A Force of Nature

The life of Ernest Rutherford, born in colonial New Zealand, reveals a journey from frontier life to becoming a pivotal figure in modern physics. His groundbreaking discoveries include the orbital structure of the atom and the concept of radioactive half-life. Alongside his team, he was the first to split the atom, foreshadowing the development of the atomic bomb. Richard Reeves vividly portrays Rutherford as a warm and approachable man whose contributions significantly shaped the scientific landscape.