Additional excellent reading for completeness:
How the Laser Happened: Adventures of a Scientist (Paperback)
by Charles H. Townes

The Laser Odyssey (Hardcover)
by Theodore Maiman
( you might want to bring a copy of this one to the Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry/ Dental Town Meeting for Ted to sign!)

Lasers and Light (Paperback)
by A.L. Schawlow (Editor)

Additionally, there are others that are related to specific wavelengths and their invention as well as applications. Laser History is a fascinating study, and gives a whole new appreciation for how research occurs, science develops, politics in the educational setting, and patent protection. As always, attorneys find their way into the playing field.