Interest in the late scientist J. Robert Oppenheimer has surged following the Oscars, with RR Auction in Boston now accepting bids on a rare 1945 report and a signed letter. The report, detailing the development of the nuclear bomb and signed by Oppenheimer and 23 other key figures from the Manhattan Project, has garnered bids exceeding $35,000. Meanwhile, a letter penned by Oppenheimer himself, describing the bomb as a 'weapon for aggressors,' is nearing the $5,000 mark. The auction is set to conclude on Wednesday.
The highly anticipated movie 'Oppenheimer,' directed and produced by Christopher Nolan, is a strong contender for multiple Academy Awards after achieving immense success at the box office, grossing close to $1 billion. The report, known as the 'Smyth Report' authored by Henry Smyth, was released to the media shortly after the 1945 bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, providing a comprehensive account of the bomb's development.
In addition to the report, a one-page typed letter signed by Oppenheimer in 1952 is also available for bidding. In the letter, Oppenheimer discusses a draft article detailing Russia's nuclear weapons stockpile, emphasizing the weapon's nature as a tool for aggressors and highlighting the elements of surprise and terror inherent in its use.
Oppenheimer's insights, captured in these historical documents, offer a glimpse into the mindset of one of the key figures behind the development of nuclear weaponry during a pivotal period in history. The auction presents a unique opportunity for collectors and history enthusiasts to acquire rare artifacts linked to Oppenheimer and the Manhattan Project, shedding light on the complexities and ethical considerations surrounding the dawn of the nuclear age.
