An Unofficial 'The Rest Is History' Reading List

344: Oppenheimer: The Witch Hunt (Part 2)

June 23, 2023

Description

Following the use of the atomic bomb in Japan and the end of the Second World War, Oppenheimer pushes for an international approach to nuclear power. This attitude towards nuclear secrets,...
Read more here

Books Referenced

American Prometheus

Author: Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin

Context:

Referenced as the biography of Oppenheimer on which the Christopher Nolan film is based. The hosts discuss how it refers to Oppenheimer as 'Prometheus' and quote from it extensively throughout the podcast.

The Beast in the Jungle

Author: Henry James

Context:

Referenced as a Henry James story that Oppenheimer was obsessed with, about a man who goes through life with a sense of looming dread - used to illustrate Oppenheimer's psychological state knowing his communist past could resurface to destroy him.

Bhagavad Gita

Author: Vyasa (attributed)

Context:

Referenced in connection with Oppenheimer's famous quote 'Now I am become death, the destroyer of worlds' - the hosts discuss how this phrase from the ancient Hindu text became associated with Oppenheimer.