The Cold Wars: A History of Superconductivity (Paperback)

by Jean Matricon (Author), Georges Waysand (Translator), Charles Glashausser (Author)
Key Phrases: frozen flux, coherence range, new superconductors, Kamerlingh Onnes, United States, Nobel Prize (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
The Cold Wars is an enormously informative history of the development of the fascinating subject of superconductivity -- Elihu Abrahams, Rutgers University

Product Description
Among the most peculiar of matter¡¦s behaviors is superconductivity„oelectric current without resistance. Since the 1986 discovery that superconductivity is possible at temperatures well above absolute zero, research into practical applications has flourished.

The Cold Wars tells the history of superconductivity, providing perspective on the development of the field and its relationship with the rest of physics. Superconductivity offers an excellent example of the evolution of physics in the twentieth century: the science itself, its foundations, and its social context. The authors also introduce the reader to the fascinating scientific personalities, including 2003 Nobel Prize winners Alexei Alexeievich Abrikosov and Vitali Ginzburg, and political struggles behind this research.

The Cold Wars will be of interest to students of physics and the history of science, and to general readers interested in the story behind this remarkable phenomenon.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 271 pages
• Publisher: Rutgers University Press (August 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0813532957
• ISBN-13: 978-0813532950
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,256,340 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Cold Wars and Nobel Prizes, October 8, 2003

By A Customer

A Fascinating and timely Scientific History! The new translation of Matricon and Waysand's book "Cold Wars" by Charles Glashausser, is extraordinarily timely and provides much of the background needed to understand the award of this year's Nobel Prize to Abrikosov, Ginzburg and Leggett, for their contributions to the understanding of superconductivity and superfluidity. The book is written in a alluring style, with a superb translation by Glashausser that will be of interest to physicist and non-physicist alike, and tells the tale of trial and tribulation that led to the understanding of superconductivity.

5.0 out of 5 stars Cold Wars, Hot Translation, September 26, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: The Cold Wars: A History of Superconductivity (Hardcover)

This book did not get the audience it deserved in its original French. With its meticulous yet spirited translation into English, it should catch fire, gripping physicists and laypeople alike with its timely commentary about classic thermodynamic issues.