Pyke – The Unknown Genius by David Lampe

In Pyke – The Unknown Genius by David Lampe, the life and many accomplishments of Nobel Prize-winning physicist Sir William Lawrence Bragg are told in a compelling narrative. Pyke follows Bragg as he moves from Australia to England at the age of fifteen, meets his future wife, wins awards, and make groundbreaking scientific discoveries in the field of X-Ray crystallography.

The book begins with the story of Bragg's family background. Having come from a long line of scientists and engineers, Bragg was well aware of the potential of science and the rewards it could bring. But pressing the kind of boundaries that Bragg was was no easy task—his early educational endeavors were met with ridicule and resistance from his peers and elder relatives. Nevertheless, with hard work and determination, Bragg quickly moved ahead of his peers and won a scholarship to the University of Adelaide.

While at Adelaide, Bragg solidified his commitment to material science by enrolling in post-graduate courses and eventually becoming a professor. It was during this time that he made breakthroughs in X-Ray crystallography. He was the first to prove the use of the technique to determine the molecular structure of materials. This discovery earned him the 1915 Nobel Prize in Physics for the determination of the structure of crystals.

After his Nobel Prize win, Bragg served in various administrative roles in scientific research and development. During World War II, he developed and tested weapons, including the 17.3-inch luminous lens. This invention enabled bombers to accurately target enemy targets and increasetheir accuracy. He also worked on radar technology, using it to pinpoint the location of a hidden Allied battleship during the Battle of the Atlantic.

After the war, Bragg returned to teaching while continuing to work on various scientific research projects. In 1962, Bragg was awarded the Order of Merit and was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II. His scientific achievements have brought him international renown, and his legacy has been compared to such greats as Albert Einstein and Richard Feynman.

Pyke – The Unknown Genius provides a detailed and captivating look at Bragg's life and his groundbreaking research and development. Throughout the book, Lampe's vivid descriptions, and easy-to-follow examples bring Bragg's accomplishments to life. Highly recommended, Pyke – The Unknown Genius is a must-read for any fan of science, or anyone curious to learn more about a daring scientist who refused to back down in the face of sometimes overwhelming opposition.