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The Last Man Who Knew Everything

The Life and Times of Enrico Fermi, Father of the Nuclear Age
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( 1,027 ratings, 123 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Last Man Who Knew Everything by David N. Schwartz is a compelling biography that delves into the life of physicist Enrico Fermi, a remarkable figure in the world of science. The book explores Fermi's groundbreaking contributions to science, notably in quantum theory, nuclear physics, and atomic energy. This biography vividly captures his role in major scientific developments of the 20th century, detailing his influence in both theoretical advancements and practical innovations without revealing specific plot events.
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Format: Hardback
$7000
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're fascinated by the history of science and the personal stories behind groundbreaking discoveries. It offers a deep dive into the life and mind of a legendary physicist whose work has had a lasting impact on modern physics. The blend of personal anecdotes and scientific achievements makes it an engaging read for those interested in how individual ambition and intellectual prowess can shape the world.

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The definitive biography of the brilliant, charismatic, and very human physicist and innovator Enrico Fermi

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

In 1942, a team at the University of Chicago achieved what no one had before: a nuclear chain reaction. At the forefront of this breakthrough stood Enrico Fermi. Straddling the ages of classical physics and quantum mechanics, equally at ease with theory and experiment, Fermi truly was the last man who knew everything—at least about physics.

But he was also a complex figure who was a part of both the Italian Fascist Party and the Manhattan Project, and a less-than-ideal father and husband who nevertheless remained one of history's greatest mentors.

Based on new archival material and exclusive interviews, The Last Man Who Knew Everything lays bare the enigmatic life of a colossus of twentieth century physics.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Last Man Who Knew Everything by David N. Schwartz is praised for making Enrico Fermi's complex scientific contributions accessible and engaging for readers. Reviewers highlight Schwartz's ability to balance scientific explanation with personal anecdotes, providing a comprehensive portrayal of Fermi's life and work. Despite Fermi's lower public profile compared to contemporaries like Einstein, the book captures the essence of his brilliance and human aspects in a well-researched and enjoyable narrative, appealing to both experts and general audiences.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780465072927

Publisher: Basic Books

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 28 December 2017

Country: United States

Imprint: Basic Books

Illustration: 15 Black-and-white images throughout

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 39.0mm

Width: 237.0mm

Height: 164.0mm

Weight: 720g

Pages: 448

About the Author

David N. Schwartz holds a PhD in political science from MIT and is the author of two previous books. He has worked at the State Department Bureau of Politico-Military Affairs. He lives in New York with his wife, Susan. His father, Melvin Schwartz, shared the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1988.

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