George Gamow: World line 1904—1933 (On the ninetieth anniversary of G. A. Gamov's birth)

One of his articles written with a co-author Gamov called 'My half-article'. Here his 'half-biography' is presented. It covers the first very important part of his life, starting from his youth in Odessa, his student years in Petrograd—Leningrad and several of his visits to Germany, Denmark, and England in connection with his scientific work. Special attention is devoted to his first scientific researches (1926—1928) at the Leningrad State University and to his relations with fellow students— M P Bronstein, D D Ivanenko, and L D Landau. His research into α-decay—its genesis and subsequent fate— is analysed. This article is in many respects based on new archive material.