Finding a Good Biography of a Physicist

  • Thread starter Thread starter erok81
  • Start date Start date
AI Thread Summary
Reading biographies can provide valuable insights into the experiences of individuals who have completed a PhD, particularly in physics. However, finding specific biographies of physicists that focus on their academic journeys can be challenging. While some suggestions include Richard Feynman's "Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman!" and "John Bardeen: Genius" by James Gleick, there seems to be a lack of comprehensive autobiographies detailing the graduate school experience. Engaging directly with professors in a department may yield personal insights and experiences that are not captured in published works. Overall, while biographies can be beneficial, they may not always align with the specific focus on the PhD journey in physics.
erok81
Messages
454
Reaction score
0
I read in a post a while ago someone recommended reading biographies was a good way to see the path of people that have already completed a PhD. Giving you ideas and expectations of what you might see.

Of course I have a ways to go before I am in a doctorate program, but would still like to take a look at one nonetheless.

I've tried searching Amazon and this forum as well, but didn't come up with anything. Also, Barnes and Noble didn't have much either.

Have any physicists written a biography, or is my search futile? If there are any, is there one that stands out above the rest?

Thanks for the help.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Try this...

http://browse.barnesandnoble.com/browse/nav.asp?visgrp=nonfiction&N=677332&Ne=170159+677332&userid=zA7kBp4CqI
 
Last edited by a moderator:
That is the extent of what I found. Unless I am looking at incorrectly, I can't really find anything that I am looking for. I though someone with a PhD in Physics has to have written about their life. Biographies seem so popular now a days. Maybe there aren't any geared towards what I am looking for.
 
erok81 said:
I read in a post a while ago someone recommended reading biographies was a good way to see the path of people that have already completed a PhD. Giving you ideas and expectations of what you might see.
...
Have any physicists written a biography, or is my search futile? If there are any, is there one that stands out above the rest?
Thanks for the help.

i think you mean AUTObiography... & i can't think of any that would focus on someone's trip through grad school specifically. richard feynman might have written a book that mentions stuff he did. why don't you just go door-to-door in your department & ask all the instructors about their experiences? some profs won't be interested in talking to you & if they don't just go to the next office. i think most of them would help you out if they think they could though, & if they have a few minutes to spare. i (mistakenly) didn't do stuff like that & now that I've graduated it's too late for me (as an undergrad anyway).
 
'Surely You're Joking, Mr Feynman!'

'tis very good.
 
John Bardeen:
 
Genius by James Glieck was a very good read, it talks about the life of Feynman.
 
Back
Top