From Brooklyn Poly (BS, 1949) to Cornell (PhD, 1953), with a few more stops until he reached the University of Pittsburgh (1960), to the Washington Post (writing a food column), with more than a few books thrown into the mix.
That’s Dr. Robert Wolke. He died a few months ago at the age of 93, due to complications of Alzheimer’s.
He is also in the Guinness Book of World Records (1979) because he discovered the radioactive isotope of cadmium (Cd113). But, then he decided to teach liberal arts kids basic chemistry at the University of Pittsburgh (for 30 years)! Obviously, he was able to explain difficult concepts using simple terms. (Did you know that “molecules” are “eentsyweentsy things that stuff is made of”?)
Like he did in his books- What Einstein Didn’t Know, What Einstein Told His Barber, and What Einstein Kept Under His Hat, among other Einstein books And, these tomes were also translated to some dozen other languages.
In 1998, Dr. Wolke started his “Food 101” column (which he continued until 2007). He used his chemistry knowledge, jokes, puns- and the ability to explain things without going technical- to educate us about freezer burn, the possibility of frying an egg on the sidewalk, or even the Maillard reaction. (OK. That reaction explains why red meat turns brown while cooking on the stove.) And, he also served as a consulting editor for Cooks Illustrated.
Robert was awarded the James Beard Foundation award in 2001 for the best newspaper food column. (He also was honored by the International Association of Culinary Professionals for his column. Oh- and those columns were collected in one of his books- What Einstein Told His Cook.) Not to mention his 2005 award from the American Chemical Society for interpreting chemistry for the public.
Not bad at all! Here’s to a very smart chemist from Brooklyn Poly!
What an accomplished man!
Yes, he was, Marcia. Thanks for the visit.
I was so disappointed to find that the New York Public Library (I can use the ebook service as a resident of New York State) did not have any of his books. My husband is a loyal reader of Cooks Illustrated and, after reading the one example you included in your blog, I think we would have both enjoyed his food columns.
I am truly surprised that NYPL doesn’t have his books. Did you check the Mid-Manhattan branch, Alana?
I think I read at least a part of What Einstein Told His Barber years ago.. and I recall enjoying it.. Your post has inspired me to go look for the book (all the books) again and read them with renewed interest..
Here is to him!!
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Glad you are checking them out. Go for it, Vidya!
amazing article for kids
Glad you found if of interest. Thanks for the visit.
Thank you Roy, for such a warm remembrance of my Dad — did you know him? By the way, New York Public Library does have most of his books — ebook and 3D.
NYPL Catalog:
https://browse.nypl.org/iii/encore/search/C__SWolke%2C Robert L.__Orightresult?lang=eng&suite=def
Ah,the New York Public Library… I was a fan of the Mid-Manhattan (and the stately one across the street) when I lived in NY. I still visit occasionally.
Glad I tickled your heart, Leslie. May his memory always provide that feeling for you.