Sisters in Science

How Four Women Physicists Escaped Nazi Germany and Made Scientific History

by Olivia Campbell

On Sale: 12/31/2024

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Sisters in Science

How Four Women Physicists Escaped Nazi Germany and Made Scientific History

by Olivia Campbell

On Sale: 12/31/2024

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Amazon Indigo

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About the Book

The extraordinary true story of four women pioneers in physics during World War II and their daring escape out of Nazi Germany

In the 1930s, Germany was a hotbed of scientific thought. But after the Nazis took power, Jewish and female citizens were forced out of their academic positions. Hedwig Kohn, Lise Meitner, Hertha Sponer and Hildegard Stücklen were eminent in their fields, but they had no choice but to flee due to their Jewish ancestry or anti-Nazi sentiments.

Their harrowing journey out of Germany became a life-and-death situation that required Herculean efforts of friends and other prominent scientists. Lise fled to Sweden, where she made a groundbreaking discovery in nuclear physics, and the others fled to the United States, where they brought advanced physics to American universities. No matter their destination, each woman revolutionized the field of physics when all odds were stacked against them, galvanizing young women to do the same.

Well researched and written with cinematic prose, Sisters in Science brings these trailblazing women to life and shows us how sisterhood and scientific curiosity can transcend borders and persist—flourish, even—in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.

Critical Praise

"A deeply researched account of four pioneering scientists and their escape from Nazi Germany. These women were extraordinary in their field and left a legacy that transcends borders and will inspire countless generations to come." —Kate Moore, New York Times bestselling author of The Radium Girls

"A true story of passion and grit, Sisters in Science honors the pioneering women physicists who fled Nazi persecution, only to confront sexist treatment and new challenges in America. Campbell celebrates their prowess and resilience with admirable skill." —Jason Fagone, bestselling author of The Woman Who Smashed Codes

“Sisters in Science is the moving true story of how four women physicists managed to elude the fate Hitler had in store for them and lived to enrich their adopted countries—and the world. We owe them thanks for their bravery and brilliance, and thanks, as well, to Olivia Campbell for bringing this heroic story to light.” —Liza Mundy, New York Times bestselling author of The Sisterhood

“A captivating story of wrenching struggle and bittersweet victory. This is the truth of women's contributions to physics in a time of momentous breakthroughs, their work against overwhelming odds, and their contributions to opening doors for next generations of women scientists.” —Mari K. Eder, author of The Girls Who Stepped Out of Line
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