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Building the H Bomb: A Personal History
In this engaging scientific memoir, Kenneth Ford recounts the time when, in his mid-twenties, he was a member of the team that designed and built the first hydrogen bomb. He worked with - and relaxed with - scientific giants of that time such as Edward Teller, Enrico Fermi, Stan Ulam, John von Neumann, and John Wheeler, and here offers illuminating insights into the personalities, the strengths, and the quirks of these men. Well known for his ability to explain physics to nonspecialists, Ford also brings to life the physics of fission and fusion and provides a brief history of nuclear science from the discovery of radioactivity in 1896 to the ten-megaton explosion of "Mike" that obliterated a Pacific Island in 1952.
Ford worked at both Los Alamos and Princeton's Project Matterhorn, and brings out Matterhorn's major, but previously unheralded contribution to the development of the H bomb. Outside the lab, he drove a battered Chevrolet around New Mexico, a bantam motorcycle across the country, and a British roadster around New Jersey. Part of the charm of Ford's book is the way in which he leavens his well-researched descriptions of the scientific work with brief tales of his life away from weapons.
The Big Idea
The Protagonists
The Choice
The Scientists, the Officials, and the President
Nuclear Energy
Some Physics
Going West
A New World
The Classical Super
Calculating and Testing
Constructing Matterhorn
Academia Cowers
New Mexico, New York, and New Jersey
The Garwin Design
Climbing Matterhorn
It's More Than a Boy
A memoir for general readership in the history of science.Key
It contains real physics, clearly presented for non-specialists Combining historical scholarship and his own recollections, the author offers important insights into the people and the work that led to the first H bomb Personal anecdotes enliven the book
Ford worked at both Los Alamos and Princeton's Project Matterhorn, and brings out Matterhorn's major, but previously unheralded contribution to the development of the H bomb. Outside the lab, he drove a battered Chevrolet around New Mexico, a bantam motorcycle across the country, and a British roadster around New Jersey. Part of the charm of Ford's book is the way in which he leavens his well-researched descriptions of the scientific work with brief tales of his life away from weapons.
The Big Idea
The Protagonists
The Choice
The Scientists, the Officials, and the President
Nuclear Energy
Some Physics
Going West
A New World
The Classical Super
Calculating and Testing
Constructing Matterhorn
Academia Cowers
New Mexico, New York, and New Jersey
The Garwin Design
Climbing Matterhorn
It's More Than a Boy
A memoir for general readership in the history of science.Key
It contains real physics, clearly presented for non-specialists Combining historical scholarship and his own recollections, the author offers important insights into the people and the work that led to the first H bomb Personal anecdotes enliven the book
236 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2015
49 people are currently reading
239 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
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March 24, 2015Here's some news prior to the book's release. I certainly hope it doesn't get censored!
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/24/sci...
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/24/sci...
November 28, 2016
This was a disappointing read. While it is laudable that the author attempted to weave his personal stories alongside the technical story, I didn't find that he had any particularly interesting stories to tell. Just get some pretty dry chronicles of places visited, people seen and cars driven.
The technical story isn't all the engaging either, although I appreciated the candor the author had in speaking about some of his famous co-workers, especially Edward Teller. But the vast quantity of scientists named in the book is a bit mind-numbing. Great for a diary, but probably not of interest to too many other people. At times it felt like the author was just trying to make sure he mentioned every scientist he ever met while working on the H-bomb, and give them kudos for some contribution to the bomb, or to physics in general.
The ending of the book was more interesting on the technical side, when the specifics of the H-bomb construction and testing were described, but that isn't enough to carry the book.
Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book unless you have a personal interest in the author. If you are interested in the H-bomb, then the book to read is Dark Sun by Richard Rhodes.
The technical story isn't all the engaging either, although I appreciated the candor the author had in speaking about some of his famous co-workers, especially Edward Teller. But the vast quantity of scientists named in the book is a bit mind-numbing. Great for a diary, but probably not of interest to too many other people. At times it felt like the author was just trying to make sure he mentioned every scientist he ever met while working on the H-bomb, and give them kudos for some contribution to the bomb, or to physics in general.
The ending of the book was more interesting on the technical side, when the specifics of the H-bomb construction and testing were described, but that isn't enough to carry the book.
Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book unless you have a personal interest in the author. If you are interested in the H-bomb, then the book to read is Dark Sun by Richard Rhodes.
