In the 1930s, physics was in a crisis. There appeared to be no way to reconcile the new theory of quantum mechanics with Einstein's theory of relativity. Several approaches had been tried and had failed. In the post-World War II period, four eminent physicists rose to the challenge and developed a calculable version of quantum electrodynamics (QED), probably the most successful theory in physics. This formulation of QED was pioneered by Freeman Dyson, Richard Feynman, Julian Schwinger, and Sin-Itiro Tomonaga, three of whom won the Nobel Prize for their work. In this book, physicist and historian Silvan Schweber tells the story of these four physicists, blending discussions of their scientific work with fascinating biographical sketches. Setting the achievements of these four men in context, Schweber begins with an account of the early work done by physicists such as Dirac and Jordan, and describes the gathering of eminent theorists at Shelter Island in 1947, the meeting that heralded the new era of QED. The rest of his narrative comprises individual biographies of the four physicists, discussions of their major contributions, and the story of the scientific community in which they worked. Throughout, Schweber draws on his technical expertise to offer a lively and lucid explanation of how this theory was finally established as the appropriate way to describe the atomic and subatomic realms.
Average Rating
Informations
About the author
S. S. Schweber
Author
Silvan Samuel Schweber was a French-born American theoretical physicist and historian of science.
QED and the Men Who Made It
by S. S. Schweber
Books Like QED and the Men Who Made It
If you're looking for books similar to QED and the Men Who Made It, here are some recommendations based on themes, tone, and narrative style.
The Making of the Atomic Bomb
Richard Rhodes
A comprehensive exploration of the scientific and human story behind the development of nuclear physics. Covers the key physicists, their groundbreaking research, and the complex historical context of scientific discovery during World War II. Provides deep insights into the scientific community and the profound technological transformations of the 20th century. Offers a similar narrative approach to scientific biography and technological innovation.
Genius: The Life and Science of Richard Feynman
James Gleick
A detailed biography of Richard Feynman, one of the key physicists featured in QED. Explores Feynman's brilliant scientific mind, his contributions to quantum mechanics, and his unique personality. Provides intimate details about his scientific work and personal life. Complements the original book's focus on scientific pioneers.
The Strangest Man
Graham Farmelo
A biography of Paul Dirac, a pioneering quantum physicist. Explores the life and work of a brilliant but enigmatic scientist. Provides deep insights into the scientific community of the early 20th century. Complements the biographical approach of the original book.
The Fabric of the Cosmos
Brian Greene
Explores fundamental questions about space, time, and the nature of reality. Provides a comprehensive look at modern physics and cosmology. Offers deep scientific insights with accessible writing. Complements the original book's exploration of scientific discovery.
Quantum: Einstein, Bohr, and the Great Debate About the Nature of Reality
Manjit Kumar
Chronicles the intellectual battle between Einstein and Bohr over quantum mechanics. Explores the philosophical and scientific debates that shaped modern physics. Provides historical context for the scientific developments discussed in QED. Offers insights into the scientific community's intellectual struggles.
The Big Picture
Sean Carroll
Explores the fundamental nature of reality through the lens of modern physics. Discusses quantum mechanics and its philosophical implications. Provides a broad perspective on scientific understanding. Offers similar intellectual depth and scientific exploration.
What is Real?
Adam Becker
Explores the philosophical and scientific debates surrounding quantum mechanics. Investigates the fundamental nature of reality and scientific understanding. Provides historical context for quantum theory's development. Offers similar intellectual depth.
Something Deeply Hidden
Sean Carroll
Explores quantum mechanics and its profound implications for our understanding of reality. Discusses the many-worlds interpretation and fundamental physics. Provides cutting-edge scientific exploration. Offers similar depth of scientific investigation.
Einstein's Unfinished Revolution
Lee Smolin
Investigates the ongoing challenges in reconciling quantum mechanics with relativity. Explores the fundamental questions in modern physics that remain unresolved. Provides a deep dive into the scientific challenges discussed in QED. Offers a contemporary perspective on quantum theory's development.
Quantum: A Guide for the Perplexed
Jim Al-Khalili
An accessible exploration of quantum mechanics for general readers. Explains complex scientific concepts with clarity and insight. Provides a comprehensive overview of quantum theory's development. Offers a similar approach to explaining complex scientific ideas.
The Quantum World
Kenneth Ford
A comprehensive exploration of quantum mechanics for interested readers. Explains complex scientific concepts with clarity and depth. Provides insights into the development of quantum theory. Offers a similar approach to explaining scientific ideas.
The Quantum Moment
Robert P. Crease and Alfred Scharff Goldhaber
An exploration of quantum mechanics and its profound impact on scientific and cultural understanding. Traces the development of quantum theory and its philosophical implications. Examines how quantum concepts have transformed our view of reality. Offers a similar intellectual approach to understanding scientific revolution.
Quantum Enigma
Bruce Rosenblum and Fred Kuttner
Investigates the philosophical implications of quantum mechanics. Explores the strange and counterintuitive nature of quantum theory. Provides a deep examination of scientific understanding. Offers similar intellectual exploration of quantum concepts.
The Perfect Wave
Heinrich Pas
Explores the fundamental nature of neutrinos and their role in understanding the universe. Discusses cutting-edge physics and scientific discovery. Provides a contemporary perspective on quantum physics research. Offers similar scientific depth and exploration of fundamental physics.
No account connected — sign in to comment.