My World Line : An Informal Autobiography

First edition of physicist and cosmologist George Gamow’s autobiographical memoir, published posthumously in 1970, with a foreword by mathematician and physicist Stanislaw M. Ulam. Gamow was one of the twentieth century’s most colorful theoretical physicists, making major contributions to nuclear physics, cosmology, and the development of Big Bang theory. He was also an unusually gifted popularizer of science and became well known for explaining sophisticated scientific concepts with wit, illustrations, and a distinctly irreverent sense of humor. My World Line recounts Gamow’s scientific career and his encounters with many of the defining figures of twentieth-century physics. The volume includes photographs and illustrations and provides an unusually personal view of the European and American scientific communities during one of modern physics’ most productive eras. xiii, 178 pages; illustrated. Foreword by Stanislaw M. Ulam. Copyright page states “First published in 1970 by The Viking Press, Inc.” and gives SBN 670-50376-2, corresponding to ISBN 0670503762. Condition Very Good hardcover in a Very Good original dust jacket. Book appears clean and firmly bound, with only light shelf wear visible. Pages appear clean and generally bright in the portions examined. Original black pictorial dust jacket with blue, green, yellow and white graphic design is present and quite attractive. Jacket shows general surface rubbing and scratching, light edge wear, and minor wear at corners and spine extremities, but remains complete and presents very well overall. No major tears or losses visible in the photographs. Significance / Collector Appeal A desirable first edition of the autobiography of one of the major popular scientific figures of the twentieth century. Gamow was an important contributor to early Big Bang cosmology, nuclear theory, and investigations that ultimately helped connect physics with molecular biology. This edition is also increasingly attractive as a history-of-science collectible, particularly in its original jacket. Shipping / Returns: Carefully packed for shipment. Domestic shipping via USPS Media Mail unless otherwise requested. Expedited and international shipping available where permitted. Returns accepted in accordance with AbeBooks policies. SCI 3b.…