The Joy of Insight: Passions of a Physicist (Sloan Foundation science series) [Paperback]

Victor Weisskopf (Author)

Book Description

Series: Sloan Foundation science series | Publication Date: September 1992

This autobiography looks at the life and times of Victor Weisskopf, a scientist at the forefront of particle physics research who became one of the early advocates of nuclear responsibility. This book chronicles his life, set against the backdrop of one of history's most fertile periods of scientific endeavour. Coming of age as a physicist in pre-war Europe, Victor Weisskopf worked with such scientific greats as Niels Bohr and Wolfgang Pauli. He made seminal contributions to quantum electrodynamics, nuclear physics, and elementary particle physics, and he worked on the most important scientific project of the day - the Manhatten Project. The story of Weisskopf is truly international, moving from the Vienna of his childhood through Copenhagen, Zurich and on to Cambridge and Los Alamos. At each stopping point, he recreates the scientific ambience of the place, giving the reader an exciting sense of the close-knit community that existed among the brilliant scientists with whom he worked.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

This worldly, humane, modestly told autobiography records the charmed life of one of the founders of modern physics. Austrian-born Weisskopf, who helped invent the atomic bomb at Los Alamos, became one of the first and sharpest voices warning of the perils of a nuclear arms race. This pioneer in particle physics believes, like his mentor Niels Bohr, that mystical and spiritual experiences are complementary to the scientific approach;he is a pianist with a deep love of classical music. Weisskopf worked with many great scientists--Bohr, Heisenberg, Pauli, Fermi--and directed the CERN particle-smashing laboratory in Geneva. Raised in a comfortable, assimilated Jewish family, he saw the post-WW I culture of Vienna and Berlin eclipsed by Nazi barbarism. Now an MIT emeritus professor, he views scientific enterprise within the context of a world that overemphasizes the rationalist side of things.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

As part of a series aimed at encouraging public understanding of science, this book presents the fascinating story of a distinguished scientist known for his seminal contributions to quantum electrodynamics, nuclear physics, and elementary particle physics. Weisskopf's charmed life includes not only escaping unscathed from two world wars but also having the privilege of working with such scientific notables as Niels Bohr and Wolfgang Pauli. Among his numerous achievements are his participation in the Manhattan Project, his directorship of the European particle physics laboratory known as CERN, his early work for the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists , and above all his passionate advocacy of nuclear responsibility. Weisskopf's readable narrative also provides a rare insight into the closely-knit international scientific community. Recommended for all academic and large public libraries.
-Sarojini Balachandran, Auburn Univ. Libs., Ala.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Basic Books (September 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0465036775
• ISBN-13: 978-0465036776
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,013,554 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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