Editor: I wrote one of the reviews of this book already included on your website. But there was a typo in my original version. I wrote "21st century" when I obviously meant "20th century" in describing the century in which Linus Pauling lived. Do you think you could correct this typo? Thanks.

William Ott
Montgomery Village, MD

Linus Pauling loved America. Born in the USA in 1901, of humble, working parents, he was a winner of two Nobel Prizes and a witness and participant in almost all the grand events of the 21st century: the discovery of quantum physics, the gradual understanding of how chemistry works, the discovery of DNA, the development of the atomic bomb, two world wars, the cold war and McCarthyism, the emergence of big science and super-universities like Cal Tech, and the social activism of the 60s. Pauling, like the fictional character, Forest Gump, had a remarkable life in which he encountered and influenced almost all the major characters of 21st century science, politics, and society. A loving husband and father, Pauling was devoted to his wife of 60 plus years, which provides another fascinating undercurrent to his life. This is one book I was sorry to have finished -- I found it relaxing AND educational. Author Tom Hager has an enviable ability to explain complex, scientific concepts in everyday language, whether they come from the world of physics, chemistry, biology, medicine, or drug development. He expertly weaves the science in with the modern history of our country, from life in rural Oregon where Pauling was born and raised, to the capitals of the world where he influenced presidents and national leaders, to Hollywood and university campuses where his gregarious, fun-loving personality, communication ability, and liberal politics turned him into a media darling. With short, snappy chapters, this book is hard to put down.......

I found this book in a used book store and bought it becasue Iwas familiar with the name Linus Pauling, but really didn't know anything about him, and because on the cover he had the rosiest cheeks I had every seen...in his 70's. After reading this book I learned how heroic this man was. How he has influenced and protected us, and the politicking and nonsense that occured to keep the world in the dark about his discoveries and genius. Having won two nobel prizes, in two separate categories, one for peace and one for chemistry, this book covers the discoveries, relationships, friendships, competitions, politics, dreams and trials of this great man, who has been added to my list of this centuries true heroes.

This book is exceptionally well written both from a scientific standpoint and a biographical standpoint. It is a meaty book and seems to cover his whole life. And what an exciting and gripping life. How many scientific biographies do you know that are page turners? I could not put this book down, and it is also one of the best written biographies I have ever read.

Highly recommended.

Reese has written a book that can be daunting to someone who may be looking for quick answers. The Vatican is such an arcane institution that it is impossible to give a short, comprehensive answer on the operation of the Curia. As a researcher, I found Reese's work immensely informative; it also provides some balance to the more sensational allegations of Luigi Marinelli, although I doubt that his work is to be discounted either. It shows an institution that is prone to the same errors of judgement and behaviour in its denizens as any other, but with a higher degree of moral rectitude expected from it. It is a fascinating excursion into one of the world's oldest surviving bureaucracies.

A must buy in order to understand the Roman Curia!

One young girl wrote in a book report "This book tells me more about hippopotamuses than I wanted to know." Unless you have a special interest in the Vatican inside story, this book may also tell you too much. But since the Roman Curia of the Catholic Church is one of the three most efficient corporate structures in the world, and since its work touches the lives of a billion Roman Catholics (and much of the rest of the world as well), and since its failings have been at the center of controversy in the Catholic world, the book is important. It is a well written and exhaustive summary of how the central Catholic government is structured and makes its decisions. The author, who has written on church governance at all levels, is a recognized expert in the field. Despite the controversial nature of the topic Reese treats the Curia fairly and objectively. Those who complain about the Curia should read this book, for while many of their complaints may be justified, they might be surprised at the amount and complexity of the work the Vatican does, the care and dedication with which they try to do it, and the problems and difficulties they labor under. The section on the internal culture of the Curia is particularly enlightening, and the author's concrete and professional suggestions for reform are valuable.

The book serves as the principal reference on my shelf. It is a great source for people who need straight forward hydrology, open channel hydraulics, and pipe systems design support in one text. It lacks a bit with respect to modern storm water management detension ponds but the new editions should solve that problem. I added tabs to each main section and use it frequently. A good book for the civil/site professional dealing with storm water managment.