In this engaging scientific memoir, Kenneth Ford recounts the time when, in his mid-twenties, he was a member of the team that designed and built the first hydrogen bomb. He worked with scientific giants of that time such as Edward Teller, Enrico Fermi, Stan Ulam, John von Neumann, and John Wheeler, and here offers illuminating insights into the personalities, the strengths, and the quirks of these men. Well known for his ability to explain physics to non-specialists,

Includes bibliographical references (pages 205-208) and index.

The big idea -- The protagonists -- The choice -- The scientists, the officials, and the president -- Nuclear energy -- Some physics -- Going west -- A new world -- The classical super -- Calculating and testing -- Constructing Matterhorn -- Academia cowers -- New Mexico, New York, and New Jersey -- The Garwin design -- Climbing Matterhorn -- More than a boy.