Remnants of the Fall: Revelations of Particle Secrets

This is a book that sings about the beauty of the fundamental laws of nature. Clear, accurate descriptions for general science readers (no equations in sight!) are punctuated with original, scintillating verses. The reader is taken on a journey through the contemporary understanding of the building blocks of nature and their interactions -- the current status of that age-old, intriguing quest. The central role of symmetry is explained in a manner suitable for general science readers, and its splendor is celebrated in verse. The book facilitates understanding of the background and significance of today's scientific discoveries in atomic, nuclear and particle physics. Many of the poems appear as interludes that reinforce the discussions as they amuse the reader, making this informative book a delight to read.

William B Rolnick, a former student of Robert Serber at Columbia University, has been a professor of physics at Wayne State University for more than three decades. During that time, he has done significant theoretical research and written an insightful and celebrated textbook on particle physics. A premier teacher at that university, he was awarded the highly prestigious President's Award for Excellence in Teaching in 1999, the only recipient from the College of Science in that year. Professor Rolnick is also a professionally trained operatic bass baritone; he is a soloist with The Metropolitan Singers, and has also given many solo recitals in the Detroit area. His understanding of song has been adapted to the creation of the poetic aspects of the present work.