The General and the Genius: Groves and Oppenheimer - The Unlikely Partnership that Built the Atom Bomb Hardcover – July 13, 2015

This book was an even more absorbing read then I expected. It illustrates how two dynamic people of different backgrounds, skill sets and personalities combined their efforts and talents to create what is arguably the greatest and controversial invention of the modern era. While so much credit needs to be given to Dr. Robert Oppenheimer for his work in the creation of the atomic bomb, as much credit needs to go to General Leslie Groves for having the ability to assemble a team of highly skilled scientists and give them the resources they needed to complete their mission. Gen. Groves demonstrated considerable organizational skill and leadership. This book could actually be used as a management guide and should be required reading for anyone in a management position of a large program or project. I found the ending to be a bit unsettling though. It is telling how great people are called upon in times of crisis to perform extraordinary feats and accomplishments and then are discarded once the crisis is past. The very skills and traits which make these people rise to the occasion are the same traits which make them outcast when the crisis is over.

To lovers of the history of science and in particular of the making-of-the- A-bomb saga, Jim Kunetka has given us a Reese's cup, an Oreo cookie, or a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Two great stories that - when combined - make something even better. Oppenheimer and Groves were titanic personalities in the "Making Of" drama. Kunetka brings both colorful figures to life and helps us understand the mutual respect, ambition, shared purpose and grit that made their improbable partnership thrive. For anyone interested in Big Science, this volume really defines not only a relationship that literally changed the world, but a pattern of relating that set the template for all successful big science program management efforts (CERN? Apollo 11 ...) that followed. Should be required reading at SpaceX, NASA, Air Force Academy, and elsewhere.Kunetka accomplishes all of this while retaining all of the color and texture of the times, of these towering personalities, and of the cast of notables that make the Rad Lab, Oak Ridge, and Los Alamos stories so compelling.

Interesting book that centered on the two main personalities of the Manhattan project. Not as detailed and technical as that of the Rhoades books but still worth a read. I did come away with some insight though on why Groves tolerated the spy links that he had some heads up on that were occurring and that of Oppenheimer's leftist leanings. That being that Groves viewed the project to build the bomb as an engineering exercise that had to be accomplished. The left leaning sympathies were ignored or discounted in the push to get the project completed. Kunetka does a good job in relating how Groves managed the emotional roller coaster of Oppenheimer and the vast management requirements to complete the project. Worth a read for those interested in the history of the bomb.

I didn't think I would find much new material in this book, but it is good and well-written. My father was stationed in another branch at the university in Chicago where the early parts of the Manhattan Project were being carried out. And he and Mother had an apartment near many members of their team, and often partied with some of them. He and mother had both told me that the Manhattan Project was the talk of the town and everyone there knew what was going on. He also said when most of them abruptly moved to New Mexico that everyone noticed, and knew that it was ready to be tested, and there was a good chance the war would soon be over. I had always been curious as to why they used the Chicago area as it was a known hotbed of communism, and supposedly Oppenheimer was a communist sympathizer. If I remember correctly that was where the Communist Party, USA, was headquartered.

Truly amazing. A wonderful book dealing with the making of the Atomic Bomb. I love reading about Robert Oppenheimer. This book tells the fascinating story of Robert Oppenheimer and General Groves, "The Unlikely Partnership That Built the Atom Bomb." James Kunetka has created a nonfiction book that reads as smoothly as a well-written novel. The personalities of the characters come to life. The two men form a bond and develop a working relationship which seems to defy all odds. It is one of my favorite books on the making of the atomic bomb second only to American Prometheus, The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer. Even if you think the topic boring, trust me, this book is anything but. Most interesting is foresight of the creators as they come to the realization that the world will be forever changed, and not necessarily for the better by what they have achieved.

Detailed focus on Oppy and Groves in Los Alamos and their decisions in developing and producing atomic bombs during World War II.

This is a good book about the history of the development of the atomic bomb. I have read a few of those and expected this to be more about Oppenheimer and Groves.

Excellent read on the two main actors in the development of the atomic bomb.