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Einstein: His Life and Universe Hardcover – Deckle Edge, April 10, 2007

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 5,766 ratings

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Einstein
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By the author of the acclaimed bestseller Benjamin Franklin, this is the first full biography of Albert Einstein since all of his papers have become available.

How did his mind work? What made him a genius? Isaacson's biography shows how the imagination that distinguished his science sprang from the rebellious nature of his personality. His fascinating story, a testament to the connection between creativity and freedom, reflects the triumphs and tumults of the modern era.

Based on the newly-released papers and personal letters, this book explores how an imaginative, impertinent patent clerk - a struggling father in a difficult marriage who couldn't get a teaching job or a doctorate - became the mindreader of the creator of the cosmos, the locksmith of the mysteries of the atom and the universe. His success came from questioning conventional wisdom and marveling at mysteries that struck others as mundane. This led him to embrace a morality and politics based on respect for free minds, free spirits, and free individuals. These traits are just as vital for this new century of globalization, in which our success will depend on our creativity, as they were for the beginning of the last century, when Einstein helped usher in the modern age.

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Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
5,766 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the book interesting, enjoyable, and well-written. They appreciate the good insight into the man Einstein was. Readers describe the biography as outstanding, compelling, and enthralling. They also mention the theories come to life in an easy-to-understand way.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

364 customers mention "Readability"357 positive7 negative

Customers find the book interesting, awesome, and enjoyable. They say it's a complex and compelling read. Readers also mention the author skillfully weaves together historical context, scientific explanations, and personal anecdotes.

"...He skillfully weaves together historical context, scientific explanations, and personal anecdotes, creating a narrative that is both informative and..." Read more

"Einstein: His Life and Universe by Walter Isaacson is an awesome book about a man who was larger than life. Did I understand all of it? Nope...." Read more

"...As for the book, it's a pretty breezy read...." Read more

"...early career, however, it undergoes a subtle transformation, becoming more interesting, more understandable, and very readable...." Read more

255 customers mention "Writing quality"207 positive48 negative

Customers find the writing quality of the book well-written, readable, and fantastic. They appreciate the clear description of Einstein's work, intellectual strengths, and human weaknesses. Readers also mention the author has a profound command of the English language and impeccable research. They say he touches on difficult themes eloquently and elegantly.

"...Walter Isaacson's meticulous research, insightful analysis, and engaging storytelling make this book a must-read for anyone interested in the man..." Read more

"...Walter Isaacson is known for his well-researched and well-written biographies of great men, and he was aided by the discovery of many of Einstein's..." Read more

"Walter Isaacson’s Einstein is a thorough and well-written guide to someone who has become known as the epitome of genius...." Read more

"...it is told as a very personal story of another human being warts and all...." Read more

228 customers mention "Insight"218 positive10 negative

Customers find the book well-researched, well-written, and well-fluent in scientific theory. They say it illuminates complex subjects solely by the use of words. Readers also describe the book as a wonderful account of a most interesting and important man.

"...weaves together historical context, scientific explanations, and personal anecdotes, creating a narrative that is both informative and entertaining...." Read more

"...My take on him via this biography, is that he was intellectually exceptional for the time and the generally close minded scientific community, but..." Read more

"...It was objective and one could see how complex this man was illustrated by perceptions of those who knew him...." Read more

"...Most notable of his traits were his humility, compassion, independent thinking, introversion, pacifism, disdain for bourgeois consumption or..." Read more

119 customers mention "Biography quality"112 positive7 negative

Customers find the biography outstanding, compelling, and fascinating. They say the author truly brings life to Einstein's story. Readers also mention the book includes chapters about his personal life, personal struggles, and characteristics.

"...In conclusion, Einstein His Life And Universe is a compelling biography that provides a thorough understanding of Einstein's life, science, and..." Read more

"...Although Isaacson's biography is exhaustive, he leaves just a few questions unanswered...." Read more

"...It’s a masterpiece that beautifully combines biography with scientific exploration, making it a perfect gift for physics enthusiasts and curious..." Read more

"..."Genius" miniseries led me to read and review this sharp, comprehensive biography...." Read more

35 customers mention "Enthralling"26 positive9 negative

Customers find the book extremely engaging, entertaining, and enlightening. They say every chapter holds a unique excitement, and that the author is an absolute master of putting such an exciting and rich life together. Readers also mention the book is joyful to consume and creates a sense of curiosity and caring about the man behind it.

"...anecdotes, creating a narrative that is both informative and entertaining...." Read more

"...This book was not just a gift but an enriching experience...." Read more

"...This kind of ethnic exaggeration pervades the book and becomes annoying after a while...." Read more

"...This is really a suberb, engaging work. Issacson's little touches of humor here and ther add immesuarablt to the enjoyment of the read...." Read more

32 customers mention "Ease of understanding"32 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to understand and approachable. They appreciate the clear explanations without unnecessary jargon. Readers also mention the book is hard to put down.

