Richard Feynman, one of the most prominent figures in 20th-century science, was driven by an insatiable curiosity that has become legendary. Even before winning the Nobel Prize in 1965, his unorthodox and mesmerizing lectures on physics had already earned him great fame among students and researchers worldwide. However, what led him to become an American cultural icon was his excessive love for life. We would characterize him as an exceptional intelligence dedicated to the idea that the joy of discovery is only comparable to the joy of transmitting it to others.

In this collection of letters that cover his entire career, many of which are published here for the first time, we can see Feynman like never before. Starting with a brief note to his family dated from his early days as a graduate student, and ending with a letter to a stranger seeking his advice many decades later, "Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman!" covers an impressive range of issues and topics, scientific developments, and personal stories.

Containing fascinating texts from and to stars of science, as well as letters from and to admirers, relatives, students, various crazies, and ordinary people who sought Feynman's wisdom and advice, this book is essentially a wonderful testament of the soul and a valuable guide in the pursuit of knowledge by human beings.
No matter what he talks about - whether it's the Manhattan Project, developments in quantum physics, the investigation of the Challenger, or elementary school textbooks, his love for his wife or the best approach to solving a problem - Feynman's tendency for clarity, grace, humor, and optimism is evident everywhere.