Linus Pauling

Linus Pauling was an American scientist and writer active in the 20th century. He is also known as a peace activist and as a two-time Nobel Prize winner in different fields. In the material provided here, he appears mainly as a nonfiction author with a strong background in chemistry and public discussion.

Pauling's writing sits between science and accessible explanation. The sources here show that he wrote extensively on scientific topics, while also engaging with peace and public issues. That makes him a good fit for readers who want nonfiction that connects scientific ideas with broader arguments, rather than fiction or narrative writing.

A good place to start is Vitamin C and the Common Cold, published in 1970. It gives a clear sense of his more public-facing, practical side as a writer. Start there if you are drawn to popular science, health topics, or to an author who writes for readers outside the lab.