His life thrown into chaos by the death of his father in his youth, Linus Pauling persevered through an impoverished childhood to become one of the great scientists and humanitarians of the 20th century. In a stunningly original examination of the two-time Nobel Laureate, Oregon State University archivist Chris Petersen touches upon the major eras of Pauling's life and dials into specific episodes, themes, accomplishments, and failures at a level of detail that has not been put forth elsewhere. Topics exclusively covered here include Pauling's generative process as author of the groundbreaking text The Nature of the Chemical Bond; the colorful history of the Linus Pauling Institute; his symbiotic relationship with the W H Freeman & Co. publishing house; two entirely separate clashes with the United States Senate and the Soviet Academy of Science; and the story of his brilliant and troubled son Peter. Interspersed throughout the book are light pieces that narrate humorous moments in Pauling's life and other vignettes that lend insight into his seemingly maverick personality.

The culmination of 15 years of research, Visions of Linus Pauling is a magisterial piece of work, equivalent to previously unseen footage of a blockbuster movie.