The Pope of Physics

Enrico Fermi and the Birth of the Atomic Age

By: Gino Segre, Bettina Hoerlin

Narrated by: Tim Campbell

Enrico Fermi is unquestionably among the greats of the world's physicists, the most famous Italian scientist since Galileo. Called "the Pope" by his peers, he was regarded as infallible in his instincts and research. His discoveries changed our world; they led to weapons of mass destruction and conversely to life-saving medical interventions. This unassuming man struggled with issues relevant today, such as the threat of nuclear annihilation and the relationship of science to politics. Fleeing Fascism and anti-Semitism, Fermi became a leading figure in America's most secret project: building the atomic bomb.

The last physicist who mastered all branches of the discipline, Fermi was a rare mixture of theorist and experimentalist. His rich legacy encompasses key advances in fields as diverse as cosmic rays, nuclear technology, and early computers. In their revealing book, The Pope of Physics, Gino Segrè and Bettina Hoerlin bring this scientific visionary to life. An examination of the human dramas that touched Fermi's life as well as a thrilling history of scientific innovation in the 20th century, this is the comprehensive biography that Fermi deserves.

©2016 Gino Segrè and Bettina Hoerlin (P)2017 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Segrè and Hoerlin draw an engaging portrait of a man with boundless curiosity who delighted in his work; fans of pop science and history will thoroughly enjoy this entertaining and accessible biography of a scientist who deserves to be better understood." ( Publishers Weekly)

Great Book

I've been a fan of the history of physics for over 60 years. This nook did not disappoint.

excellent

great book, excellent narration. A must read for any student of the history of modern physics

The Pope!

I found this audiobook both enjoyable and concise, offering a fascinating historical perspective. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in the history of science or physics. Understanding Fermi’s story is a crucial piece in grasping the broader picture of our current scientific knowledge.

terrific!

loved reading this! extremely intriguing and interesting. It's a treat for every science noob to a geek

The man behind the myth.

This was a great read; fusing Fermi's personal turmoils, world politics and the events that created the nuclear age, all connected through the Pope's resolute and steady composition.