Sidney D. Drell

Overview

Sidney Drell (1926–2016)left a legacy worthy of many lifetimes. Physicist, professor, national security expert, amateur musician, behind-the-scenes diplomat, and champion for peace and human rights, he was also friend and mentor. Dozens of interviews with those whose lives he touched reveal Drell as a man of brilliance, curiosity, and passions, whose devotion to the arts, family, and community equaled his love for physics. Teaching at Stanford University and working at its linear particle accelerator, Drell made significant scientific contributions. Not content to leave science in the lab or classroom, Drell brought his intellectual heft to public service, advising the US government on issues relating to science, advocating for Russian dissident Andrei Sakharov, and urging nuclear disarmament. Scaling the heights of achievement with a down-to-earth sensibility, Drell met his destiny empowered and validated by a prodigious mind, generous spirit, and tact in fostering goodwill for the benefit of all.

Reviews

"While much has been written about Sid's transcendent technical contributions to physics and arms control policy, this book goes to the essence of Sid—what made him so able to achieve these lofty heights. In it we see his humanity, his sense of humor, his delight in the puzzles of the world, and we should see a template for living our own lives. His words can still offer direction and the sparkle that was Sid." —William J. Perry, 19th US secretary of defense

"More than a brilliant physicist, Sid was a humanitarian who worked tirelessly to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons, understanding that their use could lead to the destruction of mankind. It was an honor and a pleasure to work with him in advancing dialogue toward agreements between our countries. If only such efforts could continue." —Boris Ioffe, Institute for Theoretical and Experimental Physics, Moscow

"This story shows that extraordinary men still walk the earth. In the midst of the Cold War and beyond, Sid Drell proved a man for all seasons, wisely guiding mankind's hopes to overcome our worst fears. In the process he demonstrated his genius for living a full and meaningful life, a heartening gift he has left us all." —James Mattis, 26th US secretary of defense

"This excellent, warmly written chronicle of Sid Drell's life provides lessons into the power of passion, integrity, and basic decency and the importance of character. Through Sid's own words and those of his friends and colleagues, this book shows how Sid applied his values and exceptional abilities to both science and service to the nation and will help cement Sid's place as one of the most important physicists of our generation." —George H. Miller, director emeritus, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

"Today, at a time when the international nuclear arms control is facing difficulties, I miss Dr. Drell even more. His insights and courage in advancing nuclear arms control inspire us to continue our efforts. I sincerely hope that the cooperation between Chinese and American scientists and arms control experts will be strengthened to inject new vitality into China-US relations and the arms control process." —Hu Side, academician, Chinese Academy of Engineering, and senior advisor, Chinese Scientists Group on Arms Control

Author Biography

In her professional life, Susan Southworth has worked with nationally and internationally renowned public figures, and has been both an aide-de-camp to former secretary of state George Shultz and a prized editor for professionals in varied fields of expertise. For Lenora Ferro, local writer, the ideal goal for the art and craft of writing is as means to explore, learn, capture, and bring to light—through one storied life or culture at a time—the inevitably universal sacred in the ordinary...and vice versa.