E.U. Condon's major contributions were in atomic and molecular physics and spectroscopy; his book with G.H. Shortley on The Theory of Atomic Spectra dominated the field of spectroscopy for half a century and remains an invaluable reference. He also played an important role in the institutions of American science. He served for many years as the editor of Reviews of Modern Physics, and with Hugh Odishaw he edited the still widely used Handbook of Physics. After World War II, Condon became director of the National Bureau of Standards (now NIST), and helped to make it one of the premier research laboratories in the physical sciences in the world. The Selected Scientific Papers reprint many of the most important contributions Condon made to atomic physics, quantum theory, nuclear physics, condensed-matter physics and other fields. The Selected Popular Writings contain articles he wrote on technical topics for such journals as "The American Journal of Physics, Science, and " "Nature," as well as reflections on education, UFO's, and other topics.

0 e The selected popular writings contain articles he wrote on technical topics for such journals as The American Journal of Physics, Science, and Nature, as well as reflections on education, UFO's, and other topics.

Condon and Shortley has become the standard comprehensive work on the theory of atomic spectra. The first two chapters contain a brief historical introduction and an exposition of quantum mechanics along the lines formulated by Dirac. Then follow sixteen chapters devoted to a unified, logical deduction of the structure of the spectra of atoms from quantum mechanical principles. The theory is given in full detail and the results are amply documented with comparisons with experimental observations. When first published, a reviewer in Nature said that 'Its power and thoroughness leave the general impression of a work of the first rank, which successfully unifies the existing state of our knowledge, and will prove for many years a starting point for further researches and an inspiration to those who may undertake them'. Subsequent reviewers have amply confirmed these views. Science in 1952 commented that it 'has served half a generation and as a guide in further detailed research', and Reviews of Modern Physics in 1957 that this 'monumental book ... continues to be the most comprehensive account of our understanding of atomic spectra - the fruit of several decades' intensive study by a great number of physicists of all countries'.

Professor E. U. Condon's The Theory of Atomic Spectra was the first comprehensive book on the electron structure of atoms, and has become a world-renowned classic. Originally published in 1980, Atomic Structure was the late Professor Condon's final contribution to the literature of this field. Completed by his colleague and former student Halis Odabsi, this book was one of the first integrated accounts of the subject to include such developments as group theory concepts and Racah methods. In addition, Professor Condon presents valuable background information on the history and development of quantum theory. Atomic Structure provides an excellent survey of the field and Professor Condon's unique personal insights will make the book attractive both to practising physicists and advanced undergraduate students.