The Many Worlds of Linus Pauling - Hardcover

by Petersen Chris (Author)

From the author of the award-winning Visions of Linus Pauling comes this riveting sequel that chronicles four pivotal but under-studied aspects of Pauling's epic life:

1. Pauling in Oregon - Uncover the roots of a genius, tracing his difficult childhood, his father's early death, his mother's struggles with mental illness, his transformative experiences at Oregon Agricultural College, and his tumultuous relationship with his alma mater in the years that followed.
2. Caltech Administrator - Experience the largely untold story of Pauling's long administrative career as chair of the Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, assessing his Caltech experience through a lens that is utterly unique within the literature and that situates the Institute's rise to prominence in part through Pauling's tremendous capacity as a leader.
3. Period of Wandering - After resigning from Caltech in 1963, Pauling embarked on a decade-long journey of intellectual exploration. This part captures the essence of his professional transformation, during a period where the double Nobel Laureate struggled to find an institutional home and considered studying UFOs, among other subjects.
4. Travels - Journey with Pauling across the globe, from his defining trip to Europe in the 1920s to a deep connection with Japan that lasted nearly five decades. Through his travels, including time spent with fellow Nobel Laureate Albert Schweitzer in Africa, Pauling's far-reaching influence and adventurous spirit come to life.

Drawing on years of archival investigation, hours of interviews and hundreds of source materials, Chris Petersen offers readers an extraordinarily unvarnished view of Linus Pauling as never before - a young man, a bold division chair, and an intrepid explorer whose unorthodox ideas and fiery activism drew stormy interactions with friends and enemies alike.