July 23, 2018
A very readable account of Kenneth Ford's stint as a weapons designer at Los Alamos. He details the figures and individuals who played significant roles in project Matterhorn. His sidelights and anecdotes brings a human side to those individuals who have helped the US become a Nuclear power. His stance, by the conclusion of the book, is one of caution. As can be predicted by many who have participated in the Defense industry, the potential for any kind of proliferation is to be avoided. A solid read from start to finish. I do recommend it highly.... I read it in a matter of a few hours....
June 28, 2017
This is an interesting read. Dr. Ford does a good job of going over the basic physics, but also gives many good personal stories as he relates the path to the hydrogen bomb. If you want more details you should look at Richard Rhodes's Making of the Atomic Bomb (for the A bomb) and Dark Sun: The Making of the Hydrogen Bomb (for the H bomb). This is a nice shorter book that covers everything well. It has a lot of names of scientists, which is interesting to me personally, but your mileage may vary.
Overall, a nice physics history and a nicely written book.
Overall, a nice physics history and a nicely written book.
June 4, 2018
This is a rare personal account of a thermonuclear weapons program participant at Los Alamos. While shorter than I would want it to be, and somewhat poorly structured, it still does contain some enlightening details on how radiation implosion works. I can recommend it to other nuclear weapons enthusiasts, but not to a general reader.
October 29, 2025
lots of good information
Lots of information and personal history and experience. You get a strong feeling of first hand knowledge and of being on the front line of weapons development. The layout of the sub notes make it a little disjointed to read. Over all a very good well written read.
Lots of information and personal history and experience. You get a strong feeling of first hand knowledge and of being on the front line of weapons development. The layout of the sub notes make it a little disjointed to read. Over all a very good well written read.
April 9, 2023
Expected more on actual nuclear physics, but other than that, it was an enjoyable read.
August 3, 2015
In 1950 Dr. John Wheeler took leave of Princeton University to work on the development of the H bomb at Los Alamos. He brought with him a handful of students: one them was Kenneth Ford, the author of the book under review. The next year they joined Project Matterhorn which played an integral role in the development of Mike, the 10 megaton device that obliterated an entire Island of the Enewetak Atoll in the Marshall Islands. Before the test there were forty-one islands in the Atoll. Then there were forty.
This book is a weave of personal reminiscences of that two year period, portrayals of the personalities and rivalries of the central figures involved (John Wheeler, Robert Oppenheimer, Edward Teller, Stan Ulam and others), and simple explications of the physics of fission, fusion and the design of Mike.
There were fewer than fifty short years between the discovery of radioactivity in 1896 and the first wartime use of atom bombs against the Japanese in 1945. These early bombs were fission (as opposed to fusion) devices. It was easier to split a heavy, unstable nucleus and release its energy, than to fuse two lighter nuclei, releasing their binding energy. Nuclei consist of positively charged protons and neutral neutrons. So nuclei repel one another. To get two nuclei close enough together to fuse, one would have to overcome their electrical repulsion. Many physicists thought this was too great a difficulty to overcome with the technology of the time.
As late as 1949 Robert Oppenheimer argued against research into the design of fusion bombs because their construction would be technically infeasible and the their use would be immoral. However, by 1951 Teller and Ulam presented a “technically sweet” solution to the problem. Oppenheimer changed his mind and endorsed the project. Nevertheless, in 1954, the Committee on Un-American Activities questioned whether he still thought it was immoral to build and use such a bomb. He testified, “...when you see something that is technically sweet, you go ahead and do it and you argue about what to do about it only after you have had your technical success. That is the way it was with the atomic bomb.”
So why the term “H Bomb?” The ‘H’ is for hydrogen. The detonation of an ordinary, uranium fueled fission bomb is used to heat and compress a chamber of liquid hydrogen so compactly and energetically it fuses into helium. The hot neutrons ejected by the fusion process slam into an outer casing of uranium splitting its nuclei and ignite a second fission explosion. Mike and all later bombs are fission-fusion hybrids in this sense. A fission bomb is used to trigger a fusion bomb which, for good measure, ignites a second fission bomb. So the ‘H’ may as well stand for hybrid.
Matterhorn’s job was to calculate the yield of Mike. Ken worked many many nights writing and running programs on what today would be regarded as primitive computing machines. The equations he simulated were complex and given the limitations on computational power, they had to be somewhat crudely approximated. It turns out Mike, at 10 megatons (the energy one would release upon igniting 10 megatons of TNT), was nearly twice as powerful as the team predicted.
