Einstein is the personification of supreme intellect, his name synonymous with genius. His scientific theories revolutionized the way we look at reality itself. His legacy of pacificism, Zionism, and social justice continues to inspire millions of people around the world. The Einstein Scrapbook offers a unique glimpse into the life and work of this remarkable man which will delight those for whom he is a hero and those familiar with him only as an icon. Featuring illuminating documents and photographs from his personal papers -- many published here for the first time -- it provides a kaleidoscope through which to see the great scientist and humanist anew.
The book opens with an engaging and concise biography that explores Einstein's family history and education, his career as a scientist and educator, his complex marital relations, and his role as a father. In subsequent sections, The Einstein Scrapbook presents an overview of Einstein's scientific theories, from his breakthrough articles on the special theory of relativity, quantum theory, and Brownian motion published in 1905 -- his annus mirabilis -- through his revolutionary general theory of relativity in 1916 and his final quest for a unified field theory. The book also shows Einstein's role in the international peace movement and his views on social and economic justice, as well as his Jewish identity and his relationship to the Jewish people and the State of Israel, which culminated in his being offered the presidency of Israel in 1952. On the lighter side, this book chronicles Einstein's passion for music and sailing, his charming correspondence with children from around the world, and some of the curious letters he received from fans during his later years, and it concludes with a look at Einstein's mythic status. Drawn from the collection of the Hebrew University's Albert Einstein Archives, The Einstein Scrapbook perfectly reflects Einstein's brilliance, humor, generosity, and nobility.
From The Einstein Scrapbook:
"Dear Elsa,... If you were to recite the most beautiful poem ever so divinely, the joy I would derive from it would not come close to the joy I experienced when I received the mushrooms and goose cracklings you cooked."
"Dear Mother, Good news today. H. A. Lorentz has telegraphed me that the British expeditions have definitely confirmed the deflection of light by the sun. Unfortunately, Maja has written me that you're not only in a lot of pain but that you also have gloomy thoughts. How I would like to keep you company again so that you're not left to ugly brooding... Affectionately yours, Albert"
"Concern for man himself and his fate must always form the chief interest for all technical endeavors, concern for the great unsolved problems of the organization of labor and the distribution of goods -- in order that the creations of our mind shall be a blessing and not a curse for mankind. Never forget this in the midst of your diagrams and equations."
"I am deeply moved by the offer from our State of Israel [to serve as President], and at once saddened and ashamed that I cannot accept it. All my life I have dealt with objective matters, hence I lack both the natural aptitude and the experience to deal properly with people and to exercise official functions. For these reasons alone I should be unsuited to fulfill the duties of that high office, even if advancing age was not making increasing inroads on my strength. I am the more distressed over these circumstances because my relationship to the Jewish people has become my strongest human bond, ever since I became fully aware of our precarious situation among the nations of the world."
"Dear Posterity, If you have not become more just, more peaceful, and generally more rational than we are (or were) -- why then, the Devil take you. Having, with all respect, given utterance to this pious wish, I am (or was) Yours, Albert Einstein"
