Boffin

Engineering Science and Education Journal

Boffin: 'A researcher of high scientific competence who has learned that a device of great technical elegance, capable of a remarkable performance in the hands of a picked crew, is not necessarily a good weapon of war. He is the instrument for building into the design provisions which depend on close analysis of the vehicle in which the device is to operate, the field conditions in which it is to operate, and above all things, the competence of those who are to operate, maintain and repair it ... This book will be enjoyed by those having an interest in the remarkable achievements of British scientists in developing the technologies of radar, radio astronomy and quantum optics. As such it can be recommended both to the experienced engineer and student alike.

Europe and Astronomy

Boffin is the highly entertaining story of a man who has lived and breathed science, its excitement, interest and difficulty.

New Scientist

...He gives an enthralling account of 90 nights of mammoth effort in the autumn of 1950 that led to the discovery of the radio emission from the spiral nebula in Andromeda.

Physics Education

Boffin is a gripping, amusing and informative record of the life of a great 'middleman' capable of relating the world of science to the practicalities of the everyday world. But it is more. It is a commentary on the way society is (mis)managed and the way science is (mis)represented. The author demonstrates the rare gift of entertaining while he educates. You will enjoy it!

The Observatory

... This is the story of a life in science, perceptively and engagingly told; it is well worthy of a place in every astronomer's library.

Booknews

Brown recounts his work for the British government, beginning in 1936, developing ground and airborne radar for detecting enemy ships and aircraft; his post-war days in radio astronomy; and, in a storm of controversy, his move to Australia in 1962 to launch the field of quantum optics. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)