The Road to Stockholm: Nobel Prizes, Science, and Scientists

by István Hargittai

The Nobel Prize is by far the highest recognition a scientist may receive and the only one with which the general public is familiar. Its prestige has reached improbable heights. At the same time a lot of myth surrounds the Nobel Prize, and this is compounded by the fact that people tend to
view scientists with some bewilderment.
This book introduces the process of selection of the laureates, discusses the ingredients for scientific discovery and for getting recognition. It reviews the decisive moments of scientific careers en route to the Nobel Prize, points to characteristic features of the laureates, the importance of
mentors and venues in scientific careers and other components of success. It also covers some discoverers and discoveries for whom and for which the Nobel Prize never materialized.
Whereas there is no general recipe for receiving the Nobel Prize, there are common features of successful scientific careers. The book reveals some information about the scientists' lives and careers that may guide other scientists in increasing their chances of becoming more effective and better
recognized players--although it is not expected to help anyone to receive the Nobel Prize!
For the general reader The Road to Stockholm reveals the human face of scientists and the human side of their endeavours. The Nobel Prize has served as inspiration for scientists and the general public for a hundred this book discusses its problems and celebrates its triumphs.

360 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

Istvan Hargittai is a University Professor at the Institute of General and Analytical Chemistry, Budapest Technical University. He is also a Research Professor and Head of Department at the Structural Chemistry Research Group of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences at Eötvös University, and is a member of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences and the Academia Europaea (London).

Reviews

[Kevin Orrman-Rossiter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Much about the chemistry and medicine or physiology Nobel Prize winners, some about physics. Written by a chemist it contains much detail but little depth. I would have preferred more narrative on some themes - engaging with then - this comes across a little encyclopedic. A lesson to the scientists who want to be communicators - this was an OK text, but a poor read.