J. Robert Oppenheimer, often referred to as ‘the father of the atomic bomb,’ left us with a grim legacy. The nuclear advancements he helped create became a pivotal factor in shaping the 20th century, dominating global power dynamics and modern warfare. A brilliant yet contentious physicist, Oppenheimer was eventually viewed as a threat to the U.S. government due to his perceived communist sympathies, leading to his forced resignation as the nation’s nuclear advisor. His life was marked by extraordinary achievements but also by deep personal and professional humiliation. Oppenheimer’s impact extends beyond science and politics; his complex personality continues to resonate in literature, music, and film. He has become a cultural icon, who, despite his influence, could not prevent the inescapable reality of nuclear deterrence that shaped our modern world. 'Oppenheimer in Focus' explores the controversial life of Oppenheimer, delving into the science of the bomb, the inherent risks, and the man’s profound interests in poetry, art, and philosophy. Extensive coverage is given to Christopher Nolan’s biopic Oppenheimer, which put this extraordinary scientist in a global spotlight. Praise for the Dutch edition of 'Oppenheimer in Focus': 'A collection of topics, expertly explored and clearly described; it therefore gives a complete picture and is a beautiful addition to the extensive Oppenheimer literature. - DUTCH JOURNAL OF PHYSICS 'The authors distinguish themselves from other Oppenheimer biographers with their perspective on natural science; it certainly adds to the earlier works on Oppenheimer. - NEW SCIENTIST Preface 7 1 Trinity 9 2 Versatile Beginnings 15 3 In Europe 33 4 The Discovery of Nuclear Fission 55 5 The Manhattan Project 73 6 Instructions for an Atomic Bomb 97 7 Radiation Risks 117 8 The Essential Ten 139 9 Atomic Secrets 163 10 Inspirational Monument 185 11 Difficult Years 203 12 On the Silver Screen 217 13 Legacy of the Bomb 245 Notes and References 260 Acknowledgments 269