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From Publishers Weekly
Acclaimed biographer Isaacson examines the remarkable life of "science's preeminent poster boy" in this lucid account (after 2003's Benjamin Franklin and 1992's Kissinger). Contrary to popular myth, the German-Jewish schoolboy Albert Einstein not only excelled in math, he mastered calculus before he was 15. Young Albert's dislike for rote learning, however, led him to compare his teachers to "drill sergeants." That antipathy was symptomatic of Einstein's love of individual and intellectual freedom, beliefs the author revisits as he relates his subject's life and work in the context of world and political events that shaped both, from WWI and II and their aftermath through the Cold War. Isaacson presents Einstein's research—his efforts to understand space and time, resulting in four extraordinary papers in 1905 that introduced the world to special relativity, and his later work on unified field theory—without equations and for the general reader. Isaacson focuses more on Einstein the man: charismatic and passionate, often careless about personal affairs; outspoken and unapologetic about his belief that no one should have to give up personal freedoms to support a state. Fifty years after his death, Isaacson reminds us why Einstein (1879–1955) remains one of the most celebrated figures of the 20th century. 500,000 firsr printing, 20-city author tour, first serial to Time; confirmed appearance on Good Morning America. (Apr.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
From Booklist
*Starred Review* Isaacson--formerly the managing editor at Time magazine and head of CNN, currently CEO of the Aspen Institute--has written acclaimed biographies of Henry Kissinger and Benjamin Franklin. In his penetrating and magnificently nuanced biography of Albert Einstein, Isaacson elucidates Einstein's nonconformist and philosophical temperament and the particular nature of his genius within a richly textured social context, and he precisely explains Einstein's "astonishing, mysterious, and counterintuitive" scientific achievements and their epic consequences. Isaacson explores Einstein's valiant advocacy for peace and justice in view of the genocidal anti-Semitism that drove him from Germany and revels in Einstein's pithy humor and role as scientific superstar. Isaacson tells in full the anguished tale of Einstein's disastrous marriage to Mileva Mari? and his appalling missteps as a father, the private failings of a public humanist. But what distinguishes this extraordinarily encompassing and profoundly affecting biography most are Isaacson's empathic insights into painful paradoxes. Einstein believed in an ordered universe of "harmony and beauty," yet his discoveries revealed uncertainty, randomness, and chance. Einstein spent the second half of his life not only attempting to refute his own revolutionary findings but also witnessing the creation of potentially apocalyptic weapons that harnessed the diabolical powers he unveiled. Donna Seaman
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
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17 of 17 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
One of the better accounts out there,
By Ian Gordon Malcomson (Victoria, BC) - See all my reviews (HALL OF FAME) (TOP 10 REVIEWER) (REAL NAME)
This review is from: Einstein: His Life and Universe (Hardcover)
In this lengthy and epic biography, Isaacson presents the life of Albert Einstein - regarded by some as the person to represent the genius of the modern age - in all its multi-faceted complexities. First, Einstein is defined as a great mind who had the ability to think in the abstract in order to bring mankind closer to fathoming the truth of its existence. His revolutionary theories on relativity and light particles undoubtedly paved the way for nuclear age. Second, Einstein is shown to be a very humble person who always acknowledged his insignificance in relation to the universe he studied. There are countless examples of this very endearing quality throughout the book. Third, Isaacson's account gives ample coverage to Einstein's scientific and humanitarian achievements in such a way that the reader should have no trouble seeing how self-effacing he was when it came to receiving public recognition. Fourth, Isaacson deals with the controversial and private side of Einstein. This makes for fascinating reading because it forces the reader to weigh the public record on each of the critical incidents against Einstein's version. After wading into the enigmas of his personal life, I came to see him as a willing public figure who did not want to stay out of the public limelight when important issues needed to be resolved. Lastly, Isaacson does a competent job in placing Einstein and his works in the mainstream of history. His tireless search to make sense of the universe became the signature of his life. If you want to know how Einstein handled fascism, communism and the Cold War, the latter part of this story should hold you spell-bound. Marvellous read but be prepared to take your time and absorb a little bit of this man's wonderful and witty persona.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Well written, well read.,
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This review is from: Einstein: His Life and Universe (Audio CD)
I really enjoyed listening to this audio book. Hermann does a great job reading. My only complaint was that it was an abridged version.
9 of 20 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great book about big mind,
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This review is from: Einstein: His Life and Universe (Hardcover)
If you want to learn about Albert Einstein this book is for you. Einstein changed the way we look at the universe. It became more less mechanical, more dynamic, and somewhat unpredictable for our small, earthy minds.... Time and space became integrated as never before... I highly recommend this book. The other book I recommend is Golden Touch Blackjack Revolution by Frank Scoblete.
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