The Strangest Man

The Hidden Life of Paul Dirac, Mystic of the Atom

By: Graham Farmelo

Narrated by: B. J. Harrison

Paul Dirac was among the great scientific geniuses of the modern age. One of the discoverers of quantum mechanics, the most revolutionary theory of the past century, his contributions had a unique insight, eloquence, clarity, and mathematical power. His prediction of antimatter was one of the greatest triumphs in the history of physics.

One of Einstein's most admired colleagues, Dirac was in 1933 the youngest theoretician ever to win the Nobel Prize in physics. Dirac's personality is legendary. He was an extraordinarily reserved loner, relentlessly literal-minded, and appeared to have no empathy with most people. Yet he was a family man and was intensely loyal to his friends. His tastes in the arts ranged from Beethoven to Cher, from Rembrandt to Mickey Mouse.

Based on previously undiscovered archives, The Strangest Man reveals the many facets of Dirac's brilliantly original mind. A compelling human story, The Strangest Man also depicts a spectacularly exciting era in scientific history.

©2009 Graham Farmello (P)2009 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

• 2009 Costa Book Award (Biography)
• 100 Notable Books of 2009 (New York Times)
• Books of the Year 2009 (The Economist)
• Los Angeles Times Book Prize, Science & Technology, 2010

"Farmelo proves himself a wizard at explaining the arcane aspects of particle physics. His great affection for his odd but brilliant subject shows on every page, giving Dirac the biography any great scientist deserves." ( Publishers Weekly)

"A must-read for anyone interested in the extraordinary power of pure thought. With this revelatory, moving and definitive biography, Graham Farmelo provides the first real glimpse inside the bizarre mind of Paul Dirac." (Roger Highfield, Editor, New Scientist)

Good book, agree with others regarding narration

I agree with several other reviews - enjoyed this listen since the material was strong enough, held my interest, despite the poor narration. Someone, please instruct the narrator regarding pronunciation of the word "experiment". Since listening, the word "expirimint" is still ringing in my ears.

Like a Novel

I felt like I was reading an adventure novel rather than a biography. The book is well written and flows nicely, packed with good physics, and fun characterization.
The naration was great too.

Great book, dreadfully read

Farmelo provides exceptionally clear explanations of some very difficult science as well as a fascinating portrait of Dirac the man set in a vivid historical time. A testament to the book that it survives the affected reader, who repeatedly misplaces emphasis in a sentence, uses a jarring, artificial diction, and emotes as if he were reading a romance novel.

excellent

If you are interested in science, quantum mechanics, or strange people, this is a great book.

Amazing

Amazing! Thoughtful and articulate with regards to one of the greatest minds in the 20th century