Person
Every book Kai Bird recommended on podcasts
Kai Bird appeared on StarTalk Radio to discuss the history and science behind the atomic age, as well as the biographical work behind cinematic projects. During the episode, Kai Bird discussed American Prometheus, the biography of J. Robert Oppenheimer that he co-authored with the late Martin J. Sherwin, explaining that Sherwin spent twenty-five years on the project before bringing him aboard in the year 2000 to help complete the book over another five years. Kai Bird also brought up Mary Shelley's novel Frankenstein, noting its full title, Frankenstein or The Modern Prometheus, to explore the literary connections of the Prometheus metaphor. Furthermore, Kai Bird mentioned Richard Rhodes's Pulitzer Prize-winning book The Making of the Atomic Bomb while discussing the existing body of literature surrounding the history of nuclear weapons development.
Books recommended by Kai Bird
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American Prometheus
American Prometheus by Kai Bird and Martin J.
Discussed“you know my biography of Oppenheimer I did with a co-author who alas is no longer with us Martin J Sherwin and Marty spent 25 years on this biography he only brought me aboard in the year 2000 and it took us another five years nevertheless to produce the book”
Where to get it
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Frankenstein or The Modern Prometheus
Discussed“another famous book that uses or references Prometheus is the subtitle of Mary Shell's book Frankenstein and yeah what or or what's the full title is Frankenstein the modern Prometheus”
Where to get it
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The making of the atomic bomb
The Making of the Atomic Bomb by Richard Rhodes is a comprehensive, Pulitzer Prize-winning history that chronicles the scientific discoveries, political pressures, and personal personalities behind the creation of nuclear weapons.
Discussed“and of course there's already a book with that title the making of the atomic bombad by Richard rhods right but also a p prizewinning book by the way that's right”
Where to get it
Books Kai Bird wrote
Appearances
| Episode | Podcast | Date | Books |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oppenheimer: Birth of the Atomic Age with Kai Bird | StarTalk Radio | 2023-09-05 | 3 |
Other mentions (1: passing, ad reads, own books)
“If it was just about building the H-bomb, the atomic bomb, of course there's already a book with that title, The Making of the Atomic Bomb, by Richard Rhodes, right? But also a prize-winning book, by the way.”