Linus Pauling in His Own Words: Selections From his Writings, Speeches and Interviews [Paperback]

Barbara Marinacci (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 30, 1995

Two-time Nobel Prize winner, Linus Pauling was known for his scientific discoveries and of his breadth of knowledge, which spanned disciplines. The author, who knew Pauling well, has chosen from among more than 60 years of essays, letters, articles, books, speeches and interviews. As Pauling himself says in the Introduction, "This book will take me as close to writing my memoirs or autobiography as I shall ever get".

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Pauling's scientific career spanned nearly the entire 20th century, from his revolutionary Nobel Prize-winning theories on the chemical bond to his controversial work on orthomolecular medicine and vitamin therapy, which continued up to his death in 1994. To many, however, he is best remembered as an ardent peace activist and a crusader for human rights, which brought him his second Nobel. Throughout his career, he was called a genius, a visionary, a Communist, and even a crank. Nothing about Pauling was simple or obvious. For a biographer, writing the life story of so enigmatic a figure is a great challenge and requires an almost epic effort. Neither of these two new biographies is strictly authorized, although Pauling cooperated to some degree in the writing of each. Hager's massive work invokes the broadest context and best portrays Pauling as a man of insight and conscience and a major player in science, politics, and society throughout some extraordinary times. A journalist, Hager made extensive use of Pauling's official archives in the library at Oregon State University and also drew upon reams of other primary sources, including formerly classified materials from the FBI and State Department. Hager does a superior job of fleshing out the details of Pauling's influences and motivations. He also interprets freely, especially in sections describing Pauling's political convictions, and, while some historians might quibble with certain interpretations, Hager backs them up with reference to primary literature. By contrast, the Goertzels' rendering is more factual and straightforward, and it is probably less vulnerable to being criticized for subjectivity. Like Hager, however, the authors (Ted, the father, is a sociology professor; Ben is a lecturer in cognitive science) can be both laudatory and critical of Pauling. Their book's greatest virtue is the lucid and methodological way it expounds Pauling's science, compared with Hager's somewhat discursive technical passages. The Goertzels' work might be the better choice for pedagogical purposes, but, overall, Hager's is better for the majority of general and informed lay readers. Either book is better than Anthony Serafini's Linus Pauling: A Man and his Science (LJ 3/15/89. o.p.). Of the third of these new releases, Linus Pauling in His Own Words, Pauling wrote, "This book will take me as close to writing my memoirs or autobiography as I shall ever get." The editor was a lifelong associate of Pauling and an employee at his Institute for Science and Medicine; her selections, arranged in four chronological sections, are both forceful and enlightening and full of resonant quotes, and her transitional text makes for smooth reading. The tone is openly deferential to Pauling (the book is dedicated to him); accordingly, it might appeal to fans and admirers, but its academic usefulness is minimal. Being released in tandem with Hager's book, however, it might ride on the latter's coattails.
Gregg Sapp, Univ. of Miami Lib.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Touchstone; Original edition (October 30, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0684813874
• ISBN-13: 978-0684813875
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #916,011 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Chemisrty was only the beginning!, June 16, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Linus Pauling in His Own Words: Selections From his Writings, Speeches and Interviews (Paperback)

Pauling started with no intentional ambition of earning two Nobel Prizes. The passion for what he felt were the logical conclusions of his studies, resulted in his often controversial image. He did not realize the impact these opinions would have both on himself and the world.

It's often surprising that few people understand the great influence this man had on the modern world. His voice in opposing nuclear testing, his insights into the value of nutritional supplements, and the many other, now common, issues he initited is truely inspiring.

It is quite satisfying to read of a person whose personal ideals could withstand so much ridicule and resistance. Even more gratifying is that today these opinions are considered "mainstream". All considered, those intrested in science and the difficulties encountered in its advancement will find this a quite enjoyable reading.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Short story of his works, September 3, 2002

By 

Muzaffer Muctehitzade "hacibey" (Boston, Ma USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Linus Pauling in His Own Words: Selections From his Writings, Speeches and Interviews (Paperback)

Book is about more his professional life more than his private life. After very short introduction his scientific life story is told through abbreviated sayings, speeches of his own. Since most of the text is from his speeches and abstracts you get a lot of his opinions and comments on various subjects including use of atomic power.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars smart quotations from a smart biochemist, February 26, 2000

By 

eyal - newman - See all my reviews

This review is from: Linus Pauling in His Own Words: Selections From his Writings, Speeches and Interviews (Paperback)

i hope that everybody who read this book realy deeply,could understand the true meaning of the two times noble price winner wich is gathered and explained in a very easy to follow,and the real messages that he explined in this super-book!this book reflects his total life-history, philosophy,orthomolecularly,and the real man as a human.very interesting book, and highly recommanded.