Aaron S Wright & Diana Coleman 
THEORETICAL PHYSICS IN YOUR FACE [EPUB ebook] 
Selected Correspondence of Sidney Coleman

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 This selection of his previously unpublished correspondence illuminates changes in theoretical physics and in academic life over the course of Coleman’s illustrious career.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.’

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

Key Features:

• Presents unique archival material, never before published in the history of physics


• Gives unprecedented insight into Coleman’s career as an influential researcher and teacher


• Provides frank and funny picture of the life of elite twentieth century physicists