A gripping new scientific biography of the revered Nobel Prize–winning physicist (and curious character) Richard Feynman.
Perhaps the greatest physicist of the second half of the twentieth century, Richard Feynman changed the way we think about quantum mechanics, the most perplexing of all physical theories. Here Lawrence M. Krauss, himself a theoretical physicist and bestselling author, offers a unique scientific biography: a rollicking narrative coupled with clear and novel expositions of science at the limits. An immensely colorful person in and out of the office, Feynman revolutionized our understanding of nature amid a turbulent life. From the death of Feynman’s childhood sweetheart during the Manhattan Project to his reluctant rise as a scientific icon, Krauss presents that life as seen through the science, providing a new understanding of the legacy of a man who has fascinated millions. An accessible reflection on the issues that drive physics today, Quantum Man captures the story of a man who was willing to break all the rules to tame a theory that broke all the rules.
“Such a charismatic figure deserves a charismatic, knowledgeable, and literate physicist as his warts-and-all biographer. Lawrence Krauss fits the bill admirably and rises to the challenge with style, panache, and deep understanding.”
Richard Dawkins, New York Times bestselling author of The God Delusion
“Lawrence Krauss’ wonderful biography manages to combine a rolling narrative with a crystal clear explanation of Richard Feynman’s science. Its lively descriptions make both electromagnetism and quantum mechanics fun, while Krauss’ personal reflections on his subject add a new level of insight into the man and his scientific legacy. Quantum Man is a masterpiece.”
Walter Isaacson, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Einstein: His Life and Universe
“A lively and engrossing biography of a lively and engrossing man. Krauss recounts the life and ideas of one of the century’s greatest scientist with a deep understanding of both the physics and the man, presented with great lucidity and charm.”
Steven Pinker, New York Times bestselling author of How the Mind Works
“Seamlessly entwining colorful episodes of physics’ most ‘curious character’ with wonderfully clear descriptions of Feynman’s penetrating breakthroughs in quantum theory, Krauss’ account is both entertaining and masterly. A great read.”
Brian Greene, New York Times bestselling author of The Hidden Reality
“Feynman’s ‘sum over paths’ approach, expressed in the lines and squiggles of what became known as Feynman diagrams, opened up a more intuitive understanding of the subatomic realm…Other good books give a feel for this and Feynman’s later accomplishments. But I understood it all better after watching over the shoulder of Krauss the physicist as he worked his way through the Feynman oeuvre—not the stories of fast times in Rio, but the scientific papers.”
New York Times
“Krauss excels in his ability, like Feynman himself, to make complicated physics comprehensible…This book is highly recommended for readers who want to get to know one of the preeminent scientists of the twentieth century.”
Publishers Weekly
“Nothing beats hearing an enthusiast in any field speak on a subject that captivates him—particularly on one this flat-out captivating.”
Library Journal (audio review)
“Krauss, both author and narrator, speaks in tones reminiscent of a dedicated and admiring university professor. This is not a drawback, since the audience for this work may have spent hours in college classrooms and would expect the reader to approach this in a serious manner.”
Booklist (audio review)
“There is a lot of science here, but theoretical physicist Krauss, author of the popular The Physics of Star Trek, explains it clearly and succinctly…The book isn’t intended to replace earlier books about Feynman…but is an excellent supplement to them.”
Booklist
“Engaging…Krauss explains scientific material in a clear, lively style that would have earned Feynman’s approval…A worthy addition to the Feynman shelf.”
Kirkus Reviews
" This is a good book. It covers aspects of Feynman's life and personality as well as a synopsis of this scientific interests and achievements. I was more interested in the person rather than the science, but nonetheless found it an intriguing read. Its fascinating to read about people with superior and almost superhuman intellect. "
" Writing is typical biography but the subject matter is fascinating. "
" mostly a rehash of other Feynman books. Nothing really new or interesting in this account. "
" This is a pretty science-heavy book, not a light biography. Krauss does tell the story of Feynman's life, but from the perspective of his scientific work. It's a bit of a slog due to the complexity of the science (which the author valiantly attempts to make accessible), but an ultimately rewarding read. I understand a little more about physics (though plenty went over my head) and have a renewed appreciation for Feynman via the work that defined him. "
" A good portrait. Feynman's story is intriguing, his personal life and intellectual prowess make for an engrossing drama. The explanation of physics concepts that demarcate the landscape of his journey round out the picture. I have since watched some Youtube clips of some of his lectures. A good adjunct. "
" Physics biography of Feynman, not about Feynman's personal life. "
" Focuses on the science and not on the fun stories ~ "
" Great read! Nice addition to Feynman collection; been more than 20 years since the first read "Surely You're Joking Mr. Feynman!", which I read and laughed through the night! "
" I read both of Feynman's autobiographies when they were first published and enjoyed learing about this quirky man. It was interesting to get another view of his life even though most of the physics was way beyond me. "
" A well written book about an amazing man - I wish I could say I understood half of the concepts he developed. "
" This was a fun read about my favorite physicist. The focus is more on the physics and the man than the "legend", which is nice. The book could do with more editing and less adverbs, though. "
Lawrence M. Krauss is the director of the Origins Initiative at Arizona State University and has written more than three hundred scientific publications and seven books, including The Physics of Star Trek. He has won numerous awards, including the Gravity Research Foundation First Prize Award and the Presidential Investigator Award. He lives in Tempe, Arizona, and Shaker Heights, Ohio.
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