Otto Hahn. Achievement and responsibility. Transl. from the German by J. Michael Cole (Q2734534)

J. Michael Cole translated this biography, which appeared in German on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the death of Otto Hahn. In his preface the translator praises the style and the language of the German edition. Reading the translation, one recognizes these praised standards being transduced and carefully kept. To editor's notes for the German edition [Springer, Berlin (1993; Zbl 1026.01507)] it can be added, that the description of the life and thinking of this great scientist is fascinating and thrills every one who takes an interest to read it. The probably most critical time of his life, his internment together with other German scientists involved in nuclear research at Farm Hall at the end of the second world war, when he got informed about the atomic bombing on Hiroshima and, thereafter, about him being awarded the Nobel Prize, is exhibited in the first chapter. Then the chronological course of events in his life, career, and his thinking is presented in such a gripping style, that it is hard to put the book down. The time shortly before, during, in between, and shortly after the two world wars, with their rapid scientific developments, political changes and catastrophes, has brought up many critical situations through which the scientist had to find his way. The last two chapters consist in summaries of events in the life and the personal position of Otto Hahn with respect to different subjects and topics, and a timetable. Special notes are added by the translator which go beyond the German edition. Since the protocols about the internment of German scientist at Farm Hall now have been made public the translator took occasion to note where the biography deviates from them.