The Speed of Dark: A Memoir

The Speed of Dark reveals how the author his mother the daughter of the French Rothschild banking dynasty and his father a world-renowned cellist broke the chain of his lineage of art music and banking to establish an important career in science. Born in the rural Adirondacks as an American citizen after his European parents and sister narrowly escaped Nazi Germany he spoke French before English was raised with financial security was exposed to Rothschild palaces visiting his French grandparents felt as a foreigner with his Russian family in Moscow and often felt French in his native America. As a child he felt simultaneously as his fathers son yet a guest in the audience when listening to the pinnacle of music played in his home by the greatest artists. As a developing scientist he benefited by his charismatic fathers influence who asked such an original imaginative question What about the speed of dark? Unlike other memoirs about rising from adversity to success the author brings the reader into the privilege of having a unique family in which the extraordinary is ordinary and the challenge of being asked Are you a failure like the sons of all great men? The Speed of Dark will resonate with musicians those interested in art music and history and those who seek to carve their own path in a world filled with high expectations and seemingly unlimited resources. (Sel Kardan President Colburn School of Performing Arts LA) The clear and elegant prose on the theme of collecting reveals a dedication and self-understanding that is rare. (Michael Hall PhD Curator of the Rothschild family collections Exbury Estate Hampshire GB) Piatigorskys memoir will provide particular interest to students scholars and fellow collectors knowledgeable in the creative traditions of Native North American artists. (Bernadette Driscoll Engelstad Independent Curator Inuit Art) Piatigorskys memoir demonstrates that artistry can be found in science. (Joseph Horwitz Ph.D. Distinguished Professor of Ophthalmology/Biophysics Jules Stein Eye Institute UCLA) Piatigorskys unique story will receive a wide audience: professional and lay scientists art collectors musicians historians writers and those who have struggled to find their identity. (Hamid Shams BBP Films Producer and Cinematographer) This memoir is not just worth reading it is worth remembering! (James Mathews Author of Last Known Position) This fascinating account of his journey becomes a meditation on art wonder and creativity of bucking the status quo and following ones heart. (Barbara Esstman Author of The Other Anna Night Ride Home and A More Perfect Union)