Sylvie Hirschl

A masterful biography of an exceptional man , multifaceted intellectual, scientist, ethicist, linguist, wordsmith, versed in all the arts. A full studyof the man himself, his undeniable rich and nuanced personality, including his weaknesses. His unique ability to create and organize the Manhattan project which brought forth the atomic bombs and with it, a new world. Such a man was bound to have powerful political ennemies, as well as well as scientific competitors - One in particular, who had been a former team member. After having reached the apogee of his scientific life, he was publicly demeaned, and even lost his security clearance in a final ironic humiliation. A true Greek tragedy. It’s title is perfect. Fortunately, he retained many devoted friends, and as political time changed, he regained public admiration and respect. But his ordeal had destroyed him in many ways that could not be healed. The book is very nuanced, analyzing both the man’s amazing strength of character and his weaknesses, his personal life, from childhood to death, including his connection to landscape. A very impressive literary, historical , scientific and psychological event, contextualized in its political time frame. Certainly a book to read and reread. I give it five stars.