"Extremely readable recollections of the author... A rare testimony of a period of the history of 20th century mathematics. Includes very interesting recollections on the author's participation in the formation of the Bourbaki Group, tells of his meetings and conversations with leading mathematicians, reflects his views on mathematics. The book describes an extraordinary career of an exceptional man and mathematicians. Strongly recommended to specialists as well as to the general public." EMS Newsletter (1992) "This excellent book is the English edition of the author's autobiography. This very enjoyable reading is recommended to all mathematicians."Acta Scientiarum Mathematicarum (1992)

路德维希·玻尔兹曼(1844—1906)，标志着物理学从19世纪到20世纪的转折。本书记录了这位伟大的科学家的生平、个性及其科学和哲学成就，详尽描述了他丰富而极具悲剧性的生活(他于62岁时自杀身亡)。本书主要在19 世纪下半叶的背景中讨论他的科学和哲学思想。他是宏观物体存在一个微观的、原子的结构基础这一学说的主要创立者，该学说深深影响了普朗克的光量子假说和爱因斯坦关于布朗运动的研究，对现代物理学的诞生产生了极大的影响。