Joel N. Shurkin
Joel N. Shurkin is an author and science writer known for his work on the history of science and technology. He has written several books and articles, often focusing on the stories behind scientific discoveries and the people who made them.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. Broken Genius
The Rise and Fall of William Shockley, Creator of the Electronic Age
This book provides a comprehensive biography of William B. Shockley, a brilliant physicist who won the Nobel Prize for his role in inventing the transistor, a foundational component for modern electronics. However, Shockley's later life was marred by controversy due to his public endorsement of eugenics and his belief in racial differences in intelligence. These views led to his professional and social isolation. The narrative delves into the complexities of Shockley's character, exploring how a man of such intellectual prowess could also embrace deeply flawed and divisive ideas. It presents a nuanced portrait of a figure whose contributions to science are undeniable, yet whose legacy is irreversibly tainted by his contentious opinions.
The 12237th Greatest Book of All Time
