Science

Book Review: A Life in Science by John Gribbin and Michael White

This biography portrays the man and his science superbly

Book Review: A Life in Science by John Gribbin and Michael White

John Gribbin made his name with ‘In Search of Schrodinger’s Cat’, an essential read for any aspiring Physics student. Before this, however, he collaborated with Michael White to produce this early biography of Stephen Hawking. The book covers his formative years and the reputation he built as a cosmologist.

Whilst focusing mainly on Hawking’s career as a physicist, the authors also manage to convincingly portray his family life as well as the media frenzy that surrounded (and in fact still does surround) the fact that he suffers from Motor-neurone syndrome.

It is often felt that the authors detached themselves from the emotional aspect of Hawking’s illness. However, this actually serves to make the book a more convincing science biography. Hawking himself always seeks to downplay his illness so it is fitting that the authors do not make it the main focus of the book. Hawking is a remarkable character with a sense of humour to match. This biography portrays the man and his science superbly.

From Issue 1478

14th Jan 2011

Discover stories from this section and more in the list of contents

Explore the edition

Read more

Imperial security team trials body cameras

News

Imperial security team trials body cameras

Imperial Community Safety and Security (CSS) officers have started a four-week trial of wearing Body-Worn Cameras (BWC) on patrol duty since Wednesday 20th August.  According to Imperial’s BWC code of practice, the policy aims at enhancing on-campus “safety and wellbeing” as well as protecting security staff from inaccurate allegations.

By Guillaume Felix
Peter Haynes to take over Provost role in October

News

Peter Haynes to take over Provost role in October

Professor Peter Haynes has been appointed as the new Provost and Deputy President of Imperial College. The current  Vice-Provost for Education and Student Experience, Haynes will succeed the outgoing Provost, Professor Ian Walmsley, who has served in the role since 2018. Imperial President Hugh Brady said Professors Haynes and Walmsley

By Guillaume Felix