Why read The Vavilov Affair?

Book cover of The Vavilov Affair

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Why read it?

1 author picked The Vavilov Affair as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Istvan Hargittai

Author

From this book, I learned about a most tragic figure in twentieth-century science and a ruthless political system willing to annihilate its best resources to isolate itself from even the slightest Western democratic influence.

I find it improbable how scientists in the early development of the Stalin regime believed in the power of truth and were willing to sacrifice themselves for the greater good. I find it sadly relevant how many scientists were willing to close their eyes on injustice or become accomplices.

From Istvan's list on The best books on scientific discovery under unfavorable Soviet realities.