Customer Reviews

Blackett: Physics, War, and Politics in the Twentieth Century

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A concise and enjoyable biography of the impressive British physicist PMS Blackett. Blackett is a particularly interesting figure because he played an important role in several aspects of 20th century physics. He was a pioneering experimental physicist, garnering the 1948 Nobel for his crucial work on particle & nuclear physics. During WWII, he played a very important role in operations research, the application of quantitative and statistical methods to important wartime problems such as the processing of air defense information and the organization of Atlantic convoys. He was a major and sometimes controversial figure in British science policy, at times serving as a major policy advisor, and at times at odds with British governments over his criticism of nuclear weapons policy.

Nye provides chapters delineating the basic facts of Blackett's life and then thematically explores each of the major aspects of Blackett's life. His considerable talent as a scientist and organizer of science are themes that run throughout the book, as is his ability and interest in applying his talents to new problems. In the post-war period, he devoted himself to geophysics and developed important data in favor of continental drift. Another consistent theme is his continual engagement in public life, strongly colored by a combination of patriotism and a strong leftist, though not Marxist, orientation.

This is a well written and referenced book and my only major criticism is that Nye's concise chapters leave readers wishing for a more detailed biography.