The Book
Picture the hallowed halls of the Solvay Conference in Brussels, where the finest minds of the 20th century gathered to share and unravel secrets about reality and the universe. Theoretical physicists of the highest pedigree discuss ideas and a uniquely remarkable friendship blossoms. "Colliding Minds: A Friendship forged in Physics" is a captivating historical fiction novel that examines the intertwined lives of two of the greatest scientific minds of their era—Albert Einstein and Ernest Rutherford
This book delves into the extraordinary friendship that Einstein and Rutherford shared over the course of their lives. Weaving through historical letter correspondence, tracing their encounters from the inaugural Solvay Conference in 1911, during the height of tensions in Europe, to the infamous “God does not play Dice,” 1927 conference, where the world was introduced to quantum theory. The story concludes with their embittered reunion in Belgium, 1933, with Europe on the brink of yet another world war. Through meticulous research and evocative storytelling, this book takes us on a journey through Rutherford and Einstein’s childhoods, adolescence and adult life, offering a unique perspective on their lives, work, discussions and the enduring bond that bridged the continents, up until Rutherford’s death in 1937.
At its core, this narrative explores the enduring themes of science, intellectual curiosity, friendship and the pursuit of truth. Their collaboration was a testament to the power of human connection, transcending both time and distance. Their discussions at Solvay were more than scientific exchanges; they were dialogues on the human condition and the role of culture and science in a world on the brink of transformation.
About the Author
Christopher J von Roy was born in Stockholm, Sweden to a New Zealand mum and German father. His family moved to Princeton, New Jersey when he was still an infant. He went to high school in Berlin and Munich and read biology at the University of Bristol and immunology at Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine in London. von Roy has been writing professionally for 25 years, most of it as a science and medical writer working in academia and biotech. He has also been employed as a ghost writer for academic professors, private clients and for publishing houses, such as “Shark Man” for Random House Penguin in 2015. He is extremely invested in this story and it has been running through his mind ever since he read Einstein’s biography as a teenager.
Research
Over 10 years of investigation went into researching this book. Access to digitised hand written letters granted by the Albert Einstein Archives at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the Einstein Papers Project at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech,) as well as in person at the Jewish Museum in Berlin. Research into Rutherford’s letter correspondence was granted by the National Library of New Zealand, the Royal Society and Cambridge University Library. Having personally visited where the Solvay conference originated in Brussels and also where Einstein was raised and subsequently lived in Munich, Berlin, Switzerland and New Jersey, von Roy was in a unique position to research this story. He has also visited Manchester University, Cambridge University and is currently living very near where Rutherford grew up in Brightwater, New Zealand. He has also interviewed and been granted access to personal belongings by the granddaughter of Rutherford’s teacher in Havelock.
Humanitarian influence
Academic Assistance Council (AAC):
The narrative also sheds light on Ernest Rutherford's pivotal role in establishing the Academic Assistance Council (AAC) - also known as the Council for At Risk Academics (CARA.) As the Nazis ostracised Jewish academics and intellectuals, the AAC emerged as a lifeline, rescuing scholars from persecution. Einstein's own plight during this period, as a Jewish physicist in Nazi Germany, is a poignant subplot that underscores the urgency of humanitarian efforts even today. The inspiration for this massive undertaking was Rutherford’s more intimate encounters with Einstein in 1911
Relevance today
This story resonates deeply with contemporary politics, the state of the world, and the intersection of science and society as they apply today. In an era where science is increasingly pivotal to addressing global challenges, the example of intellectual collaboration set by Einstein and Rutherford serves as a beacon of inspiration for the world. Their commitment to reason, justice, and the pursuit of knowledge in the face of adversity holds valuable lessons for our time.
In a world grappling with complex challenges—from the ethical implications of AI to the need for international cooperation in the face of global crises—Einstein and Rutherford's story is a timely reminder of the enduring power of curiosity, collaboration, and compassion. "Colliding Minds" offers the reader a front-row seat to witness the remarkable journey of two scientific giants and the lasting impact of their friendship and discoveries.