"American Prometheus" is a biography of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the American physicist known as the "father of the atomic bomb." Written by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin, the book explores Oppenheimer's life, his role in the Manhattan Project, and the moral dilemmas he faced regarding nuclear weapons. The title refers to the Greek myth of Prometheus, who stole fire from the gods, symbolizing Oppenheimer's complex legacy. The biography delves into his scientific achievements, personal struggles, and the impact of his work on global politics and ethics, particularly during the Cold War.