A Life in Twilight: The Final Years of J. Robert Oppenheimer

by Mark Wolverton

A Life in Twilight reveals the least-known and most enigmatic period of J. Robert Oppenheimer’s life, from the public humiliation he endured after the 1954 Atomic Energy Commission’s investigation into his alleged communist leanings and connections to his death in 1967. It covers Oppenheimer’s continued work as a scientist and philosopher and head of the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, his often controversial public appearances, as well as parts of his private life. What emerges is a portrait of a man who was toppled from the highest echelons of politics and society, had to see his honor and name blackened, but succeeded in maintaining his dignity and rebuilding a shattered life, although he never truly recovered from the McCarthy-inspired persecution he suffered. Previously unpublished FBI files round out the picture and cast a sinister cloud over Oppenheimer’s final years, during which he remained under occasional surveillance. Mark Wolverton has succeeded in presenting an evenhanded and very well- researched account of a life that ended in twilight. It reads like a written version of the acclaimed film Good Night, and Good Luck , and indeed Murrow’s interview with Oppenheimer is one of the central elements of the story. A Life in Twilight is an important exploration, not only of a prominent scientist and philosopher, but also of an unforgettable era in American history.

Genres: History, Biography, American History

352 pages, Hardcover

First published November 11, 2008

About the author

Mark Wolverton was a science journalist, author, and 2016-17 Knight-MIT Science Journalism Fellow. He wrote for various national and international publications including WIRED, Nature, Undark, Scientific American, and Air & Space Smithsonian and also worked with the NASA Ames History Project, Argonne National Laboratory, the Franklin Institute, and the NASA ISS Science Office. Mark was a member of the Authors Guild, the National Association of Science Writers and the Pen & Pencil Club of Philadephia. His last book was "Splinters of Infinity: Cosmic Rays and the Clash of Two
Nobel Prize-Winning Scientists over the Secrets of Creation". Previous titles included "Burning the Sky: Operation Argus and the Untold Story of the Cold War Nuclear Tests in Outer Space"; "Nuclear Weapons"; "A Life in Twilight: The Final Years of J. Robert Oppenheimer"; "The Depths of Space: The Story of the Pioneer Planetary Probes"; and "The Science of Superman." He lived near Philadelphia.

Reviews

[Rex · Rating 3 out of 5]

There have been many biographies of Oppenheimer, which cover the main points of his life. I really enjoyed that the author chose to focus entirely on his later years (the years that other bios would devote only half of a chapter to). If you're looking for the definitive Oppenheimer bio, this is definitely not it, but if you are already well steeped in his life story, this book provides a wonderful opportunity to learn more.

[Nannie Bittinger · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brilliant man, information was a little dry in many places. Last few chapters were of more interest to me.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very informative and readable account of Oppenheimer last years.

[Mark Singer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well-researched look at the final years of physicist and “Father of the Atomic Bomb” J. Robert Oppenheimer from the loss of his security clearance in 1954 until his death in 1967. The author manages to get across to the reader Oppenheimer’s complex and elusive personality, and how the disgraced scientist maintained his dignity while under constant FBI surveillance.

[Ann Parker]

After two books of short stories that just weren't right for the moment, I've found a book that I can dive into! For a long time, I've wondered "what happened" to Oppenheimer after Los Alamos, after the AEC investigation. Now I can read about it!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

really enjoyed this

[Mark Stanley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating look into the final years of the "Father of the Atomic Bomb".