Overview

This book presents a biography of Abdus Salam, the first Muslim to win a Nobel Prize for Science (Physics 1979), who was nevertheless excommunicated and branded as a heretic in his own country. His achievements are often overlooked, even besmirched. Realizing that the whole world had to be his stage, he pioneered the International Centre for Theoretical Physics in Trieste, a vital focus of Third World science which remains as his monument. A staunch Muslim, he was ashamed of the decline of science in the heritage of Islam, and struggled doggedly to restore it to its former glory. Undermined by his excommunication, these valiant efforts were doomed.

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9780199208463

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Reviews

Fraser's well researched contribution provides a transparent description on the creation of the standard model that merits attention from physicists and historians alike. Cosmic Anger is highly recommended. Optics Journal Gordon Fraser's enigmatically titled biography,Cosmic Anger: Abdus Salam - The First Muslim Nobel Scientist, is immensely engaging, and its numerous anecdotes will titillate physicists. Pervez Hoodbhoy, Physics Today I find the book to be a well written account of the achievements of a genius who was a citizen of the world, destined to play a memorable role in the global development of science and technology. CERN Courier An intriguing biography, a striking, frequently moving story [...], Cosmic Anger is an important work, not just in terms of its biographical revelations, but for the light it shines on the dark, irrational times we now inhabit. Robin McKie, The National, August 2008 Gordon Fraser...has produced a rich and varied biography...in this sensitive account. Salam's contributions on the international scene shine out. Simon Mitton, Times Higher Education Supplement More than a biography of a great scientist, this book provides a wider political and historical commentary. And while some of the details of Salam's physics may be incomprehensible to those without a background in the subject, the politics of the indian subcontinent, and the status of science in Islam, both past and present, makes this an important and enlightening read. Jim al-Khalili, NewScientist Fascinating and delightful. Although I knew Salam well, I learned much from this account. Salam's truly remarkable multi-faceted character is well mirrored here. The book is beautifully written, and handles many delicate political and personal issues with sensitivity and understanding. Very authoritative and insightful, giving a rounded picture of a very complex man. Tom Kibble, Imperial College London

Author Information

Physicist turned science writer, Gordon Fraser aims to convey difficult concepts without compromising the underlying science. After a first-class degree in physics and mathematics and while working towards his PhD in theoretical physics at London's Imperial College in the mid-1960s, he wrote short-story fiction as a hobby. By 1970, it was clear that he was not cut out for scientific research, and he spun together two very different strands of interest by becoming a reporter on a weekly UK newspaper for the computer industry. He later returned to science as an in-house editor at major laboratories. Working in Geneva, Switzerland, from 1980 - 2002 he was Editor of the CERN Courier, the monthly magazine of the international high energy physics community. He has been a visiting lecturer in Science Communication at several UK universities.

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