Oliphant

The Life and Times of Sir Mark Oliphant

by Stewart Cockburn and David Ellyard

Axiom Books, 1981, [First Edition], ISBN 0959416404, black and white photographs, two-page photographic title page, hardcover, dustjacket

Very Good Condition, a little edge and shelf wear, a little rubbing and bumping to edges and corners, previous owners gift inscription on front endpaper, dustjacket shows a little edge and shelf wear with a little rubbing and bumping to edges and corners (see photographs)

“Australian scientist and humanitarian Sir Mark Oliphant has always seemed larger than life.  He has walked and worked with great men, stood at the heart of great world events, left his own indelible imprint on history.
He helped build the first atomic bombs.  Then, overwhelmed by horror at the consequences, he entreated men to renounce all destructive uses of atomic energy.  Scientists, he warns, must be ever alert to the social impact of their work.
Oliphant played a key role in the development of radar; helped establish a great university; co-founded a renowned scientific society.  He won many honours and held high public office as Governor of South Australia.
Always he has remained a figure of controversy, demonstrating against war, challenging politicians, publicly debating the nature of God, preaching the cause of environmental conservation and leaping instinctively to the aid of underdogs.
Blunt, honest, loyal, yet at heart a very simple many with a robust sense of fun, Mark Oliphant is widely recognised as a great Australian.  This is his story.”