... a fascinating biography ... Subramanian...recounts Haldane’s communist adventures with brio ... A Dominant Character is the best Haldane biography yet. With science so politicized in this country and abroad, the book could be an allegory for every scientist who wants to take a stand.
... an exquisite literary expedition into J.B.S.’ boyhood, his family history, his schooling ... Haldane’s personality, his accomplishment, calibre and the time that he inhabited makes him a naturally compelling subject and much of the facts of his life are well documented, Subramanian gives compelling context ... From the history of the development of biology to the Spanish Civil War, Subramanian skillfully mixes archival research and deep scrutiny of J.B.S.’ work to portray — what can be safely assumed — a breed of scientist almost impossible to imagine today.
... superb ... Subramanian does a masterly job of summarising a rich and rough life. He uses sharp analogies and arresting images ... Haldane deserves a biographer who is eloquent, intelligent, fair, but unsparing and as good at explaining science as politics. Not an easy combination, but he has got one.
... insightful biography ... Subramanian skillfully explores the tensions and contradictions embodied by Haldane, a man who continued to work on behalf of the British government he regularly criticized, all the while under surveillance by the British intelligence service that suspected him of being a Soviet spy. This portrait of a brilliant, egotistical contrarian illustrates how science and politics can collide, a subject with ample relevance for the modern world.
... a rich biography ... Subramanian delivers a sympathetic account that will interest but frustrate readers who expect geniuses to behave more rationally than others ... Haldane deserves to be better known and better understood, and this fine biography succeeds superbly in the first.
