Description
Discover the compelling biography of Charles Richter, the legendary seismologist who revolutionized how we measure earthquake magnitude with the Richter Scale. Written by Susan Hough, this meticulously researched book dives deep into Richter's complex life, combining personal anecdotes with the broader history of seismology. Readers will explore Richter's fascinating journey, from his intense passion for earthquakes to his unconventional lifestyle and artistic aspirations. Despite being a household name, few truly understand the man behind the scale. Hough's narrative unearths Richter's unique blend of genius and his struggles, shedding light on his relationships and his profound impact on earth science. This trade paperback edition, published by Princeton University Press in 2017, is perfect for anyone interested in seismology, earth science, and the life of one of its most iconic figures. Get ready to embark on a journey through Richter's world, as you gain insights into not just the scientific achievements but also the personal challenges he faced. This essential biography is an inviting read for both science enthusiasts and those new to the subject, making it a valuable addition to your collection. Plus, enjoy free shipping on your order, with delivery expected within 6 weeks. Grab your copy today and delve into the remarkable life of Charles Richter!
Note: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled.
Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9780691173283
Format: Trade paperback (US)
Year: 2017
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Description:
By developing the scale that bears his name, Charles Richter not only invented the concept of magnitude as a measure of earthquake size, he turned himself into nothing less than a household word. He remains the only seismologist whose name anyone outside of narrow scientific circles would likely recognize. Yet few understand the Richter scale itself, and even fewer have ever understood the man. Drawing on the wealth of papers Richter left behind, as well as dozens of interviews with his family and colleagues, Susan Hough takes the reader deep into Richter's complex life story, setting it in the context of his family and interpersonal attachments, his academic career, and the history of seismology. Among his colleagues Richter was known as intensely private, passionately interested in earthquakes, and iconoclastic. He was an avid nudist, seismologists tell each other with a grin; he dabbled in poetry. He was a publicity hound, some suggest, and more famous than he deserved to be.
But even his closest associates were unaware that he struggled to reconcile an intense and abiding need for artistic expression with his scientific interests, or that his apparently strained relationship with his wife was more unconventional but also stronger than they knew. Moreover, they never realized that his well-known foibles might even have been the consequence of a profound neurological disorder. In this biography, Susan Hough artfully interweaves the stories of Richter's life with the history of earthquake exploration and seismology. In doing so, she illuminates the world of earth science for the lay reader, much as Sylvia Nasar brought the world of
Note: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled.
Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9780691173283
Format: Trade paperback (US)
Year: 2017
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Description:
By developing the scale that bears his name, Charles Richter not only invented the concept of magnitude as a measure of earthquake size, he turned himself into nothing less than a household word. He remains the only seismologist whose name anyone outside of narrow scientific circles would likely recognize. Yet few understand the Richter scale itself, and even fewer have ever understood the man. Drawing on the wealth of papers Richter left behind, as well as dozens of interviews with his family and colleagues, Susan Hough takes the reader deep into Richter's complex life story, setting it in the context of his family and interpersonal attachments, his academic career, and the history of seismology. Among his colleagues Richter was known as intensely private, passionately interested in earthquakes, and iconoclastic. He was an avid nudist, seismologists tell each other with a grin; he dabbled in poetry. He was a publicity hound, some suggest, and more famous than he deserved to be.
But even his closest associates were unaware that he struggled to reconcile an intense and abiding need for artistic expression with his scientific interests, or that his apparently strained relationship with his wife was more unconventional but also stronger than they knew. Moreover, they never realized that his well-known foibles might even have been the consequence of a profound neurological disorder. In this biography, Susan Hough artfully interweaves the stories of Richter's life with the history of earthquake exploration and seismology. In doing so, she illuminates the world of earth science for the lay reader, much as Sylvia Nasar brought the world of