The Elements of Marie Curie
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The Elements of Marie Curie
Dava Sobel, acclaimed and bestselling author of Longitude, chronicles the life and work of the most famous woman in the history of science – and the untold story of the young women who trained in her laboratory.
Embark on a journey through the extraordinary life of Marie Curie, as renowned author Dava Sobel unravels the remarkable story of science's most celebrated woman in The Elements of Marie Curie. This captivating book takes a closer look at the pioneering physicist and chemist whose work profoundly changed the world, delving into both her personal and professional life with meticulous attention to detail.
In an era dominated by male scientists, Marie Curie shattered glass ceilings with her unwavering dedication to the exploration of radioactivity—a term she herself coined. Despite battling chronic illness, Curie travelled extensively to disseminate her groundbreaking discoveries, and her resilience earned her the unprecedented honour of being the only individual awarded Nobel Prizes in both Physics and Chemistry.
Beyond the laboratory, the narrative celebrates Curie's indomitable spirit as she faced trials such as the tragic death of her husband Pierre. Rising to the occasion, she assumed his role as a professor of physics at the Sorbonne and became a devoted mother to her two daughters. During World War I, she further revolutionised medical care by equipping a mobile x-ray unit, which she personally drove to the front lines, earning admiration for her contribution to life-saving advancements.
Dava Sobel masterfully weaves an engaging account by shining a light on lesser-known facets of Curie's legacy, particularly her influence on a generation of women scientists. Through intimate portraits of pioneering figures like Norway's Ellen Gleditsch and France's Marguerite Perey—discoverer of francium—Sobel explores the profound impact of Curie's mentorship. The narrative beautifully intertwines the lives of these women with Curie's own daughter, Irène, who herself became a Nobel laureate.
The Elements of Marie Curie artfully chronicles the enduring legacy of a trailblazer whose life was a testament to perseverance, curiosity, and passion. Sobel’s meticulous research and vivid storytelling paint an inspiring portrait that not only celebrates Curie's monumental achievements but also highlights her lasting influence on future generations of scientists. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of science, gender, and history, offering insights that continue to resonate in our modern world.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780008536923
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 10 October 2024
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Fourth Estate Ltd
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 28.0mm
Width: 153.0mm
Height: 234.0mm
Weight: 440g
Pages: 336
About the Author
Dava Sobel is the author of the international bestseller, Longitude, the bestselling Pulitzer Prize finalist Galileo's Daughter, The Planets, A More Perfect Heaven, And the Sun Stood Still, and The Glass Universe, and co-author of The Illustrated Longitude. She is the recipient of the Individual Public Service Award from the National Science Board, the Bradford Washburn Award, the Kumpke-Roberts Award from the Astronomical Society of the Pacific, and a Guggenheim Fellowship, among other honors. A former New York Times science reporter and current editor of the "Meter" poetry column in Scientific American, she lives on Long Island.
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