The Making of the Atomic Bomb

If you have not read this book, read it, just for the summary of discoveries that lead to the atomic bomb.

on HN, 2015

The first half is like a scientific detective story about the discovery and development of quantum theory itself, in Germany and Denmark, and can be read by itself as an engaging history of physics. Then Hitler rises to power, we learn how most of the characters we've met so far escape to England and the USA, and the others except Bohr become part of the German nuclear project. It then becomes an engineering management history of the Manhattan project, and a fascinating look at the challenges they overcame.

on HN, 2024

The making of the atomic bomb by Richard Rhodes was probably the best of the bunch. I read it because I see some parallels between the discovery of atomic power and the search for AGI, and wanted an insight on the ethics and decision making of the time. It didn't disappoint.

on HN, 2024

The best non-fiction book I have ever read is 'The Making of the Atomic Bomb'[1] by Richard Rhodes. Fantastic early history of the people that eventually comprise the Manhattan Project. I feel any person who is interested in physics should read the book.

on HN, 2024

This one works on me at several levels: The physics (which are explained well), the sheer titanic scope of the Manhattan project, and the meta-knowledge that someone was able to write a book this good.

on HN, 2015

You will love it if you enjoy a mix of history, science and engineering. It pretty much covers everything from the discovery of the electron to the dropping of atomic bombs.

on HN, 2018

It is by far the best book on general physics I have read. I recommend it to all parents to give their children the opportunity to read this book. I think it will change their lives and channel them to a love of physics (if they are so inclined).

on HN, 2015

For example, "Making of the Atomic Bomb" was recommended to me, for examples of how on earth did the US manage to get a bunch of primadonna scientists to finish a megaproject on time (though this is not the main scope of the book) -- I haven't read it yet, but I would it put forward as a suggestion.

on HN, 2019