Elusive: How Peter Higgs Solved the Mystery of Mass

The Higgs boson was discovered in 2012 by Peter Higgs, a reclusive young professor at the University of Edinburgh. This book explores the history of twentieth-century physics, the role of Higgs' idea in the standard model of particles and forces, and the contested history of his responsibility for the breakthrough. It also investigates the role of competition between institutions and states in creating Higgs' fame.

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 07 July 2022
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

The story of the Higgs boson, the so-called "God particle," and the man who thought of it is a fascinating tale of scientific discovery and innovation. In the summer of 1964, a reclusive young professor at the University of Edinburgh, Peter Higgs, wrote two scientific papers that have profoundly impacted our understanding of the fundamental building blocks of matter and the nature of the universe. Higgs posited the existence of an almost infinitely tiny particle, now known as the Higgs boson, which is the key to understanding why particles have mass. Without the Higgs boson, atoms and molecules could not exist.

For nearly 50 years, scientists worldwide sought to demonstrate the physical existence of the Higgs boson. In July 2012, the Large Hadron Collider at CERN in Geneva confirmed the existence of the Higgs boson, marking a significant milestone in experimental physics. The following year, Higgs was awarded the Nobel Prize for Physics, recognizing his groundbreaking contributions to the field.

This book is not a conventional biography of Peter Higgs but rather a captivating exploration of the boson named after him. It traces the course of much of twentieth-century physics, from the inception of quantum field theory to the completion of the standard model of particles and forces. The pivotal role of Higgs's idea in this evolution is brilliantly highlighted, as is the contested history of his responsibility for the breakthrough when there were others close by.

Close also delves into the competitive nature of scientific research, particularly between institutions and states. He shows that competition played as much of a role in creating Higgs's fame as his work itself. Through conversations with Higgs over a decade, Close provides a unique insight into the mind of a scientist and his era.

In conclusion, the story of the Higgs boson and the man who thought of it is a testament to the power of scientific discovery and the enduring impact of ideas. Peter Higgs's groundbreaking work has changed our understanding of the universe, and this book provides a captivating account of his life and contributions. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the history and philosophy of science.

Weight: 517g
Dimension: 240 x 162 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780241521144