Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman: Adventures of a Curious Character [Audio CD]

Richard Phillips Feynman (Author), Raymond Todd (Narrator)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

History will remember Nobel Prize–winning physicist Feynman (1918–1988), for his work in quantum physics and his role in the investigation of the explosion of the Challenger space shuttle. Contemporary readers and listeners, however, will remember him best for his reputation as a free-thinking iconoclast whose personal adventures were hilarious, insightful and inspiring. Todd does a fabulous job of conveying Feynman's infectious enthusiasm and childlike sense of wonder with his energetic portrayal of the scientist. He's adept even in difficult sections, such as when Feynman "speaks Italian" and "Chinese"—inventing completely made-up but accurate sounding languages. Todd does a good job of portraying Feynman's inquisitive manner and conveys the book's message and attitude with aplomb. While he sounds nothing like the late physicist (Feynman— the subject of James Gleick's Genius—had a thick Long Island accent and sounded more like a cross between Yogi Bear and The Honeymooners' Ed Norton), Todd's clean, polite voice is a revelation. Based on the Norton paperback. (Oct.)
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Product Details

• Audio CD
• Publisher: Blackstone Audiobooks; Unabridged edition (October 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786177284
• ISBN-13: 978-0786177288
• Product Dimensions: 5.9 x 4.9 x 2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #878,578 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #26 in Books > Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( F ) > Feynman, Richard

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Two Winners Feynman and Raymond Todd, January 13, 2007

By 

Steve Dietrich (Santa Ynez Valley and Santa Monica CA, United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman: Adventures of a Curious Character (Audio CD)

Todd, who sounds nothing like Feynman, brings easy to listen to enthusiam and wonderment to this magnificent story.

Feynman, just the single name carries the legend of this Nobel winning genius. However, the real story is the breadth of his interests and adventures. Independent thinker, he could probably have done the Challenger study alone and delivered a more useful product. His insights are priceless.

The other side is his unscientific pursuit of women. The romantic vs the reality. He studies the few single ladies available in the area of the remote nuclear labs with the same approach he took to training the ants in his room to march in a semi-circle and out the door. However, his heart and his science seem to be in eternal conflict in the romantic arean.

Feynman travels to Brazil and ends up learning to make music with one of the hundreds of ghetto bands. Later he sits on the board that selects textbooks for California students where he is a solo voice for quality books and integrity in the acquisition process.

The story is told in a manner that is ageless and suitable for listeners of all ages. A wonderful gift for a young student wondering if scientists have any fun. For all ages the book is positive, inspirational without preaching and a joy. Highly recommended

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Marvelous, September 30, 2008

By 

Ron Raffaelli (California) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman: Adventures of a Curious Character (Audio CD)

Feynman is a true American genius with a wit and charm that sets him apart from the rest of us pedestrians. A hilarious adventure into the mind of a "Curious Character"... thank God he walked among us.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars I admire Feynman and liked the book, but..., July 26, 2007

By 

Matt Greenberger (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman: Adventures of a Curious Character (Audio CD)

While the first four or five CDs are engaging and (as Feynman would say) very interesting, I found the second half somewhat tedious. His comments on physics decrease steadily throughout the book and the last half is taken up with his adventures in nightclubs and playing music in Brazil.

The voice talent is great -- he may not sound like Feynman but he reads the words like a highly intelligent 12-year-old boy, which captures Feynman perfectly.