Enrico Fermi: And the Revolutions of Modern Physics (Oxford Portraits in Science) 1st Edition

This is the perfect biography for anyone wanting to learn more about a great man, one of the greatest physicists. Enough of his physics were mentioned or included to make it non-trivial to me (junior astrophysics major, with Fermi distribution functions currently flying out of my ears) and yet I would have no compunctions handing this book to my little cousins in elementary school if they needed to read/write a book report on the life and accomplishments of one of the greatest and most influential scientists of our era. In fact, I would say that is the preferred audience, all physics students have heard of Fermi, but most children (and indeed, most adults) are unaware of his contributions to the way we see the world around us, and to history. All of that is here, in this biography easily accesible to anyone.

I was excited about this book, and was looking forward to learning about the life of one of the greatest scientists of all time. Unfortunately though I was really disappointed. A good biography has the ability to make you feel like you knew the person, and have some insights about their life. I didn't feel that way at all after reading this book. It certainly covers the basics, and gave an accurate timeline. But, it does not have the personal anecdotes, and first-person accounts that are really engaging. I felt like I learned more about Fermi as a person from Rhodes' "The Making of the Atomic Bomb" than I did from this book.

good book

Well written chronology and historical references, very fascinating story the one of Enrico. Great man and scientist, strong contribution to humanity