Stealing the Gold: A Celebration of the Pioneering Physics of Sam Edwards (International Series of Monographs on Physics)

According to one of his many admirers, Sir Sam Edwards (physics, Manchester U.) is driven by two passions: architecture and the observation of unicorns. In architecture, Edwards injects reality inside a formal construction. In observing unicorns, he makes friends with the elusive "Spin glass" and introduces it all 'round. In this collection reprints of some of his seminal papers, in facsimile, alternate with explanatory papers and commentary, topics include electric conductivity in metals, statistical dynamics of homogeneous turbulence, statistical mechanics of polymers with extended volume, a theory of polymer solutions at intermediate concentrations, statistical mechanics with topological constraints, theories of Spin glasses and rubber elasticity, molecular motions under flow in the dynamics of concentrated polymer systems, surface statistics of a granular aggregate, a theory of powders and the transmission of stress in an aggregate. Two chapters describe Edwards's approach to research"

Over the course of nearly half a century, Sam Edwards has led the field of condensed matter physics into new directions, ranging from the electronic and statistical properties of disordered materials to the mechanical properties of granular materials. Along the way, he has provided seminal contributions to fluid mechanics, polymer science, surface science and statistical mechanics. This volume celebrates the immense scope of his influence by presenting a collection of original articles by recognized leaders in theoretical physics, including two Nobel Laureates and a Fields Medalist, which describe the genesis, evolution and future prospects of the various sub-fields of condensed matter theory, along with reprints of a selection of Edwards' seminal papers that helped give birth to the subject. Stealing the Gold, Edwards' favorite caricature of the relationship between theoretical physicists and Nature, will be of singular interest to graduate students looking for an overview of some of the most exciting areas of theoretical physics, as well as to researchers in condensed matter physics looking for a comprehensive, broad and uniquely incisive snapshot of their subject at the dawn of the 21st century.

Over the course of nearly half a century, Sam Edwards has led the field of condensed matter physics into new directions, ranging from the electronic and statistical properties of disordered materials to the mechanical properties of granular materials. Along the way, he has provided seminal contributions to fluid mechanics, polymer science, surface science and statistical mechanics. This volume celebrates the immense scope of his influence by presenting a collection of original articles by recognized leaders in theoretical physics, including two Nobel Laureates and a Fields Medalist, which describe the genesis, evolution and future prospects of the various sub-fields of condensed matter theory, along with reprints of a selection of Edwards'seminal papers that helped give birth to the subject.'Stealing the Gold', Edwards'favourite caricature of the relationship between theoretical physicists and Nature, will be of singular interest to graduate students looking for an overview of some of the most exciting areas of theoretical physics, as well as to researchers in condensed matter physics looking for a comprehensive, broad and uniquely incisive snapshot of their subject at the dawn of the 21st century. This title presents a survey of some of the most exciting topics in condensed matter physics today, from the perspective of the pioneering work of Sam Edwards. Original articles from leaders in the field highlight the historical development as well as new and emerging areas