My Lunch with Shostakovich

Book excerpt: Jack Hollander has given us a lucid and fascinating account of his life as a nuclear scientist, environmentalist, musician and humanist. Written in celebration of his 80th birthday, he recounts his growing up in the Great Depression years, his research work during the golden era of nuclear physics and his subsequent role as a leader in environmental science and policy. He engagingly describes his encounters with notable world figures, and provides insightful critiques of contemporary scientific, environmental, and social issues.