This book takes a fresh look at the work thoughts and life of 1956 Nobel Prize winner William
B. Shockley. It reconstructs Shockley's upbringing his patriotic achievements during World War
II his contribution to semiconductor physics - culminating with the epoch-making invention of
the transistor - and his views on the social issues of his time. The author's unparalleled
access to Shockley's personal documents provides insight into a colorful yet controversial
man and also sheds light on the attitudes of other prominent scientists of that era. Shockley
was not only an outstanding scientist in his own right but also a fiercely independent thinker
in perpetual search of the truth. His contributions to the field known today as
microelectronics are enormous and unmatched. This book explores the critical facets of
Shockley's life replete with never-before-published photos and excerpts from his private
correspondence and personal notebooks. The book also delves into Shockley's views on genetics
and human intelligence. It tells the story of a man beset by an unrelenting rationality
slandered by the popular media and ultimately alienated by his peers. It discusses his
controversial although sometimes prescient ideas regarding human genetics putting these into
the context of modern research findings. Today William Shockley is perhaps just as enigmatic
as his work and accomplishments. The author presents a convincing argument that Shockley still
has much to say about the issues of our age and many of his ideas deserve evaluation in the
public forum.
