A thousand years ago the Islamic world was creative in culture and science, producing many keen thinkers. During the past few centuries it has been relatively barren in science. Yet, today there are Muslim scientists in many countries. Abdus Salam was one. Formed in a university in India, and trained later in England, Salam quickly revealed his genius for mathematics and physics, eventually receiving the Nobel Prize. This remarkably well-written book recounts the life and achievements of this so-far only modern eminent Muslim scientist who, while being loyal to his sect and faith, transcended race and religion. He founded an international research center in Trieste for third world scientists. He was ostracized from his religion because he belonged to a no-no Muslim sect in Pakistan. The book gives snippets of Indian history, Islamic sects, Oxford, and more. It reveals the power of the individual against obscurantism in cultures. The reader may hope that some day backward looking cultures will wake up to the light of the modern world.
July30, 2008
Spurts of Thought 
My favorite phrase in the review is that he “transcended race and religion.” How important and rare that is today? It sounds like an interesting book.
Naaman Hills
http://naamanhills.wordpress.com/