In 1954 a hybrid device known as Shrimp was tested in the Marshall Islands producing a yield of 15 megatons (1000 times the yield of the Hiroshima bomb). The shifting winds blew the fallout over several inhabited islands that had to be quickly evacuated. The crew of a downwind Japanese fishing vessel was exposed to radiation and one man died of radiation sickness. In 1958 doctors noticed milk was being contaminated by radioactive Strontium 90 as a result of nuclear weapons testing. These and other incidences sparked the drive toward test ban treaties. The first limited test ban treaty wasn’t signed until 1963.
Mike was Ken Ford’s last foray into the world of bomb making. At the time he argued that if the Soviets were developing H bombs, it would be best for the U.S. to develop one first. He doesn’t regret his work, but his attitude has been changed, beginning, he says, with America’s inexplicable involvement in Vietnam. He now questions whether any nation is sufficiently trustworthy or sufficiently moral to wield such weapons. He lends his voice to the cause of disarmament, “Zero is indeed the correct target number. Perhaps in your lifetime young reader. Not mine.”
This book is a weave of personal reminiscences of that two year period, portrayals of the personalities and rivalries of the central figures involved (John Wheeler, Robert Oppenheimer, Edward Teller, Stan Ulam and others), and simple explications of the physics of fission, fusion and the design of Mike.
There were fewer than fifty short years between the discovery of radioactivity in 1896 and the first wartime use of atom bombs against the Japanese in 1945. These early bombs were fission (as opposed to fusion) devices. It was easier to split a heavy, unstable nucleus and release its energy, than to fuse two lighter nuclei, releasing their binding energy. Nuclei consist of positively charged protons and neutral neutrons. So nuclei repel one another. To get two nuclei close enough together to fuse, one would have to overcome their electrical repulsion. Many physicists thought this was too great a difficulty to overcome with the technology of the time.
As late as 1949 Robert Oppenheimer argued against research into the design of fusion bombs because their construction would be technically infeasible and the their use would be immoral. However, by 1951 Teller and Ulam presented a “technically sweet” solution to the problem. Oppenheimer changed his mind and endorsed the project. Nevertheless, in 1954, the Committee on Un-American Activities questioned whether he still thought it was immoral to build and use such a bomb. He testified, “...when you see something that is technically sweet, you go ahead and do it and you argue about what to do about it only after you have had your technical success. That is the way it was with the atomic bomb.”
So why the term “H Bomb?” The ‘H’ is for hydrogen. The detonation of an ordinary, uranium fueled fission bomb is used to heat and compress a chamber of liquid hydrogen so compactly and energetically it fuses into helium. The hot neutrons ejected by the fusion process slam into an outer casing of uranium splitting its nuclei and ignite a second fission explosion. Mike and all later bombs are fission-fusion hybrids in this sense. A fission bomb is used to trigger a fusion bomb which, for good measure, ignites a second fission bomb. So the ‘H’ may as well stand for hybrid.
Matterhorn’s job was to calculate the yield of Mike. Ken worked many many nights writing and running programs on what today would be regarded as primitive computing machines. The equations he simulated were complex and given the limitations on computational power, they had to be somewhat crudely approximated. It turns out Mike, at 10 megatons (the energy one would release upon igniting 10 megatons of TNT), was nearly twice as powerful as the team predicted.
In 1954 a hybrid device known as Shrimp was tested in the Marshall Islands producing a yield of 15 megatons (1000 times the yield of the Hiroshima bomb). The shifting winds blew the fallout over several inhabited islands that had to be quickly evacuated. The crew of a downwind Japanese fishing vessel was exposed to radiation and one man died of radiation sickness. In 1958 doctors noticed milk was being contaminated by radioactive Strontium 90 as a result of nuclear weapons testing. These and other incidences sparked the drive toward test ban treaties. The first limited test ban treaty wasn’t signed until 1963.
Mike was Ken Ford’s last foray into the world of bomb making. At the time he argued that if the Soviets were developing H bombs, it would be best for the U.S. to develop one first. He doesn’t regret his work, but his attitude has been changed, beginning, he says, with America’s inexplicable involvement in Vietnam. He now questions whether any nation is sufficiently trustworthy or sufficiently moral to wield such weapons. He lends his voice to the cause of disarmament, “Zero is indeed the correct target number. Perhaps in your lifetime young reader. Not mine.”
