Discovering Quarks
Remembering Feynman, Gell-Mann, and Tollestrup

Recounts the unknown story of the discovery of quarks, real particles, that live in a deeper layer of reality.

George Zweig (Author)

9781009473507, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 16 October 2025

214 pages
25.4 x 20.3 x 1.3 cm, 0.685 kg

'Three priceless portraits of pioneers in particle physics. This is a delight to read, abounding in detail never seen elsewhere, for the expert and the historian alike.' Jonathan L. Rosner, University of Chicago, USA

This book describes the development of our understanding of the strong interactions in particle physics, through its competing ideas and personalities, its false starts, blind alleys, and moments of glory – culminating with the author's discovery of quarks, real particles living in a deeper layer of reality. How were quarks discovered, what did physicists think they were, and what did they turn out to be? These questions are answered through a collection of personal remembrances. The focus is on the reality of quarks, and why that reality made them so difficult to accept. How Feynman and Gell-Mann practiced physics, with their contrasting styles and motivations, presented different obstacles to accepting this reality. And how was the author, as a graduate student, able to imagine their existence, and act on it? Science buffs, students, and experts alike will find much here to pique their interest and learn about quarks along the way.

Preface
1. The Road to Quarks
2. The Discovery of Quarks
3. Alvin Tollestrup
4. Richard Phillips Feynman
5. Murray Gell-Mann
6. A Deeper Layer of Reality
7. Epilogue
Appendix A. A Primer on Quarks
Appendix B. The First CERN Report
Glossary
Acknowledgments
Bibliography
References
Index.

Subject Areas: Particle & high-energy physics [PHP]