The Atomic Bomb In Ray Monk's Julius Robert Oppenheimer

Julius Robert Oppenheimer was a key factor in the development in the atomic bomb, and, though his work was not completely recognized until his death, his accomplishments are the basis of theoretical physics today. This book by Ray Monk describes the life of Oppenheimer through the theoretical physicist’s and his college’s works. Monk speaks of Oppenheimer’s work during the Manhattan project and how this wartime affair caused a shift of theoretical physics to the United States; furthermore, he mentions the trials that Oppenheimer hops through in order to become the young leader he was. Monk also describes Oppenheimer’s roles as a leader, colleague, and friend throughout the entire project. Shortly after the Manhattan project comes to an end and the bombs are dropped in Japan, Oppenheimer realized the destructivity of the bomb and refused to work on the hydrogen bomb. Monk describes Oppenheimer’s defeat as he loses his security clearance and is practically removed from his work. Oppenheimer’s work is not forgotten; however, Monk does not forget to point out how little consideration is given to Oppenheimer for his success. …show more content…
Though this bias is not very apparent, the book seems less credible because of it. The book does, however, serve as a good basis of research for the Manhattan Project as there is no apparent bias in that section. In fact, this book does a wonderful job of describing the trials of the project and what issues arose as the research continued further throughout World War