgent species with little else on the brain except food, sex, and money.

The contents of this book have made a lasting impact on me - and I'm not one who is easily swayed.

The first nuclear bomb - whether or not you agree with its political, military or social impact on humanity - was a testament to the mental prowess of humankind.

Until now, I had never considered how vast our knowledge of nuclear physics needed to be for us to achieve critical mass. It makes the moon landing appear rather less than spectacular...

Mr. Rhodes does a beautiful job of presenting the material: the history behind the theories, experiments, scientists and politics of achieving an explosion of this magnitude.

The survivors' descriptions of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombs are by far the most horrifying things I've ever read.

If this book interests you, I highly recommend Mr. Rhodes' "Dark Sun" which takes a long, hard look at the most frightening of man's creations: the hydrogen bomb.

I must say, I have a new-found respect for our species' mental capacity.

Read "The Making of the Atomic Bomb" and get two excellent books for the price of one. An eminently readable scientific journal and as good a time capsule of the mood of World War II as you'll find anywhere.