On the man in search of neutrinos: a book now reviewed by Nature with high Amazon ratings
Some time ago, I shared an excitement on a book that is now becoming the most prominent memoir and biography of the man in search of neutrinos, Fred Reines. Fred Reines won the Nobel Prize in Physics for his co-discovery of neutrinos, which are the universe's most elusive and abundant particles. Fred Reines' younger cousin, Leonard Cole — in admiration and awe of Fred's scientific breakthrough as well as his larger-than-life personality — endeavored to pen down not only an important historical account of a monumental scientific achievement, but a precious illumination of how basic science can be a deeply human story.
The book is titled Chasing the Ghost: Nobelist Fred Reines and the Neutrino, and is now well-received by scientists and non-scientists alike. Nature magazine has reviewed it, offering very endearing descriptions of the book's central figure, and whets the reading appetite of any science enthusiast:
The neutrino-research community has mushroomed over the decades, as it has become clear that these elementary particles are key to understanding the physics of the Universe. Reines was probably its most rambunctious member. Cole relies on many written sources in his reconstruction of Reines’s life. He also interviewed scientists, many now in their nineties, who worked with him. He builds a picture of a larger-than-life figure who conducted larger-than-life experiments. The man who rises off the page is an inspiring, supportive colleague and an entertainingly boisterous companion, who whistled and sang his way through life.
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Chasing the Ghost nicely describes how successful the derring-do attitude of individual researchers can be. Reines variously comes across as endearing, admirable and irritating. He could alarm his team by tugging on cables to test electronics as he whistled his way through a lab, and was quick to over-interpret results. But he was a hands-off, respectful lab chief who addressed his team with old-fashioned formality as ‘Mr’ (they seem to have all been men) — even as he ignored their rights to holidays. Those interviewed all tell how they fell under his spell, and worked hard to please him. One anecdote has him on one knee, singing an aria at a party. Unlike his neutrinos, it seems, Reines was always an unmistakable presence.
A virtual book launch, co-moderated by eminent theoretical physicist Kenneth Ford, attracted over 100 participants, including scientists from Fermilab, Los Alamos Lab, Brookhaven National Lab, CERN, and UC Irvine. These institutions were visited by Leonard to conduct interviews and connect the dots of his protagonist's life. The event was graced by the participation of Douglas Hofstadter, Pulitzer Prize winner for Gödel, Escher, Bach, who also wrote the Foreword to Chasing the Ghost. Kenneth Ford, Douglas Hofstadter, and distinguished emeritus professor, Henry Gurr, were passionate to share their encounters with Fred Reines. Toward the end, they generously exchanged Q&As with the audience.
The author has a website displaying his wealth of experience in writing political and science books, notably on bioterrorism which Leonard is an expert of. Leonard's perspective as a non-physicist is perhaps what makes his craft even more refreshing. On Amazon, Chasing the Ghost earns highly positive ratings, with distinct indication that anyone can pick it up to enjoy and learn something new. Chasing the Ghost will be a rewarding investment for enthusiasts who seek a ready appreciation for the upcoming discoveries in neutrino physics.
