This book is one of the few I have ever read that is able to correctly capture the essence of scientific inquiry and progress. Rhodes is able to show through the production of the atomic bomb that scientific progress is hardly ever a linear path followed by a single individual but a forked adventure that a community of people must wonder through almost blindly. The fact Rhodes is not a scientist by training makes this accomplishment even more impressive.

The book is a large time investment and probably a more difficult read for people of a non-scientific background. However, it is well worth a read for anyone interested in how an expert text should be written for major milestones in human history and those interested in the conditions that produced a weapon with the ability to destroy humanity. Thoroughly enjoyable.