more
choices

 
Richard Feynman

more
choices

Dr. Bob's Bookshelf

I feel a particular fondness for Feynman.  He had such a nice Rockaway accent and mannerisms, coupled with a Nobel-Prize-winning way of making the really difficult concepts nearly transparent: He had the genius to put them in everyday terms. Feynman was at once both fiercely empirical as well as intensely curious, both child-like qualities. This Nobel-winning physicist deserves a spot on every scientist's bookshelf.

Feynman is one of the featured scientists honored on a US postage stamp issued 5/4/2005.

"Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman!" by Feynman & Leighton.
What do a drummer in a samba band, a painter, a legendary safe cracker, and a Nobel-winning physicist have in common?  They were all Richard Feynman!

This book deals with a lot of Feynman's earlier antics, back to the days of the Manhattan Project. His safecracking ability was legendary, but the trick he used was amazingly simple! You just have to be very open minded and child-like to see it.

The book also details his trip to Brazil, supposedly to teach, but he seems to have spent more time playing in a samba band.  He also talks about arranging a trip to Tuva. When I found a CD of Tuvan music, I just had to have it.

"What Do You Care What People Think?" by Feynman & Leighton
Although this book is subtitled "Further Adventures of a Curious Character," this book is a bit more serious than "Surely You're Joking."  Much of the book deals with the investigation into the Challenger disaster.  However, Feynman's empirical nature comes out in one chapter which talks about how the brain works.  How many different things can you do at once? Feynman decided to find out. You can try these experiments at home! I think you have everything that's needed!

There is also a section containing some of Feynman's drawings, which are quite nice. There is no mention of his paintings on velvet, however. You'll have to get "Joking" to learn about those.

"The Meaning of It All: Thoughts of a Citizen Scientist" by Feynman & Leighton The material for this book came from a series of three lectures Feynman gave in Washington in 1963. In them he takes on Science, Politics, and Religion, all the things you should never discuss at the dinner table, as only Feynman can!

MORE INFO

"The Pleasure of Finding Things Out: The Best Short Works of Richard P. Feynman" by Feynman & Dyson
This book isn't on my bookshelf, but I bought it for my daughter as a birthday present! I'll read her copy! The title and the look on Feynman's face on the cover say it all!  THIS is what science should be!

Some of the chapters in this book have been published in one of the books, above, but there is enough here to warrant getting the book.

MORE INFO