Lindenfeld, who was born in Austria and fled with his family after the Nazi annexation, arrived at Rutgers in 1953. He has long believed that physics can communicate profound knowledge about the world to the layperson as well as the scientist. Lindenfeld retired in 1999. But he hasn't stopped teaching physics. He co-authored a widely-acclaimed textbook with Rutgers colleague Suzanne White Brahmia, Physics, the First Science (Rutgers University Press, 2011). The book was praised for its engaging, conversational tone and strong emphasis on narrative.