Vividly and in some depth retraces the golden years of particle physics as witnessed by one of the scientists who made seminal contributions to the understanding of what is now known as the Standard Model of particle physics. It will provide the interested reader with a first-hand account and deeper understanding of the multilayered and sinous development that finally led to the present architecture of this theory. Combines particle physics with insightful stories about fellow physicists of some note and the political turmoil of his times.