Martin J. Sherwin

Martin Jay Sherwin was an American historian known for his work on the history of nuclear weapons and the Manhattan Project. He co-authored the Pulitzer Prize-winning book 'American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer' with Kai Bird.

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. American Prometheus

    The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer

    "American Prometheus" is a biography that explores the life of the physicist who led the Manhattan Project, which developed the atomic bomb during World War II. This book offers a comprehensive look at his personal life, scientific achievements, and the moral implications of his work. It also delves into his political activism, his blacklisting during the McCarthy era, and his struggle with depression and cancer.

    The 9582nd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  2. 2. Gambling With Armageddon

    Nuclear Roulette from Hiroshima to the Cuban Missile Crisis

    This gripping historical narrative delves into the tense and perilous moments of the Cuban Missile Crisis, exploring the intricate web of political decisions, miscommunications, and human errors that brought the world to the brink of nuclear catastrophe. Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, it reveals the complex interplay between key figures such as John F. Kennedy, Nikita Khrushchev, and their advisors, highlighting the razor-thin margins that prevented disaster. The account underscores the fragile nature of peace and the profound impact of individual choices in shaping global history.

    Purchase from Bookshop.org