Title
The Los Alamos Primer: The First Lectures on How to Build an Atomic Bomb, Updated with a New Introduction by Richard Rhodes,Used
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More than seventy years ago, American forces exploded the first atomic bombs over the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, causing great physical and human destruction. The young scientists at Los Alamos who developed the bombs, which were nicknamed Little Boy and Fat Man, were introduced to the basic principles and goals of the project in March 1943, at a crash course in new weapons technology. The lecturer was physicist Robert Serber, J. Robert Oppenheimers protg, and the scientists learned that their job was to design and build the worlds first atomic bombs. Notes on Serbers lectures were gathered into a mimeographed document titled TheLos Alamos Primer, which was supplied to all incoming scientific staff. The Primer remained classified for decades after the war.Published for the first time in 1992, the Primer offers contemporary readers a better understanding of the origins of nuclear weapons. Serbers preface vividly conveys the mingled excitement, uncertainty, and intensity felt by the Manhattan Project scientists. This edition includes an updated introduction by Pulitzer Prizewinning historian Richard Rhodes.A seminal publication on a turning point in human history, The Los Alamos Primer reveals just how much was known and how terrifyingly much was unknown midway through the Manhattan Project. No other seminar anywhere has had greater historical consequences.
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This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
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- Q: What is the main topic of 'The Los Alamos Primer'? A: 'The Los Alamos Primer' focuses on the lectures given to scientists at Los Alamos during World War II, detailing the development and construction of the first atomic bombs.
- Q: Who is the author of 'The Los Alamos Primer'? A: The author of 'The Los Alamos Primer' is Robert Serber, who was a physicist and a protégé of J. Robert Oppenheimer.
- Q: What is the significance of the lectures compiled in this book? A: The lectures compiled in this book provide insight into the scientific and historical context of the Manhattan Project, revealing the challenges and uncertainties faced by the scientists involved.
- Q: When was 'The Los Alamos Primer' first published? A: 'The Los Alamos Primer' was first published in 1992, though the original lectures took place in 1943.
- Q: What can readers expect from the updated introduction by Richard Rhodes? A: The updated introduction by Richard Rhodes offers a contemporary perspective on the historical significance of the Manhattan Project and its implications for nuclear weapons.
- Q: Is 'The Los Alamos Primer' suitable for readers without a scientific background? A: 'The Los Alamos Primer' is accessible to general readers, providing explanations of complex concepts in a way that is understandable even to those without a scientific background.
- Q: How many pages does 'The Los Alamos Primer' have? A: 'The Los Alamos Primer' contains a total of 176 pages.
- Q: What type of binding does this edition of 'The Los Alamos Primer' have? A: This edition of 'The Los Alamos Primer' is available in a paperback binding.
- Q: What is the condition of the book being sold? A: The book is sold in new condition.
- Q: What genre does 'The Los Alamos Primer' belong to? A: 'The Los Alamos Primer' is categorized under State & Local literature, focusing on historical events during World War II.