The story of Edward Teller encapsulates the tumultuous events of the twentieth century. Born in Hungary in 1908, he experienced the rise of Nazism, two world wars, and the McCarthy era, all while witnessing the evolution of big science. A brilliant yet controversial figure, Teller's contributions to nuclear weapons were pivotal to the American war effort, and he championed the philosophy of freedom through strong defense, which influenced his views on arms control and nuclear policy. His extraordinary recollections unveil the man behind the headlines—passionate, humorous, devoted, and loyal. Through clear and engaging prose, Teller recounts the people, events, and ideas that shaped his scientific journey, from his early love of music and math to studying quantum physics with Werner Heisenberg. He shares insights from pivotal moments in modern science and reflects on friendships with luminaries like Einstein, Bohr, and Oppenheimer, providing an honest account of the atomic and hydrogen bomb developments. Additionally, Teller offers a poignant glimpse into his childhood, marriage, and family life, revealing his conservative politics and relationships with scientists and presidents, all while expressing his deep beliefs about liberty, security, and the moral responsibilities of science.
