Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman!

By: Richard P. Feynman

Narrated by: Raymond Todd

One of the most famous science books of our time, the phenomenal national bestseller that “buzzes with energy, anecdote and life. It almost makes you want to become a physicist” (Science Digest).

Richard Feynman, one of the world’s greatest theoretical physicists, thrived on adventure. His outrageous exploits once shocked a Princeton dean’s wife to exclaim: “Surely you’re joking, Mr. Feynman!”

In this phenomenal national bestseller, the Nobel Prize–winning physicist recounts in his inimitable voice his experiences trading ideas on atomic physics with Einstein and Bohr and ideas on gambling with Nick the Greek, painting a naked female toreador, accompanying a ballet on his bongo drums, and much else of an eyebrow-raising and hilarious nature. Woven together with his views on science, Feynman’s life story is a combustible mixture of high intelligence, unlimited curiosity, eternal skepticism, and raging chutzpah.

©1985 by Richard P. Feynman (P)1997 by Blackstone Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"A chain reaction is not a bad analogy for Feynman's life. From a critical mass of gray matter it goes off in all directions, producing both heat and light." (Time)

Great story about an interesting man...

I've known about Feynman for more than 10 years, but never taken the time to read his work. I selected this book as an intro to the man and as a test to determine if I wanted to read/listen to more of his work. IT WAS EXCELLENT! A fantastic glimpse into the great scientific minds of the 20th century. Feynman was an incredibly observant and witty fella, and this book displays these attributes admirably. FYI, the narrator took a little getting used to, but after the first chapter or two I actually began enjoying his voice and intonations.

Physics is fun!

Feynman is hilarious, interesting, honest, and straightforward. He talks interestingly about his craft, but the more interesting parts are him leading his daily life. His reaction to winning the Nobel Physics Prize is priceless, and he talks about himself in an interesting and constantly honest way. He is rarely boastful. I love this book! It is worth all the time spent on it!

What a Guy!

The following review will be given through a series of text messages between me and a friend.
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Me: *picture of the audible sale of "Surely You're joking Mr. Feynman"*

Friend: its a good book. i hope you got it! let me know what you think!
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Me: (Friend), I am reading this book and I am absolutely jealous of how awesome he is. He sounds like such a badass.

Friend: oh ya. thats because he is

Me: Like when you hear of manly men like Chuck Norris etc, you're like "that's badass but I don't feel the need to be like them" but hearing about this guy I'm like "that's badass and WHY AM I NOT LIKE THIS?!"

Friend: haha exactly. He is the rock star of physicist
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Me: This book is awesome. I wonder if this is how other people feel when they read David Sedaris' books.

Friend: For sure
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Me: This is literally the most addictive biography I've ever read. I mean, Amy poehler, Tina fey, etc... This is addictive.

Friend: Ya man, I know. It's good.

no words

this was absolutely amazing!!! I do not like to use word awesome too much, but Feynman was truly awesome man!!! absolutely great read/listen

Entertaining, hilarious, and enlightening

Its hard to believe so much happened to one mans life. He lived it to the fullest and this book is a great read. Totally reminded me of Sheldon from Big Bang Theory at times though