Customer Reviews

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Understanding Einstein

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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This book, written in simple language is not only a guide to understanding Einstein, but Physics in general. It takes you through a brief history of rational thinking beginning with the Greeks and all the way to Quantum ideas.

For someone who has not majored in Physics,(I am CS) this book is a real gift.

The book travels in time moving from one idea to the other gradually building the momentum to take us into the modern scientific understanding of Physics.

Some of the ideas and discoveries of Einstein are so wonderfully
explained,I especially loved the part when the authors describe how Einstein was overjoyed when he came up with a description of Gravity under Special Relativity.

After a long gap of several years, when I wanted to read something related to Science, I happened to pick up this book. It got me started again. So much so, that I have moved on to David Deutsh and Leon Lederman. Maybe someday I will even go back to college for a degree in Physics.

If you don't know much about Physics but want some thread to begin, this book definitely is one!

For years I've struggled with understanding relativity theory, and thought what I needed was something that would explain it to me in the simplest possible terms. What better than this book, I thought. This book does a lot more than explain Einstein's theories, which is a flaw, not a strength. It is about 10% explaining the theories, 50% history of the study of Physics and 40% non-scientific biography of Einstien. And yes, there is a liberal amount of the author's own politically correct editorializing, such as (pg 245) "many of the worst crimes are motivated by repressed sexual tendencies. Society needs to apply a bigger picture here, don't you think?" and (pg 270) "In the free market system, profitability often outweighs damage to human life". Einstien dies on Pg 291, but the book limps on for another 50 pages. If you want a history of physics IN GENERAL, you'll be more satisfied than if you're (like me) just trying to get your arms around Einstein's theories.

This work is excellent, whether you are reading it as supplemental for high school or college or because of an actual interest in Einstein. As a high school chemistry and physics teacher, I was searching for a something to help me explain "special relativity". What I found was a book that would help me teach a wide array of topics, from Kepler and Newton's laws to electromagnetic energy.

There are three aspects of the book that I find most useful. First, being a "complete idiot's guide" means that it is written without being overly scientific. It allows the reader to understand these sometimes difficult topics without having a doctoral degree AND provides interest. Secondly, the integration of the history makes for a multidisciplinary approach similar to what I aim for in my teaching. If science and math are not your "true loves", then the historical and anecdotal notes will reach you. Thirdly, I especially think that the author's ultimately succeeds at his attempt to call for not just tolerance but understanding...whether it be for different theories or different cultures.

There is only one "bone" to pick. In the section on chemical bonding, the author fails to mention that Mendeleev's periodic table is not the one that we use today. Mendeleev organized his table based on increasing atomic mass, which is mentioned in the book. However, our table is based on increasing atomic number, thanks to Henry Moseley (who is not mentioned). This fact is often overlooked. Yet, as a chemistry major, I must fight for Moseley's right to be recognized for this vital contribution.

But one omission does not detract from the overall superiority of the book. This book is a "must have" for all physical science teachers!

Overall a good read. This book is about so much more than just Einstein and his theories. About the first 100 pages or so is an introduction to physics--everything from the mechanics of light to gravity and uniform acceleration. It's presented an a relatively (no pun intended) easy-to-understand fashion.

A small portion of the book is biographical in nature, dealing with Einstein's personal and professional life. Even more, of course, is devoted to the development of his brilliant theories, especially the Special and General Theories of Relativity.

Beyond that, there's a lot of information on quantum physics. In my opinion, up to that point, most of the book is written such that the average reader could understand most of it. Of course, once you get to quantum physics, one might question whether ANYONE could really understand that topic!

I would have given this book 4 or maybe even 5 stars, if the author hadn't wasted his (and my!) time with overly-lengthy discussions into "modern psychology" (e.g., Freud, Kant, etc.) and "Eastern mysticism " (e.g., Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, etc.). While he tries to make a connection between these topics and his discussion of quantum physics, I didn't think it was useful.

I wish I had read this book earlier. Although I did relatively well in math and science in college, they don't come naturally to me. Mostly because I did not find them relevant to me. This book makes it relevant to me. Starting with the origin of physics, the author spends many chapters to explain how ideas and theories have been developed and evolved to pave the road for quantum mechanics. This book is about understanding Einstein and more, it's about understanding the world we live in. Throughout the book there is a sense of wonder expressed toward our universe that is both mysterious and orderly. It's an inspiring and informative book to anyone who has just started his/her scientific and spiritual pursuit.

I thought this book was an excellent introduction to a wide range of difficult concepts. The author makes complicated ideas easy to understand. I strongly recommend the book to people interested in both Einstein's life and the amazing theories that grew from his work. People who like this book would also like Cliff Pickover's book "Time: A Traveler's Guide."

If you're looking for an introductory level overview of physics, from the earliest thinkers to modern theories that seem stranger than fiction, look no further. Although I read it cover to cover, I still read chapters and segments from time to time. The author writes in a manner that is easy to follow and very interesting. Highly recommended.

The author tells you more than just Einstein's theories and ideas.His book spans people's beliefs and theories which sometimes lead to the questioning of already accepted laws in science, through classical physics and modern.He shows you the ups and downs to theories and laws,the brilliant ideas along with a few mistakes ('Hey,even geniuses make mistakes') and explains why some theories make sense while others dont.I would reccomend this book to anyone,a lover of physics already or not.

What a surprize! Mr. Moring accomplished what I consider to be the impossible - explaining physics in an understandable and captivating fashion. Where was this book during my dry classes in high school and college? His wit and insight into the history and implications of scientific discoveries, as well as the life and times of Einstien, make this a thoroughly enjoyable book! I highly recommend it for all - including you science-phobics out there!

I haven't finished the whole book, but it is already my favorite. It is a trip through history. The author builds science theory, and discovery through the ages, social climates, and general thinking in the given era. It's a great quick reference for scientist, and dates of discoveries. I highly recommend this book for anyone interest in digging deeper in to science. It is fascinating.