The Last Man Who Knew Everything
The Life and Times of Enrico Fermi, Father of the Nuclear Age
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The Last Man Who Knew Everything
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Narrated by:
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Tristan Morris
The definitive biography of the brilliant, charismatic, and very human physicist and innovator Enrico Fermi
In 1942, a team at the University of Chicago achieved what no one had before: a nuclear chain reaction. At the forefront of this breakthrough stood Enrico Fermi. Straddling the ages of classical physics and quantum mechanics, equally at ease with theory and experiment, Fermi truly was the last man who knew everything - at least about physics. But he was also a complex figure who was a part of both the Italian Fascist Party and the Manhattan Project, and a less-than-ideal father and husband who nevertheless remained one of history's greatest mentors.
Based on new archival material and exclusive interviews, The Last Man Who Knew Everything lays bare the enigmatic life of a colossus of 20th century physics.
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.
©2017 David N. Schwartz (P)2017 Hachette AudioListeners also enjoyed...
Critic reviews
"A lucid writer who has done his homework, Schwartz...delivers a thoroughly enjoyable, impressively researched account.... Never a media darling like Einstein or Oppenheimer, Enrico Fermi (1901-1954) is now barely known to the public, but few scientists would deny that he was among the most brilliant physicists of his century.... A rewarding, expert biography of a giant of the golden age of physics." (Kirkus)
"Told in a sure, steady voice, Schwartz's book delivers a scrupulously researched and lovingly crafted portrait of the 'greatest Italian scientist since Galileo.'" (Publishers Weekly)
"One of the finest biographies of the year, The Last Man Who Knew Everything combines the historic, the scientific and the personal in a deft and effortless way. Enrico Fermi was easily one of the most fascinating human beings of the 20th century, a man whose intellectual brilliance was trapped inside an all-too-human shell. The result, in David Schwartz's able interpretation, is nothing short of spellbinding." (Gary Shteyngart, author of Little Failure and Super Sad True Love Story)
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Good, could have been better
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Like the Curies' I feel sad for Enrico, for having to pay for their work with uranium.
I can not imagine a more fair look at a person's life than what Schwartz did with Enrico's.
This is a fine book.
Genious, exctiement, turmiol, real life
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I would encourage anyone with interest in the biographies of scientists to hear / read this book. They will come away more informed and strengthened in their pursuit of excellence in science.
Great listen on the life of Enrico Fermi
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an amazing story about a premiere poly genius
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This is a book that can be read a multiple levels. There is a certain level of science in it, but it would probably be overly simplistic for those who have studied physics. There are parts of it that are challenging for a non-scientist such as myself to follow in detail, but the author is really good at explaining the gist of why certain events are important. The story moves well and does not get bogged down, even though it is rather lengthy.
The book provides a very good study of the man. Fermi comes across as an outstanding colleague, particularly in his later years. He had many friends and admirers. He did not just plant himself in his laboratory. He insisted on having lunch (apparently for about two hours) each day with colleagues. He liked to hike and swim. He was quite athletic. He was a good husband, perhaps not as good a father, but rather typical for his time.
I think the book provides a good--and sympathetic--treatment of Fermi and the scientists who were involved in the Manhattan Project. It is extremely easy to criticize them from the space of nearly 80 years. It must be remembered that most of the scientists had immigrated from a Europe dominated by Nazi Germany. Many had worked at German universities. Germany was the epicenter of physics in the 1930s. So they had personal knowledge of the abilities of German scientists, and considerable concern about them developing an atomic bomb. Einstein himself signed a letter to Roosevelt that led to the start of the project. The book covers all of this in great detail, and allows the reader to draw his or her own conclusions.
The narration is very good. Definitely worth your time if you have any interest in the subject.
Good Book About An Important Scientist
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It handles his death with respect, but doesn't overdo it.
Fermi was a very well-rounded and amazingly talented man.
I genuinely enjoyed the book
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Enjoyable story, the narration less so
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Engaging for One Interested in History and Science
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Excellent
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Great book
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