Dutch physicist and master experimenter Pieter Zeeman (1865 – 1943) was a key figure in 20th Century physics. Together with Hendrik Antoon Lorentz, he was awarded a Nobel Prize in 1902 for his discovery of the effect named after him which describes the influence of magnetism on light. His discovery marked the beginning of a very successful career in which he was awarded many honors and prizes. This first-time biography of Pieter Zeeman describes his life and work, offering new and enlightening details about his personal life and that of his family. Drawing on a wealth of newly discovered material, the authors A. J. Kox and H. F. Schatz present a full picture of who Pieter Zeeman was. The biography also provides an overview of the societal context in which he lived and worked, as well as an historical perspective and a more general picture of life in the Netherlands in Zeeman's time.

"Very well written and pleasant to read, elegantly combining the various dimensions of Zeeman's life with remarkable insights into the broader cultural context in which Zeeman grew and prospered." - Olivier Darrigol, CNRS, France

"A compelling book." - Michel Janssen, University of Minnesota