Carl Djerassi Book order

These are the reflections of a nonagenarian polymath describing the shift from a fifty-year-long career as a world-famous chemist to a subsequent twenty-five-year immersion in "science-in-fiction" and "science-in-theater," which is virtually unique among contemporary scientists. Sharply self-critical, yet full of humor, this autobiographical account covers themes such as the future of sex in an age of technological reproduction, the history of the Pill seen through the eyes of one of its inventors, innovative -- even unique -- pedagogic experiments, the insoluble homelessness of a refugee, suicide, and art collecting. This book is also heavily illustrated with 94 individual pictures.

Reflecting on a remarkable career, a nonagenarian polymath transitions from a celebrated chemist to exploring "science-in-fiction" and "science-in-theater." This autobiographical account is marked by sharp self-critique and humor, addressing diverse themes such as technological reproduction, the historical context of the Pill, innovative teaching methods, the struggles of a refugee, and the complexities of suicide and art collecting. The narrative is richly illustrated with 94 pictures, enhancing the exploration of these profound topics.

The collection showcases a series of comedies of manners that delve into the quirks and rivalries of elite groups, including business executives, chefs, and musicians. Characters engage in witty battles of one-upmanship, wielding class, education, and gender as weapons. The narrative highlights the often humorous consequences of their interactions, revealing how their perceived superiority can be challenged by unforeseen twists, resulting in both collateral damage and moments of humility.

Exploring the intersection of science and theatre, the book poses intriguing questions about their mutual benefits. It emphasizes plays as texts for reading and discussion rather than performance, highlighting their pedagogical potential, especially in chemistry. The author includes complete texts of two original plays, Insufficiency and Phallacy, which address real chemical concepts and themes such as academic tenure and the relationship between science and art. This unique approach fills a gap in literature on science-in-theatre, particularly regarding chemistry.

Am 8. Mai 1983 wird Carl Djerassi von der großen Liebe seines Lebens, Diane Middlebrook, verlassen. Der Naturwissenschaftler und „Vater der Pille" macht sich an ein für ihn neuartiges Experiment: Gekränkt und unglücklich nimmt er Rache in Form einer „poetischen Vulkaneruption“. Er beginnt, Gedichte zu schreiben, die in jeder Hinsicht offen sind – zum einen, weil sie einen höchst persönlichen und intimen Einblick in die Gefühlswelt Djerassis erlauben, zum anderen, weil sie formal frei gestaltet sind. Dieser Gedichtband ist das lyrische Tagebuch eines Mannes, der voll Zorn und Selbstmitleid, aber auch mit schonungsloser Ehrlichkeit das Ende seiner Beziehung betrauert, bis Diane 1984 zu ihm zurückkehrt und ihn wenig später heiratet. Erst mehrere Jahre nach ihrem Tod 2007 hat sich Djerassi abermals mit diesen Gedichten beschäftigt und sie überarbeitet. Das Zusammenspiel seiner beiden Lebenssprachen eröffnet neue Blickwinkel auf den Wissenschaftler, den Kunstkenner und vor allem auf den Menschen Carl Djerassi.

Hannah Arendt, Walter Benjamin, and Theodor W. Adorno were intellectual giants of the first half of the twentieth century. The drama Foreplay explores their deeply human and psychologically intriguing private lives, focusing on professional and personal jealousies, the mutual dislike of Theodor Adorno and Hannah Arendt, the association between Walter Benjamin and Georges Bataille, and the border between erotica and pornography. Djerassi’s extensive biographical research brings to light many fascinating details revealed in the dialogues among the characters, including Adorno’s obsession with his dreams, Benjamin’s admiration for Franz Kafka, and the intimate correspondence between Gretel Adorno and Walter Benjamin. The introduction of a fictitious character, Fräulein X, intensifies the complex interplay among the four lead protagonists and allows for a comparison of Adorno’s philandering and the similar behavior of Martin Heidegger, whose affair with Hannah Arendt is well known. Foreplay brims with intrigue and the friction created when strong personalities clash.

Focusing on the impact of reproductive science and technology, Carl Djerassi's two plays, "ICSI" and "Taboos," explore the social transformations and differing perspectives that arise from these advancements. As a key figure in the development of the oral contraceptive, Djerassi brings his scientific background into the realm of drama, highlighting the ethical and societal implications of scientific progress through compelling narratives.

Four men -- Four wives -- One angel (by Paul Klee) -- Four Jews -- Benjamin's grip.

The name of Isaac Newton appears in virtually every survey of the public's choice for the most important persons of the second millennium. Yet the term "darkness" can be applied to much of Newton's personality.

What motivates a scientist? One key factor is the pressure from the competition to be the first to discover something new. The moral consequences of this are the subject of the play „Oxygen“, dealing with the discovery of this all-important element. The focus of the play is on chemical and political revolutions, as well as the Nobel Prize, which will be awarded for the 100th time in 2001. The action takes place in 1777 and 2001; and the play is written for 3 actors and 3 actresses who play a total of 11 characters. The world premiere will take place in early 2001 in San Diego, and the German premiere in September. The world-famous authors Carl Djerassi and Roald Hoffmann are a guarantee of excellence and suspense, both in their role as scientists -- Carl Djerassi is known as the „Father of the Pill“ while Roald Hoffmann received the Nobel Prize for chemistry in 1982 - as well as in their role as authors -- Djerassi has written several successful novels, while Hoffmann is renowned for his poetry.