The Speed of Dark - by Joram Piatigorsky (Hardcover)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

"An eminent scientist and well-respected art collector, Dr. Joram Piatigorsky's memoir is an inspiring reflection on the creative passion that infuses a life devoted to scientific experimentation and a profound appreciation of the arts. He contrasts ancestral family traditions with his own life journey, discovering unexpected similarities and differences in the process - from the notable accomplishments of 19th century horticulturalists to his own distinguished career as a research scientist at the National Institutes of Health; and from the deliberate and secure investment in Old Master paintings to an innovative, pioneering, and masterful collection of contemporary Inuit sculpture.

"Dr. Piatigorsky's memoir is sure to engage the broad interest of readers and critics fascinated by the author's intimate knowledge of Rothschild family history and its influence throughout the generations, particularly on his own family, as well as by his insightful reflection on the joy of scientific and artistic discovery and the challenge (and necessity) of charting an autonomous path to a unique and rewarding life. As a prominent collector of contemporary Inuit art, Dr. Piatigorsky's memoir will provide particular interest to students, scholars, and fellow collectors knowledgeable in the creative traditions of Native North American artists."

Review Quotes

"The Speed of Dark will resonate with musicians, those interested in art, music and history, and those who seek to carve their own path in a world filled with high expectations and seemingly unlimited resources."
(Sel Kardan, President, Colburn School of Performing Arts, LA)

"The clear and elegant prose on the theme of collecting reveals a dedication and self-understanding that is rare." (Michael Hall, PhD, Curator of the Rothschild family collections, Exbury Estate, Hampshire, GB)

"Piatigorsky's memoir will provide particular interest to students, scholars, and fellow collectors knowledgeable in the creative traditions of Native North American artists." (Bernadette Driscoll Engelstad, Independent Curator, Inuit Art)

"Piatigorsky's memoir demonstrates that artistry can be found in science." (Joseph Horwitz, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor of Ophthalmology/Biophysics, Jules Stein Eye Institute, UCLA)

"Piatigorsky's unique story will receive a wide audience: professional and lay scientists, art collectors, musicians, historians, writers and those who have struggled to find their identity." (Hamid Shams, BBP Films Producer and Cinematographer)

"This memoir is not just worth reading, it is worth remembering!"
(James Mathews, Author of Last Known Position)

"This fascinating account of his journey becomes a meditation on art, wonder, and creativity, of bucking the status quo and following one's heart. " (Barbara Esstman, Author of The Other Anna, Night Ride Home, and A More Perfect Union)

"The Speed of Dark will resonate with musicians, those interested in art, music and history, and those who seek to carve their own path in a world filled with high expectations and seemingly unlimited resources."
(Sel Kardan, President, Colburn School of Performing Arts, LA)

"The clear and elegant prose on the theme of collecting reveals a dedication and self-understanding that is rare." (Michael Hall, PhD, Curator of the Rothschild family collections, Exbury Estate, Hampshire, GB)

"Piatigorsky's memoir will provide particular interest to students, scholars, and fellow collectors knowledgeable in the creative traditions of Native North American artists." (Bernadette Driscoll Engelstad, Independent Curator, Inuit Art)

"Piatigorsky's memoir demonstrates that artistry can be found in science." (Joseph Horwitz, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor of Ophthalmology/Biophysics, Jules Stein Eye Institute, UCLA)

"Piatigorsky's unique story will receive a wide audience: professional and lay scientists, art collectors, musicians, historians, writers and those who have struggled to find their identity." (Hamid Shams, BBP Films Producer and Cinematographer)

"This memoir is not just worth reading, it is worth remembering!"
(James Mathews, Author of Last Known Position)

"This fascinating account of his journey becomes a meditation on art, wonder, and creativity, of bucking the status quo and following one's heart. " (Barbara Esstman, Author of The Other Anna, Night Ride Home, and A More Perfect Union)