February 4, 2016
Surprisingly witty and warm, this personal recounting of the personalities and physics behind the modern nuclear world is fascinating, enthralling, and decidedly entertaining. The entire story really revolves around the relationships of a few men in designing and creating the H-bomb, and the debate over where credit is due that has ensued since. Ford is not only a balanced observer who stood at the heart of the H-bomb invention, he is characterized by profound humility and kindness. For example: he documents in detail who came up with what in the Teller-Ulam H-bomb design invention, noting the contributions and known skills of each Teller, Ulam, and Garwin, and Teller's ongoing efforts to minimize Ulam's contributions as time went on. Instead of calling Teller out, Ford has a moment of genuine grace squirreled away in a footnote: "Oh, Edward, your human frailty is so much on display."
More than once, as Ford breaks down concepts into comprehensible narratives, I've been struck that had I read this in high school, I would've studied physics and chemistry in college with a bit more enthusiasm. An important bit of history and a great read. Highly, highly recommend, and particularly to anyone with a spark of interest in physics - both theoretical and practical.
More than once, as Ford breaks down concepts into comprehensible narratives, I've been struck that had I read this in high school, I would've studied physics and chemistry in college with a bit more enthusiasm. An important bit of history and a great read. Highly, highly recommend, and particularly to anyone with a spark of interest in physics - both theoretical and practical.
April 14, 2015
A link in the chain
I have been in awe of LOS ALAMOS since my first visit there, at the age of 14,while on a trip to the PHILMONT SCOUT RANCH. As a result of that trip I developed a deep appreciation of NEW MEXICO and it's history.
Later, during my naval service I was assigned to a FLEET BALLISTIC SUBMARINE and during load-out was able to go inside one our missiles and reach up and touch the warhead. I had come full circle
Warning - there is a fair amount of physics in this book But very understandable.
I have been in awe of LOS ALAMOS since my first visit there, at the age of 14,while on a trip to the PHILMONT SCOUT RANCH. As a result of that trip I developed a deep appreciation of NEW MEXICO and it's history.
Later, during my naval service I was assigned to a FLEET BALLISTIC SUBMARINE and during load-out was able to go inside one our missiles and reach up and touch the warhead. I had come full circle
Warning - there is a fair amount of physics in this book But very understandable.
July 17, 2015
A must read for students of nuclear weapons
A first hand account of the development of the hydrogen bomb by the United States. In many ways this is better then Richard Rhodes 'Dark Sun'.
Certainly if you enjoyed Mr. Rhodes's two books on nuclear weapons you will enjoy this book also.
A first hand account of the development of the hydrogen bomb by the United States. In many ways this is better then Richard Rhodes 'Dark Sun'.
Certainly if you enjoyed Mr. Rhodes's two books on nuclear weapons you will enjoy this book also.
January 10, 2016
if you've read *dark sun*, you've read most of what's here, save the Wheeler anecdotes and some young-physicists-driving-across-america tales, though none of the latter are as good as the feynman-dyson drive from *disturbing the universe*. there're a few typos, Ford has a tic about referring to future chapters, and he grabbed a number of his pictures from Wikipedia Commons. what ya gonna do.
October 2, 2016
Charming little book detailing Ford's work on the development of the first hydrogen bomb alongside luminaries like Ulam, Teller, Wheeler, Bethe and von Neumann as a twentysomething grad student at Princeton in the 50s. Good technical description of the basic physics of the so-called Teller-Ulam design for fission assisted fusion device.
May 28, 2015
This interesting book describes the making of the H Bomb and the scientists involved. The author was a graduate student of John Wheeler and gives good descriptions of all the players. Unfortunately, I had to skim the book because I only had a night to read it.
April 29, 2016
Good book
As a nuclear engineer I was very interested in this project. I also had once spent an entire day with Dr Teller who was avery interesting gentleman.
Good detail that tells it from a project perspective.
As a nuclear engineer I was very interested in this project. I also had once spent an entire day with Dr Teller who was avery interesting gentleman.
Good detail that tells it from a project perspective.
January 17, 2017
A very interesting read
Written in a way that a layman can understand, this book throughly discusses the creativity that went into the creation of the H bomb without going as far as glorifying the super weapon.
Written in a way that a layman can understand, this book throughly discusses the creativity that went into the creation of the H bomb without going as far as glorifying the super weapon.
May 29, 2015
A very good read. The conversational style really helped with delivering very technical information. The author jumps around a bit but he knits a great narrative.
September 26, 2015
This was a fun read, though it particularly appealed to me being a physics history fan. It can be read by anyone since there is very little physics in it -- just enough to make the story relevant.
April 1, 2016
One hopes Ford was a better as a scientist than he is as a writer. The book is disjointed and full of odd details while lacking a satisfying conclusion.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews