Customer Reviews

The Universe and Dr. Einstein

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is absolutely the best book on any scientific topic intended for the general reader that I have ever read. It is one of very few books about science I have ever read that I could seriously call a "page turner". Einstein's theories are presented in such a manner that anyone reading the book can understand the concepts without trying. I have read other books that discussed Einstein's theories, but none of them presented the ideas with such lucidity and simplicity, while at the same time not losing the depth and profundity of the concepts.

Please note that since the title appears as unavailable on Amazon, readers won't be able to tell what book this is for. I only just noticed this when I was looking at some old reviews. But the book is Lincoln Barnett's The Universe and Dr. Einstein. The original review continues below:

I've read just about every book on Einstein's theories meant for the general reader (as well as not-so-general reader) and this is the clearest, most concise, and best-written book ever done on the subject.

I read this book almost 30 years ago and it's good to see from the other reviews here that people still know about this terrific book. It's a little masterpiece of science reportage done during a time (1950) when there were very few talented writers doing this sort of thing (unlike today), and in which there wasn't much demand for science writing in general. Lincoln Barnett was a gifted journalist and he produced a little classic in this book.

7 years ago. I went to a small section of the science-translate books. I got this book in Thai version (Thank you for whom translate this). Up to now. this is one of the books I re-read most frequently. I might not smart enogh though I will get new idea from reading it every time. This book contain a simplified idea and give you the concept of Einstein most acknowledge theory. It's not purely science but include some kind of philosophy which let me think along whether it's true or not. Though it is still very readable and understandable.

I feel that this book is a must for any home library. If you are experienced in physics, this book is extremely interesting because it delves deaply into the philosophy that brought Dr. Einstein to his great accomplishments. For those that have little knowledge of relativity, the universe, and quantum matters it offers a great introduction with a minimum of complex math. A simple way to understand how Dr. Einstein changed the entire universe. I have studied Albert for years. This is the first time I have read anything that gave me such an insight to his personality and thought processes. HONESTLY, the best book I have ever read.

I first read this book in sixth grade, and was completely blown away by it. It inspired me to become a physicist. Ten years later, I completed my S.B. in physics at MIT. Eighteen years later, I completed my Ph.D. in physics at Berkeley. Today, almost 40 years later, I am a physicist in Silicon Valley. Physics still enthralls me. I occasionally reread this book, and it still inspires me. Thank you, Albert Einstein and Lincoln Barnett!

I've read just about every book on Einstein's theories meant for the general reader (as well as not-so-general reader) and this is the clearest, most concise, and best-written book ever done on the subject.

I read this book almost 35 years ago and it's good to see from the other reviews of the older editions of the work that people still know about this terrific little book. It's a little masterpiece of science reportage done during a time (1950) when there were very few talented writers doing this sort of thing (unlike today), and in which there wasn't much demand for science writers in general. Lincoln Barnett was a gifted journalist and he produced a little classic in this book.

Lincoln Barnett has created a master piece of scientific literature for the uninitiated to the world of scientific thought. I feel that this book was written in a way that any person who reads it can grasp the basic concepts of relativity and electromagnatism. It should be required reading for all high school students with the anticipated result of turning out many more scientists and engineers in this country. I have owned the book for more years than I can remember and have read it and reread it multiple times and over time have given copies to youngsters that I thought had a potential scientific inclination. I still have a copy on hand and do not understand why in is not in print today.

I was introduced to this book in Junior high, and it set my feet on the path of knowledge about our Universe and how it works. Over the years I have had three papaerback copies and foolishly lent them out. If I ever obtain another, it will never leave my house. The clear, concise method of description, combined with a minimun of math, make it easily understood and absorbed by anyone young or old. Please notify me if any copies,paperback or hardcover, become available.

Mr. Barnett, a journalist, crossed over into the arena of science, a subject that he had not studied in college. And to the world's amazement, he captured on paper a clear and easy to read explanation of the genius and elegance of Dr. Einstein's theories concerning the very small (quanta) and the very large (space and time).

No wonder American students can't compete with foreign students, because wonderful books like this aren't available to them. This is one of the best ever books about explaining a complex scientific theory to ordinary people with no scientific background, but a good head on their shoulders. I've treasured my copy over the years and have referred to it many times when I needed to set my thinking straight while reading advanced cosmology works. This should be a supplemental textbook in every high school science class.