Einstein on Race and Racism [Paperback]

Fred Jerome (Author), Rodger Taylor (Author)

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Product Details

Paperback: 206 pages
Publisher: Rutgers University Press; New edition edition (July 2006)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0813539528
ISBN-13: 978-0813539522
Product Dimensions: 21.3 x 14 x 1.5 cm
Shipping Weight: 318 g
Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #2,055,705 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Product Description

From Publishers Weekly

Albert Einstein was a genius and, apparently, a race man. Drawing upon extensive research, authors Jerome and Taylor-a journalist and a librarian, respectively-show the Nobel Prize-winning physicist to have been fairly active in the civil rights movements of the 1940s. It's clear the authors believe that this fact constitutes some sort of hidden truth, and they're reasonably correct: numerous historians left out the details of Einstein's controversial alliances with W.E.B. Dubois, the NAACP, the Civil Rights Congress and the Southern Conference Educational Fund. The authors saturate the first half of the book with comments from the black inhabitants of Princeton's Witherspoon Street. Their quotes are anecdotal at best and show little more than that Einstein was a friendly man who wasn't afraid of black people. A few of the quotes are telling in ways the authors may not intend: "My grandmother worked as a domestic for Einstein...When Professor Einstein had visitors, they sat and ate in the dining room; she listened from the kitchen." Others such as "me and my sister Lili used to watch Einstein walking up Witherspoon Street" record merely that black people witnessed Einstein's presence in their neighborhood. Einstein's provocative statements on American bigotry-"Everyone who is not used from childhood to this injustice suffers from the mere observation"-are reserved for the book's second half, which presents his letters and speeches. A useful compilation for students of Einstein's politics, this book lacks the kind of strong narrative thread that might have brought it a wider audience. 8 pages of b&w photos.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Book Description

Nearly fifty years after his death, Albert Einstein remains one of America’s foremost cultural icons. A thicket of materials, ranging from scholarly to popular, have been written, compiled, produced, and published about his life and his teachings. Among the ocean of Einsteinia—scientific monographs, biographies, anthologies, bibliographies, calendars, postcards, posters, and Hollywood films—however, there is a peculiar void when it comes to the connection that the brilliant scientist had with the African American community. Virtually nowhere is there any mention of his relationship with Paul Robeson, despite Einstein’s close friendship with him, or W.E.B. Du Bois, despite Einstein’s support for him.

This unique book is the first to bring together a wealth of writings by Einstein on the topic of race. Although his activism in this area is less well known than his efforts on behalf of international peace and scientific cooperation, he spoke out vigorously against racism both in the United States and around the world.

Combining the scientist’s letters, speeches, and articles with an engaging narrative that places his public statements in the context of his life and times, this important collection not only brings attention to Einstein’s antiracist public activities, but also provides insight into antiracist struggles in America.

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Amazon.com: 5.0 out of 5 stars (8 customer reviews)

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Common Ground...Einstein on Race & Racism, Oct 8 2005

By Pam K. - Published on Amazon.com

This review is from: Einstein on Race and Racism (Hardcover)

This book is a timely, fascinating and important read about the common ground between Albert Einstein and members of the African American community of Princeton, NJ in the 40's. This book should be a requirement in every public library and recommended reading in many college & high school history curriculums. The example of fearlessness of Einstein, Robeson, DuBois and others in their activism against racism in America and abroad is one that needs to be emulated in today's society... if change is to come. The authors, Jerome and Taylor have produced and excellent literary work.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Einstiein on Race and Racism, Oct 4 2005

By Flo - Published on Amazon.com

This review is from: Einstein on Race and Racism (Hardcover)

This book presents a revealing, fascinating and compelling side of Albert Einstein relative to the Black community. The story is totally unknown and undocumented anywhere else. It provides an example of how racism is treated in our society. Denial of the existence of racism and overlooking the impact of the problem will never lead to a appropriate way to address, and certainly not solve the reprecussions suffered because of racism.It is an impotant work that should awaken a sleeping society.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Interesting Book, Oct 1 2005

By Pamela R. Purifoy - Published on Amazon.com

This review is from: Einstein on Race and Racism (Hardcover)

I never would have thought of the genius Albert Einstein to be concerned about race, but apparently he was, as Jerome and Taylor have carefully documented. I'm glad to know that the great cultural icon, Einstein, was more than a mathematician and physicist, he was a concerned citizen of the world. Perhaps we all can examine ourselves closer as we explore our views on race and racism in our society today. This book could be an excellent teaching tool for an honors or AP course in history for high school students, or for a political science course in college.

Good and insightful information.

› Go to Amazon.com to see all 8 reviews 5.0 out of 5 stars