By Arthur Bridgeforth Jr.

Physics and poetry may seem like strange bedfellows, but Wayne State Professor William Rolnick has managed to make the two a metaphysical match made in heaven in his new book Remnants of the Fallæ Revelations of Particle Secrets, (World Scientific). The book is due to be released in the spring.

Rolnick's book explains science and physics for general readers (no equations in sight!) with the help of poetry. The idea is to associate the beauty and flow of poetry with the inherent beauty found in the theories of the fundamental building blocks of nature. The approach of putting physics and poetry together impressed many in academic circles including Noble Prizewinning MIT Physics Professor Jerome I. Friedman.

"I read "Remnants of the Fall" with great enjoyment," said Friedman. "With whimsy and charm, this book provides a delightful way of introducing readers who are interested in science to a contemporary understanding of some of the deepest questions in nature. It is a book of substance, celebration and amusement; and I certainly recommend that it be published."

Rolnick, a professor at Wayne State since 1966, specializes in theoretical high-energy particle physics. He is an honored professor whose awards include: the WSU President's Award for Excellence in Teaching, 1999; WSU College of Science Teaching Award, 1996 and the WSU Alumni Faculty Service Award, 1994.

He earned a bachelor's in Physics from Brooklyn College and master's and doctorate degrees both in physics at Columbia University. Another book to his credit is The Fundamental Particles and Their Interactions, (Addison Wesley, 1994).

In addition to his intellectual acumen in physics and knack for writing, Rolnick is a professionally trained operatic bass baritone. He is a soloist with The Metropolitan Singers and has given several solo recitals in the Detroit area.