"American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer" is a biography that explores the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the American physicist known as the "father of the atomic bomb." The book details his pivotal role in the Manhattan Project, which developed the first nuclear weapons during World War II, and examines the moral and ethical dilemmas he faced. The biography also delves into Oppenheimer's post-war life, highlighting his struggles with the consequences of his work and the political climate of the time, including the Red Scare. It presents a nuanced portrait of a man who achieved great scientific success but grappled with profound personal and societal challenges.