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

by Jeremy Bernstein (Author) "Albert Einstein was born on March 15, 1879, in the southern German city of Ulm, at the foot of the Swabian Alps..." (more)
Key Phrases: miracle year, relativity paper, target screen, Albert Einstein, United States, World War (more...)

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 the Hardcover edition.

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: Young Adult
  
• 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.com Sales Rank: #1,300,211 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 4 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 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.