Books by Joram Piatigorsky

“A sensitive drama about an aged scientist in an anti-intellectual era.” (Kirkus Review, vol. 87, February 2019)“Jellyfish Have Eyes” is the “somewhat autobiographical” story of an eminent scientist whose study of jellyfish eyes earns him condemnation rather than acclaim.” (Ellyn Wexler, Montgomery County Gazette, October 2014)“Piatigorsky’s debut novel is a suspenseful thriller mixing the biological sciences – and politics. It is a rollicking tale… and deserves a wide audience. “ (Kensington Park Friends of the Library, November 2015)“A wonderful book for those who love creativity, science and the great gifts of serendipity.” (Barbara Esstman, author, The Other  Anna and Night Ride Home)In this original and provocative combination of science and fiction, Joram Piatigorsky brings to life evidence of Dr. Johnson’s observation that Truth can be made more accessible when draped in the robes of Fiction. (Warren Poland, MD, Psychoanalyst, author, Melting the Darkness)“Piatigorsky’s imaginative account of Dr. Ricardo Sztein’s path from discovery to condemnation gives a chilling warning that is sure to stimulate debate on the role of government in dictating the  direction of basic research.” (Joseph Horwitz, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor, UCLA School of Medicine)

“Joram Piatigorsky once again delivers on a promise made in his past work, offering both depth and astounding insight into human nature. Where his previous work focused more on love and yearning, Notes Going Underground takes us into much darker alleyways, those that meander through the vast shadowy landscape between life and death. While this may seem frightening, we are never on the journey alone. Rather, Piatigorsky serves as our chaperone, probing characters to their existential core with a blend of first-person narration that searches out not only what is truly at stake for the soul of each character – but for the soul of each story. The writing is elegantly conceived and reminds us that fiction can – and should – take us out of ourselves and put us squarely, directly into harm’s way. A remarkable storyteller, Piatigorsky’s beautifully blends the often-remote nature of dying with what he calls the ‘privilege of life’ – with humor, poignancy and even a certain romantic fantasy. Notes Going Underground is one of those books that other writers will secretly wish they wrote themselves.” - James Mathews, author of Last Known Position 

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 father's 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 father's 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) "Piatigorsky's 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) "Piatigorsky's memoir demonstrates that artistry can be found in science." (Joseph Horwitz, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor of Ophthalmology/Biophysics, Jules Stein Eye Institute, UCLA) "Piatigorsky's 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 one's heart. " (Barbara Esstman, Author of The Other Anna, Night Ride Home, and A More Perfect Union)

"An eminent scientist and well-respected art collector, Dr. Joram Piatigorsky's memoir is an inspiring reflection on the creative passion that infuses a life devoted to scientific experimentation and a profound appreciation of the arts. He contrasts ancestral family traditions with his own life journey, discovering unexpected similarities and differences in the process - from the notable accomplishments of 19th century horticulturalists to his own distinguished career as a research scientist at the National Institutes of Health; and from the deliberate and secure investment in Old Master paintings to an innovative, pioneering, and masterful collection of contemporary Inuit sculpture."Dr. Piatigorsky's memoir is sure to engage the broad interest of readers and critics fascinated by the author's intimate knowledge of Rothschild family history and its influence throughout the generations, particularly on his own family, as well as by his insightful reflection on the joy of scientific and artistic discovery and the challenge (and necessity) of charting an autonomous path to a unique and rewarding life. As a prominent collector of contemporary Inuit art, Dr. Piatigorsky's memoir will provide particular interest to students, scholars, and fellow collectors knowledgeable in the creative traditions of Native North American artists."