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Jul 2023
29m 51s

Oppenheimer

History Hit
About this episode

Often referred to as the father of the atomic bomb, J. Robert Oppenheimer's work in the field of theoretical physics changed the world as we knew it. Working in Los Alamos, New Mexico during the Second World War, the Manhattan Project and the scientific advancements achieved there helped bring an end to WW2 - but at what cost? With Oppenheimer's life and work now being immortalized in Christopher Nolan's latest epic 'Oppenheimer,' what do we actually know about the man behind the Manhattan Project, and what legacy did he leave behind?


In this episode, James welcomes Pulitzer Prize-winning author (and historical advisor to the film) Kai Bird to the podcast to talk about his book 'American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer.' Examining Kai's own research and delving into over 150 first-hand accounts, declassified FBI files, and archives across the globe, we explore who Robert J. Oppenheimer was and whether he truly changed the world as we knew it.


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