For the love of physics

The eagerly awaited memoirs of one of the most unpredictable, combative, and influential intellectuals of the last thirty years.

"You've changed my life" is a common phrase in the emails Walter Lewin receives daily from fans captivated by his "video lectures" on the wonders of physics. For forty-three years as a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Lewin has perfected his unique art of teaching and making physics accessible and fun. In his always practical courses, he has gone as far as placing his head in front of a wrecking ball or subjecting himself to an overload of 300,000 volts to explain basic concepts to his students.

In For the Love of Physics, Lewin answers curious questions: is it possible that we are shorter standing up than lying down? Why are the colors of the rainbow always ordered in the same way? Would it be possible to touch one with your hand?... and he takes us on a wonderful journey, opening our eyes to the extraordinary beauty and power with which physics can reveal the hidden mechanisms of the world around us.

Reviews:
"For the Love of Physics captures Walter Lewin's astonishing intellect, his passion for physics, and his genius as a teacher. I hope this book attracts more people into the orbit of this extraordinary educator and scientist."
Bill Gates

"Masterful and absorbing."
Leer

"Walter Lewin's unperturbed passion for physics shines on every page of this extraordinary journey through the world of science. The enthusiasm for discovery is contagious."
Mario Livio, author of The Golden Ratio and Is God a Mathematician?

"Fascinating... The delightful memoirs of a scientist combined with a memorable introduction to physics."
Kirkus

"As hundreds and thousands of students who have attended Lewin's courses can attest, this classroom genius transforms textbook formulas into magic... Lewin's extraordinary creativity is like a passport to adventure."
Booklist

"In this fun and exciting book, Walter Lewin, a classroom superhero, uses his powers for good. The author shares the joy of knowing that the world is an intelligible place."
James Kakalios, professor and author of The Physics of Superheroes