How Long to Read In the Shadow of the Bomb

How Long Does it Take to Read In the Shadow of the Bomb?

It takes the average reader 4 hours and 49 minutes to read In the Shadow of the Bomb by S. S. Schweber

Assuming a reading speed of 250 words per minute. Learn more

Description

How two charismatic, exceptionally talented physicists came to terms with the nuclear weapons they helped to create In 1945, the United States dropped the bomb, and physicists were forced to contemplate disquieting questions about their roles and responsibilities. When the Cold War followed, they were confronted with political demands for their loyalty and McCarthyism's threats to academic freedom. By examining how J. Robert Oppenheimer and Hans A. Bethe—two men with similar backgrounds but divergent aspirations and characters—struggled with these moral dilemmas, one of our foremost historians of physics tells the story of modern physics, the development of atomic weapons, and the Cold War. Oppenheimer and Bethe led parallel lives. Both received liberal educations that emphasized moral as well as intellectual growth. Both were outstanding theoreticians who worked on the atom bomb at Los Alamos. Both advised the government on nuclear issues, and both resisted the development of the hydrogen bomb. Both were, in their youth, sympathetic to liberal causes, and both were later called to defend the United States against Soviet communism and colleagues against anti-Communist crusaders. Finally, both prized scientific community as a salve to the apparent failure of Enlightenment values. Yet their responses to the use of the atom bomb, the testing of the hydrogen bomb, and the treachery of domestic politics differed markedly. Bethe, who drew confidence from scientific achievement and integration into the physics community, preserved a deep integrity. By accepting a modest role, he continued to influence policy and contributed to the nuclear test ban treaty of 1963. In contrast, Oppenheimer first embodied a new scientific persona—the scientist who creates knowledge and technology affecting all humanity and boldly addresses their impact—and then could not carry its burden. His desire to retain insider status, combined with his isolation from creative work and collegial scientific community, led him to compromise principles and, ironically, to lose prestige and fall victim to other insiders. S. S. Schweber draws on his vast knowledge of science and its history—in addition to his unique access to the personalities involved—to tell a tale of two men that will enthrall readers interested in science, history, and the lives and minds of great thinkers.

How long is In the Shadow of the Bomb?

In the Shadow of the Bomb by S. S. Schweber is 279 pages long, and a total of 72,261 words.

This makes it 94% the length of the average book. It also has 88% more words than the average book.

How Long Does it Take to Read In the Shadow of the Bomb Aloud?

The average oral reading speed is 183 words per minute. This means it takes 6 hours and 34 minutes to read In the Shadow of the Bomb aloud.

What Reading Level is In the Shadow of the Bomb?

In the Shadow of the Bomb is suitable for students ages 12 and up.

Note that there may be other factors that effect this rating besides length that are not factored in on this page. This may include things like complex language or sensitive topics not suitable for students of certain ages.

When deciding what to show young students always use your best judgement and consult a professional.

Where Can I Buy In the Shadow of the Bomb?

In the Shadow of the Bomb by S. S. Schweber is sold by several retailers and bookshops. However, Read Time works with Amazon to provide an easier way to purchase books.

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