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This biography explores the years when nuclear physics and elementary particle physics were born, nuclear fission was discovered, the Manhattan project was developed, the atomic bombs were dropped, and the Big Science started. However, it would be impossible to capture the full essence of the atomic age without first understanding the physicist that started it all, Enrico Fermi (1901-1954). Enrico Fermi: The Obedient Genius attempts to shed light on all aspects of Fermi’s life (his work, motivation, influences, achievements, and personal thoughts) as well as recreate the great conceptual upheaval that took place in the physical sciences in the first thirty years of the 20th century. Each chapter enables the reader to follow the various threads of Fermi’s life and reach a greater understanding the truly obedient genius. This book would enlighten anyone interested in Fermi’s work or the scientific events that created the atomic bomb. Key features of the book: * Follows young Enrico Fermi's research itineraries, starting from his first paper in 1921, where he deals with some problems in general relativity, until 1933, when he publishes his fundamental theory of the ß decay * Analyzes Fermi's research from 1933 to 1954, underlining his involvement in developing the atomic bomb and his central role in the beginning of the Big Science * Provides sections of unpublished notes and letters * Includes a timeline of Fermi’s life achievements as well as a separate timeline for the major developments in the field throughout the 20th century * Contains an extensive bibliography and index for easy reference Review of the Italian edition published in 2007: "This book is by no means light literature, however, it can be useful not only to physics historians and university students, but also to researchers who do their job beginning with unquestioned data: they are not always aware of the toil of those who came before them, between trial and confirmation, error and success." -- Italian Press

Enrico Fermi