Marie Curie: And the Science of Radioactivity

by Naomi E. Pasachoff

Overview

Marie Curie discovered radium and went on to lead the scientific community in studying the theory and uses of radioactivity. She was a physicist and also a wife and mother and a groundbreaking professional woman ahead of her time. Research scholar Naomi Pasachoff's biography is an inspiring and exciting story of scientific discovery and personal commitment. Illustrated. 112 pp.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780195120110
Publisher:	Oxford University Press, USA
Publication date:	10/28/1997
Series:	Oxford Portraits in Science Series
Edition description:	Reissue
Pages:	112
Product dimensions:	9.00(w) x 6.40(h) x 0.40(d)
Lexile:	1320L (what's this?)
Age Range:	12 - 17 Years

About the Author

Williams College

Editorial Reviews

In the Portraits in Science series, an intelligent chronicle of Curie's life, from her struggle to educate herself in Russian-occupied Poland to her successes in France; her pioneering work with her husband; and her troubles and triumphs after his death. While Pasachoff provides detailed explanations of Curie's scientific achievements, she paints an equally detailed portrait of Curie as a chemist-celebrity. Pasachoff's resolute concentration on the subject at hand—be it the gossip surrounding the Curies' Nobel Prize or the protocol for isolating radium—allows her to fold an impressive amount of information into a compact text. She provides background in history, physics, and chemistry; descriptions of the position of women in science at the turn of the century; and an illuminating analysis of Curie herself, whom Pasachoff treats with detached sympathy. A perceptive and informative biography.

Kirkus Reviews

"This well-written account of the life and work of the Polish-born French chemist provides and in-depth look at the person as well as the scientist whose work with radioactivity led to two Nobel Prizes."—The Horn Book Guide

"An intelligent chronicle of Curie's life, from her struggle to educate herself in Russian-occupied Poland to her successes in France; her pioneering work with her husband; and her troubles and triumphs after his death.... A perceptive and informative biography."—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"A fascinating profile that combines personal information not found in other YA resources with a fairly detailed account of Curie's research.... A chronology and an extensive bibliography round out a book that will be a valuable addition to both school and public library collections."—Booklist

"While there are a number of effective biographies of Marie Curie available, this one has the advantage of focusing attention on the scientific aspects of her discoveries and presenting her life for an older audience."—School Library Journal

From the Publisher