| His life thrown into chaos by the death of his father in his youth, Linus Pauling persevered through an impoverished childhood to become one of the great scientists and humanitarians of the 20th century. In a stunningly original examination of the two-time Nobel Laureate, Oregon State University archivist Chris Petersen touches upon the major eras of Pauling's life and dials into specific episodes, themes, accomplishments, and failures at a level of detail that has not been put forth elsewhere. Topics exclusively covered here include Pauling's generative process as author of the groundbreaking text The Nature of the Chemical Bond; the colorful history of the Linus Pauling Institute; his symbiotic relationship with the W H Freeman & Co. publishing house; two entirely separate clashes with the United States Senate and the Soviet Academy of Science; and the story of his brilliant and troubled son Peter. Interspersed throughout the book are light pieces that narrate humorous moments in Pauling's life and other vignettes that lend insight into his seemingly maverick personality. The culmination of 15 years of research, Visions of Linus Pauling is a magisterial piece of work, equivalent to previously unseen footage of a blockbuster movie. Contents: About the Editor Preface Biographical Sketch of Linus Pauling Writing The Nature of the Chemical Bond (Andy Hahn) Pauling's Battle with Glomerulonephritis (Carly Dougher) W H Freeman & Co. (Dani Tellvik) Christmas (Linus Pauling Jr.) The Soviet Resonance Controversy (Miriam Lipton) One Year as President of the American Chemical Society (Madeleine Connolly) The Theory of Anesthesia (Trevor Sandgathe) Lloyd Jeffress (Trevor Sandgathe) Deer Flat Ranch (Matt McConnell) Stuck on a Cliff (Megan Sykes) The SISS Hearings (Will Clark) Unitarianism (Will Clark) An Honorary Diploma from Washington High School (Madeline Hoag) Receiving the Nobel Peace Prize (Andy Hahn, Jindan Chen and Michael Mehringer) William P Murphy (Ben Jaeger) The National Review Lawsuit (Jessica Newgard) Peter Pauling (Matt McConnell) Patents (Olga Rodriguez-Walmisley and Trevor Sandgathe) Jack Kevorkian and a Twist on Capital Punishment (Chris Petersen) The Linus Pauling Institute of Science and Medicine (Adam LaMascus) A Funny Story from Andy Warhol (Chris Petersen) Quasicrystals (Jaren Provo) Pauling's Last Years (Matt McConnell) Readership: The general public interested in science, history of science, and the lives of great scientists and Nobel Laureates. Science students and academics, especially those in chemistry, biology, medicine, and nuclear science. Historians of 20th-century science. A must-have collection for academic libraries and archives. 'From the troubled life of his son to the Nobel Peace Prize, the original essays narrate the raw data of Pauling's genius, adventures, and failings, including controversies ranging from quasicrystal theory to the tempest of the Red Scare. We see Pauling's health struggle with glomerulonephritis, vignettes of the disturbing correspondence received from Jack Kevorkian, and funny recollections of Pauling found in Andy Warhol's diary. Visions of Linus Pauling, like no other existing resource, draws out the complexities of Linus Pauling's intimate and public life conducting science in the 20th century. Petersen ensures it is a walk Pauling did not take alone, nor completed in his own lifetime.' - Linda Marie RichardsSenior Instructor of History, Oregon State University, USA 'Through their investigations, Petersen and his collaborators have uncovered new and fascinating information relating to all aspects of Pauling's amazing life and have explored the context in which the discoveries and activities took place. The pieces are well researched and extremely well written. I have no doubt that all people interested in 20th-century science and politics will find this insightful book irresistibly entertaining, enlightening, and educational.' - Steve LawsonFormer CEO, Linus Pauling... |
