Linus Pauling: A Man and His Science

Linus Pauling could be considered the American cowboy of science. His approach to the discipline evinces the same pioneering spirit that drove the early settlers to explore and conquer ever-widening frontiers. Pauling has always been willing to take risks in proposing controversial new scientific theories: his ground-breaking work on sickle-cell anemia, the theory of anesthesia, chemical bonding, and his near-victory in the DNA race show the tremendous range of his professional talents and curiosity. Pauling’s approach to life and his role as a public figure reflect the same brand of risk-taking and controversy. Active as a peace crusader and humanitarian, he has never hesitated to question the political or scientific establishments. He engendered hostility among the scientists of the Manhattan project (developers of the atomic bomb), expressed opposition to 1943 wartime interment of Japanese-Americans, openly defended J. Robert Oppenheimer during the "Red Scare" period, and worked toward a nuclear test-ban treaty in the 1950s. Anthony Serafini uses letters, documents, and interviews with Pauling’s contemporaries to take the reader through the many facets of Pauling’s life, including his student days, triumphs in chemistry, a 1962 Nobel Peace Prize, and more.