Robert Oppenheimer: Letters and Recollections by J.Robert Oppenheimer (English)

Description: Robert Oppenheimer: Letters and Recollections by J.Robert Oppenheimer Robert Oppenheimer (1904-1967) is one of the few American scientists who have become public - and controversial - figures in the twentieth century. This book adds a new dimension to the Oppenheimer story by offering a look at the private man behind the public figure. It consists of letters spanning the period from his Harvard student days in 1922 to his departure from Los Alamos in 1945. The letters are supplemented by recollections of those who knew Oppenheimer and by his own recollections from an interview a few years before his death. FORMAT Paperback LANGUAGE English CONDITION Brand New Publisher Description Robert Oppenheimer (1904-1967) is one of the few American scientists who have become public and controversial figures in the twentieth century.T his book adds a new dimension to the Oppenheimer story by offering a look at the private man behind the public figure. It consists of letters spanning the period from his Harvard student days in 1922 to his departure from Los Alamos in 1945. The letters are supplemented by recollections of those who knew Oppenheimer and by his own recollections from an interview a few years before his death. A beautifully organized collection of letters and reminiscences ...The editors have interviewed those who knew and worked with him, stirred in the necessary explanatory background, and produced an account, both scholarly and highly readable, which throws fresh light on a man who will probably always remain something of an enigma. Amid devotional defense and almost rabid attack, their book is a model of objectivity. New York Times Book RevieW An intimate, carefully documented, and honest book.Scientific American The first scholarly attempt to come to grips with the development of Oppenheimers elusive personality, it is all the more impressive because its many revealing letters and candid commentary were gathered from those who knew him best. Science A milestone in Oppenheimer scholarship ...The full measure of Oppenheimer the man, the scientist, and the public figure remains to be taken, but the publication of this rich volume will markedly aid the accomplishment of that ultimate and demanding task. Review "A beautifully organized collection of letters and reminiscences... The editors have interviewed those who knew and worked with him, stirred in the necessary explanatory background, and produced an account, both scholarly and highly readable, which throws fresh light on a man who will probably always remain something of an enigma. Amid devotional defense and almost rabid attack, their book is a model of objectivity." - New York Times Book Review Kirkus US Review With all that has been written about J. Robert Oppenheimer, it is with considerable excitement that one turns at last to the masters voice himself. Will there be revelations? Explanations of the enigmatic personality, the flawed-but-adored image? Yes and no. Editors Smith and Weiner have collected over a hundred letters extending from Oppenheimers freshman year at Harvard through 1945. They have kept interpretation to a minimum, but have provided excerpts of a long interview with Thomas Kuhn in which Oppenheimer discusses his scientific career. So what is here is very much for the reader to ponder, and it is fascinating. The first letters, many to Oppenheimers high school English teacher, are almost a pastiche of the precious polymath, the young man dabbling in fiction and poetry, studying Chinese, and taking courses in philosophy, math, and physics. The prose is arch-baroque, usually beginning with a fulsome apology. The Harvard and later graduate years at Cambridge and Gottingen see Oppenheimer in full Dostoevskian fervor, at times talking all night with literary friends like Paul Horgan, at times depressed and isolated. There is a bout of suspected TB, an unsuccessful psychoanalysis, the almost strangling of a friend, and a strange repugnance for music (later reversed). And withal, as a rich mans son, there are vacations in France or Italy, sails at Bay Shore, and the discovery of his beloved New Mexico haunts. As Oppenheimer grows professionally, we have a wonderful series of letters to younger brother and future physicist Frank, first full of avuncular advice, later revealing a rare intimacy. Then, as his career flowers, the letters lose all their sophomoric pretensions and become charming epistles, combining thoughtfulness with scientific communication. Nevertheless, there is a feeling of remoteness, of someone whose elegant expressions of care belie an emotional distance. Marriage and two children come late in this period, and nothing here casts light on this side of Oppenheimers life. With the advent of Los Alamos, the letters become increasingly businesslike in tone. As for the turbulent aftermath, the editors include Oppenheimers speech to Los Alamos scientists expressing his fears for the future; his testimony at the security hearings; and a summary of the final chapter of his life. It is all absorbing reading - more clues, yes, but the mystery remains. (Kirkus Reviews) Review Quote A beautifully organized collection of letters and reminiscences. . . . The editors have interviewed those who knew and worked with him, stirred in the necessary explanatory background, and produced an account, both scholarly and highly readable, which throws fresh light on a man who will probably always remain something of an enigma. Amid devotional defense and almost rabid attack, their book is a model of objectivity." Details ISBN0804726205 Short Title ROBERT OPPENHEIMER Pages 400 Publisher Stanford University Press Series Stanford Nuclear Age (Paperback) Language English ISBN-10 0804726205 ISBN-13 9780804726207 Media Book Format Paperback DEWEY B Year 1995 Publication Date 1995-01-31 Imprint Stanford University Press Subtitle Letters and Recollections Place of Publication Palo Alto Country of Publication United States Illustrations 12 half-tones Author J.Robert Oppenheimer Birth 1904 Death 1967 Edited by Charles Weiner DOI 10.1604/9780804726207 Audience Professional and Scholarly UK Release Date 1995-01-01 AU Release Date 1995-01-01 NZ Release Date 1995-01-01 US Release Date 1995-01-01 We've got this At The Nile, if you're looking for it, we've got it. With fast shipping, low prices, friendly service and well over a million items - you're bound to find what you want, at a price you'll love! 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