Sidney Coleman (1937–2007) was a renowned theoretical physicist, who taught for more than forty years at Harvard University. He contributed critical work on quantum field theory, high-energy particle physics, and cosmology. He was also a remarkably effective teacher who introduced generations of physicists to quantum field theory, mentoring several leading members in the field. His sense of humor and wit became legendary. This selection of his previously unpublished correspondence illuminates changes in theoretical physics and in academic life over the course of Coleman's illustrious career.
The letters show the depth of Coleman's activities and interests, including science fiction, space travel, and the US counter culture.
The volume also includes Coleman's legendary lecture "Quantum Mechanics in Your Face."
Sample Chapter(s)
Chapter 1: Introduction
Contents:
- Acknowledgments
- Introduction
- Early Letters Home
- Global Symmetries: Research and Travel, 1966–1978
- "The Price of Deep Insight": Faculty Life, 1965–1978
- "The Golden Age of Silliness": Science Fiction & Counterculture, 1970–1993
- The False Vacuum: Research and Travel, 1979–1997
- Color Photos
- Theoretical Families: Faculty Life, 1979–1997
- Appendix A: Quantum Mechanics In Your Face
- Appendix B: Reminiscences from Diana T Coleman
- Appendix C: Publications by Sidney R Coleman
- Appendix D: Further Reading
- Index
Readership: Physics and mathematics students, academicians, and all those interested in the history of physics.
"Anyone encountering Sidney as friend, colleague, student or mentor recognized his irrepressible wit, dazzling brilliance, and profound knowledge of physics. Readers of 'In Your Face' will catch a glimpse of this uniquely gifted theoretical physicist."
Sheldon L Glashow
Nobel Laureate in Physics, 1979
"For anyone who knew Sidney, this book offers a poignant reminder of his idiosyncratic style, acerbic wit, and deep physics wisdom. The book also introduces those who never met him to a towering intellect of a bygone era, providing multiple windows into his attitudes and interests, alongside glimpses of those of some of his correspondents."
Helen Quinn
Stanford University
"I like Steve Weinberg's referring to Sidney Coleman as a 'physicists' physicist', but I also like to think of Sidney as a 'teachers' teacher'. My lifelong hope, as one of his doctoral students, is that some of his clarity of thought and pedagogical style might rub off on me. A nonphysicist will see in this book a glimpse of the life of a theoretical physicist, while physicists would be interested in Coleman's life outside physics (notably as a publisher of science fiction) and amused by the biting wit in some of his letters of recommendation. A sample: As a buffoon Professor K is priceless, but as a physicist he is worthless. The fabled lecture Quantum Mechanics in Your Face, from which the title of this volume is taken, is included as a bonus."
Anthony Zee
University of California, Santa Barbara
"Sidney Coleman was a natural wit. Titles of his groundbreaking scientific papers — 'Quantum Mechanics in Your Face' and 'Why there is nothing rather than something' suggest his humor. Even when voicing criticism, he opened with 'Modesty forbids me, but honesty compels me ...' He was the physicist's physicist."
Gregory Benford
University of California, Irvine
Aaron Sidney Wright is Assistant Professor of History at Dalhousie University. He completed degrees in physics, history, and the history and philosophy of science and technology at McGill University and the University of Toronto, respectively. Subsequently, he held a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada Postdoctoral Fellowship in the history of science at Harvard University and was a Postdoctoral Scholar in history and philosophy of science at Stanford University. He has been invited to speak before audiences of historians and scientists, including at the Einstein Papers Project at CalTech. His research has appeared in Annals of Science, Historical Studies in the Natural Sciences, and Studies in the History and Philosophy of Science.
Diana Coleman attended Cornell University, majoring in "painting & design," and obtained a BFA degree. She has had paintings shown in juried shows, and some of her poems and woodcuts have appeared in Boston-area literary journals. Beginning in 1976, she served as an administrative assistant for several senior faculty in Harvard's physics department, where she met Sidney Coleman. The two were married in June 1982. During their 31 years together, they spent many summers traveling in Europe and exploring western Canada; they also drove across the United States a dozen times. She is presently writing a memoir about her travels with Sidney. A collection of her drawings and poems is available at anonymousinamerica.wordpress.com.
David Kaiser is Germeshausen Professor of the History of Science and Professor of Physics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He completed PhDs in physics and the history of science at Harvard University. His books include Drawing Theories Apart: The Dispersion of Feynman Diagrams in Postwar Physics (2005), which received the Pfizer Prize from the History of Science Society for best book in the field; How the Hippies Saved Physics: Science, Counterculture, and the Quantum Revival (2011), which was named "Book of the Year" by Physics World magazine and received the Davis Prize from the History of Science Society for best book aimed at a general audience; and Quantum Legacies: Dispatches from an Uncertain World (2020), which was named a Choice Outstanding Academic Title. His physics research focuses on early-universe cosmology, and he has also helped to design and conduct novel tests of quantum theory. A Fellow of the American Physical Society, Kaiser has received MIT's highest honors for excellence in teaching. His work has been featured in Science, Nature, the New York Times, and the New Yorker magazine, as well as on NOVA television programs, National Public Radio, and the BBC.
