Jerry Wiesner edited by Walter Rosenblith, MIT Press, 拢22.95/$34.95, ISBN 0262182327 Reviewed by Roy Herbert
鈥淪CIENTIST, statesman, humanist鈥� is this book鈥檚 subtitle, and it is a tribute to Jerry Wiesner, organised and partly written by his friends. He made many and clearly inspired much affection during his distinguished career. He was, at various times, president of MIT, an adviser to President Kennedy and a negotiator with the Soviet Union on nuclear arms limitation.
Hymns of praise for his talents and his attractive personality form the first section. They don鈥檛 make the most interesting reading and some of the writers seem to be overcome by the opportunity, feeling the need for an elevated style. For instance, when the word 鈥渢alk鈥� is appropriate, it becomes 鈥渙ral communication鈥�.
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Wiesner started to write an autobiography, but did not live to finish it. The incomplete work is included and here his lively character and intelligence are plain, as is his charm. It is not hard to see that objectivity, calm and humour made him an important influence on the US approach to international relations in the Kennedy era, as well as on the scientific life of his country. His accounts of time spent at Los Alamos and of sitting on the other side of the table parleying with the Russians are particularly enlightening. His rationality and coolness sometimes irked his own side but fortunately for the world he knew how to keep his nerve.
Some of his lectures at MIT and other papers are also printed. There is a detailed chronology in support along with copious references. Jerry Wiesner is well worth getting to know.