Hans Queisser tells the exciting story behind the birth of a new industry and a new knowledge that has resulted not only in a restructuring of science, technology, and industry but also in major rearrangements of political and economic power. Queisser observed at first hand the hectic growth, the triumphs and defeats, during the early days of this new era. His fascinating book provides a unique perspective that readers--even those without technical knowledge--will find extraordinarily informative.

Hans Queisser is Director of the Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research in Stuttgart, Germany.