William W. Demastes

One risk people run when they write books like this, a risk not avoided by this author, is to assume that because the genius at playwriting believes something, that means it is genius. Every utterance is treated like gold, but really, how can you be sure Stoppard is right against the people he believes are wrong? Still, the book is a good introduction to the works of a playwright who deserves to be considered in the top tier of playwrights. And looking at what Stoppard thought he was writing is interesting, since he writes frequently about science, a field in which I rightly consider myself to have some expertise, and in almost all cases, he gets the science so right, so completely right, but apparently misunderstands what it means, and also what scientists think it means. He also has some interesting political views, well, not really interesting because they are standard views held by many white males around the world who think that people who practice political activism are wrongheaded. Easy to say when you are white and male. Still, his points are valid when applied to large scale things like Communism and Fascism; not necessarily for other movements like Civil Rights and Women's Suffrage (probably why Stoppard never took those on, but preferred to let totalitarian movements stand in for all attempts to gain liberties). So, I love Stoppard, I will continue to enjoy his work, but unlike the author, I prefer not to assume that any one "genius" knows everything about fields in which they are not expert. The book itself was worthwhile to introduce the author, and I recommend it for anyone, just remember not to assume those you admire are right about everything. Get your science from scientists.… (mais)