The Strangest Man: The hidden Life of Paul Dirac, Quantum Genius by Graham Farmelo (7-Jan-2010) Paperback

I studied quantum mechanics using Dirac’s book in graduate school. He has always been one of my role models in physics. It was very interesting to learn about Dirac the man. Graham Farmelo’s writing is well researched and his style is comfortable and engaging reading. Sometimes I could not put his book down. A very enjoyable read.

While becoming familiar, not to say intimate, with the heroes of quantum theory - Einstein, Niels Bohr, and the rest - and their milieu, you learn quite a bit about quantum theory and the 20th century. The focus is on psychological characteristics and social interactions, but in order to explain the tensions among the quantum physicists, the author has to explain the issues in physics at the time, which he does in a friendly, chatty way. Gripping, amusing, and educational. I feel like I Know More now.