Maverick Genius: The Pioneering Odyssey of Freeman Dyson

Freeman Dyson is a Renaissance man—he’s worked in mathematics, physics, and theology, and in the long course of his career, his advice has been sought on issues ranging from global warming to national defense. This book follows his trajectory through the post-WWII nuclear age, the turbulent 1960s, and the cold war, and up to the present day, but while Schewe (The Grid) has certainly done his research (and made his physics acumen clear), Dyson the man is often dwarfed by his deeds. One reason could be Dyson’s polite refusal to be interviewed for the book—he figured it was too early “to tell whether I did anything important.” Schewe did, however, have the cooperation of his family. Thus, like the Dyson sphere, a hypothetical system of satellites arranged around a star for the purpose of collecting energy from its center, the portrait that comes to light is a circumambulatory one, comprising some personal details; sketches of his relationships with friends, family, and colleagues; enumerations of his many awards; meticulous explanations of the complicated science behind his groundbreaking projects; and elucidations of his fascinating ideas. Schewe can’t be blamed for the scope of his subject—after all, Dyson’s odyssey is indeed far-ranging. But without the pioneer himself, the landscape—mind-boggling, inspirational, and compelling as it is—remains intimidatingly wild. 16 pages of b&w photos. Agent: John Thornton, the Spieler Agency. (Feb.)