Books Like Rota's Indiscrete Thoughts One of my favorite books about academia is Indiscrete Thoughts by Gian-Carlo Rota. I am looking for similar books that can be from different fields. (Since this book is heavily about academic figures and academic life, I think that it is on-topic here.)
Requirements for books that are similar:

The author is an active participant in the academic department and writes about their experience.
The author talks about personal interactions, biographies and impressions of notable figures in the field.
Preferably entertaining.

It can be from any time period, and could be about any academic field.
Consider

The Double Helix. A Personal Account of the Discovery of the Structure
of DNA. James D. Watson. Atheneum, New York, 1968. xvi + 238 pp.,
illus.

It's available in many places online in many editions, along  with reviews and annotations.