Albert Einstein: And the Frontiers of Physics (Oxford Portraits in Science) [Paperback]

Jeremy Bernstein (Author)

Book Description

Series: Oxford Portraits in Science | Publication Date: November 27, 1997

Albert Einstein did not impress his first teachers. They found him a dreamy child without an especially promising future. But some time in his early years he developed what he called "wonder" about the world. Later in life, he remembered two instances from his childhood--his fascination at age five with a compass and his introduction to the lucidity and certainty of geometry--that may have been the first signs of what was to come. From these ordinary beginnings, Einstein became one of the greatest scientific thinkers of all time. This illuminating biography describes in understandable language the experiments and revolutionary theories that flowed from Einstein's imagination and intellect--from his theory of relativity, which changed our conception of the universe and our place in it, to his search for a unified field theory that would explain all of the forces in the universe.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 8 Up-Bernstein devotes considerable space in this objective biography to explanations of relativity, quantum mechanics, gravitation, and the relevant mathematical formulas, and to the various scientists whose theories influenced Einstein in some way. The author assumes a conversational tone, often including the first person, "I," as well as "we" and "you" when he refers to readers. In spite of its friendly attitude, though, the book is long and heady and will challenge even the brightest students, not because it is stylistically difficult, but because of the depth and breadth of the explanations. It is amply illustrated with informative diagrams and excellent-quality black-and-white photos. The author makes good use of primary-source material to illustrate both the private Einstein and the more public one who protested World War I, warned of the dangers of nuclear weapons, and, later, reluctantly accepted the need to use force against Hitler. The length, writing style, and illustrations in Jake Goldberg's Albert Einstein (Watts, 1996) make it a better choice for secondary-school students, while Bernstein's book offers a comprehensive, highly intelligent, patiently constructed introduction to Einstein and his theories.
Phyllis Graves, Creekwood Middle School, Kingwood,
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"For some, it is enough to know that Einstein was a genius who revolutionized the world of physics. This is a book for those who want to know more: how Einstein lived and loved, how he was educated and earned a living, the science and politics of his time.... Readers...will be absorbed in this story of a remarkable man."--VOYA

"A comprehensive, highly intelligent, patiently-constructed introduction to Einstein and his theories.... It is amply illustrated with informative diagrams and excellent quality black-and-white photos."--School Library Journal

"Bernstein's quotations from Einstein's letters make the book a lively and memorable reflection of the man behind the public figure."--Booklist

"For some, it is enough to know that Einstein was a genius who revolutionized the world of physics. This is a book for those who want to know more: how Einstein lived and loved, how he was educated and earned a living, the science and politics of his time.... Readers...will be absorbed in this story of a remarkable man."--VOYA

"A comprehensive, highly intelligent, patiently-constructed introduction to Einstein and his theories.... It is amply illustrated with informative diagrams and excellent quality black-and-white photos."--School Library Journal

"Bernstein's quotations from Einstein's letters make the book a lively and memorable reflection of the man behind the public figure."--Booklist

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 12 and up
  
• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (November 27, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0195120299
• ISBN-13: 978-0195120295
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.4 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,181,515 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A short biography, July 2, 2001

By 

Muzaffer Muctehitzade "hacibey" (Boston, Ma USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Albert Einstein: And the Frontiers of Physics (Oxford Portraits in Science) (Paperback)

This is a short biography of Einstein. It is very easy and joyfull to read. It is not very serious biography, it does not go into details, double lined short stories, cover major stages of his life. I recommend to all who wants a brief summary but nice one. I read it in one day, you do not want to drop the book. Very nice.