Atomic Quest

Dr. Compton's book gives the reader an inside view of history in the making of the weapon that changed the world - the atomic bomb. As director of the Metallurgical Laboratory of the Manhattan Project he was a major participant in the research, production and testing of the bomb. From the vantage point of the key position he held from 1941 until 1945, Dr. Compton tells the whole story of the bomb's progress from the presentation of the project to President Roosevelt,...
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Dr. Compton's book gives the reader an inside view of history in the making of the weapon that changed the world - the atomic bomb. As director of the Metallurgical Laboratory of the Manhattan Project he was a major participant in the research, production and testing of the bomb.

From the vantage point of the key position he held from 1941 until 1945, Dr. Compton tells the whole story of the bomb's progress from the presentation of the project to President Roosevelt, through its planning, research, and building phases, to its use in Japan. He depicts the project as a tremendous group effort enlisting the knowledge and talents of countless scientists, industrialists, and administrators, all of whom were working for the greater good of a nation in need of their help.

"an absorbing and eminently readable account...It is packed with new information and enlivened with precious detail and illuminating insights into the minds and personalities of the chief actors in the drama."--Henry Guerlac, The New York Times Book Review

"Dr. Compton is a thinking man whose reflections range far beyond the confines of his scientific work: indeed, the distinctive quality of his book lies in his ability to reconcile the atomic bomb and similar operations with his belief as a practicing Christian."--John Barkham, Saturday Review Syndicate

"It should be required reading for every American, for the free world...The narrative alone makes the book worth reading; its hopeful philosophy makes it mandatory reading."--Robert S. Kleckner, Chicago Sunday Tribune

"For those who were in the project, it will mean many recollections. For those who were not, it should give an inkling of the character and capacity of many of the individuals, including Arthur Compton, who made success possible."--Lieutenant General Leslie R. Groves, U.S. Army (Retired)