Episode Details

A discussion of the monumental, Pulitzer Prize-winning biography American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer by Kai Bird and the late Martin J. Sherwin. Author Kai Bird is in conversation with Hunter College Professor of Political Science Cynthia Roberts about the extraordinary renaissance of interest in the book following the enormous popular success of—and critical acclaim for—the film adapted from it. The definitive biography of J. Robert Oppenheimer, American Prometheus delivered an exhaustive account of the life and career of one of the most iconic figures of the 20th century. A brilliant physicist who led the effort to build the atomic bomb for his country in a time of war, Oppenheimer later found himself confronted by the moral consequences of scientific progress. In this magisterial, acclaimed biography 25 years in the making, Kai Bird and Martin Sherwin captured Oppenheimer’s life and times.

• Coming up on CUNY TV
• Recently aired on CUNY TV