"...even the most intricate concepts are explained clearly and without unnecessary jargon...." Read more

"...Isaacson tries to explain these in an easy-to-understand manner, but I still found my eyes glazing over in spots...." Read more

"...Isaacson has an easy style and quite readable...." Read more

"...also his theories relatively easy to understand and well blended in with his life story...." Read more

29 customers mention "Personality"29 positive0 negative

Customers find Einstein admirable, interesting, and charismatic. They also say he's a good man with a big heart. Readers also describe him as a rare and remarkable man.

"...This is a wonderful account of a most interesting and important man...." Read more

"...Isaacson does a wonderful job." Read more

"...Einstein is a fascinating, flawed, and brilliant man...." Read more

"...This is a great read about a brilliant and charismatic man." Read more

27 customers mention "Visual style"27 positive0 negative

Customers find the visual style excellent, in-depth, and personal. They appreciate the colorful descriptions and beautiful work to capture his humanity. Readers also mention the book provides a great look into the life of a man who was born too early for his time.

"...and political and social activism, Isaacson provides readers with a well-rounded picture of the man behind the genius...." Read more

"...sadness: "Whatever came from this supreme mind was as lucid and beautiful as a good work of art...." Read more

"...This book tells it all, in well-organized and colorful descriptions of the path of a visionary genius...." Read more

"...and integrate quantum mechanics with our perceived reality is beautifully presented, as are the conflicts of his unstable family life, and the..." Read more

Why Einstein Failed
4 out of 5 stars
Why Einstein Failed
Transcending the Speed of Light: Consciousness, Quantum Physics, and the Fifth Dimension Any criticism leveled against Isaacson's book has to be counterbalanced by a recognition of the tremendous effort and importance of the work, such as his ability to recaptured Einstein's life through the many letters by and to him and by an ability to explain many of his most important ideas in a deep and superb way. The missing star in my rating is because of what the book does not do. Occasionally critical of Albert Einstein, ultimately the book is a hagiography. As with the rest of the mainstream, Isaacson is really blind to Einstein's shortcomings. His theory of relativity, on the whole, is a true mish-mash, that, in the last analysis, makes little sense. Several problems with his theory have to do with (1) the arbitrary decision to do away with the ether, and (2) place the subjective view on a pedestal while at the same time eliminate the very consciousness of the viewer as a force in and of itself, or a space (e.g., a 5th dimension of hyperspace for mind). For instance, Isaacson points out that if a lady is on a plane looking down on the Earth, she can't tell if the plane is moving over the Earth or the Earth is moving under a stationary plane. This is a bedrock of Einstein's relativity theory, a highly subjective observation that ignores the elephant in the room, the movement of the Earth around the Sun, the absolute measure Einstein keeps trying to eliminate.The Michelson-Morley experiment didn't do away with the ether. Nor did Einstein. Both simply suggested that the ether could not be detected. So even though Einstein lectures on the ether and states to Lorentz that an ether must exist, he also realized that if indeed it did exist, then his theory of relativity would be wrong. The idea that space can be curved, as Tesla pointed out in the newspapers, is absurd. Since Einstein has ascribed properties to space, it cannot be empty. It is, in fact, the ether, and the reason why light bends around or towards stars is potentially twofold, (a) photons may have mass, and (2) as with all matter, stars are constantly absorbing ether in order to keep their elementary particles spinning.Ether theory explains gravity and its link to acceleration because what we call gravity most likely the absorption of ether by the mass of the planet (or star). According to this theory, we are held to the planet because we are in the way of this constant influx of energy. Had Einstein truly resurrected the ether, (he partly does, as Isaacson notes, once de Broglie's wave theory becomes more prevalent) Einstein may have solved his grand unification theory, but it would have been at the expense of his baby, the theory of relativity.Another problem with his theory is that nothing can travel faster than the speed of light. However, as Gamow points out in Thirty Years That Shook Physics, and I point out in my book Transcending the Speed of Light, electrons spin at speeds in excess of the speed of light! Following in the steps of Minkowski who used the imaginary number the square root of negative one to make the one dimension of time equivalent to 3D space, Paul Dirac essentially did the same thing to account for the spinning electron that violated relativity with his Nobel Prize winning equations that tied relativity to quantum mechanics. Isaacson's book completely miscasts Minkowski, doesn't even mention the idea of imaginary numbers (which can only exist in the mind, yet are used to explain the physical world), and thereby helps relegate Minkowski to virtual non-person status. This is a super book, but flawed because of the rose colored glasses that are always used to portray a great thinker with a flawed theory that will ultimately be upturned.
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Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on July 8, 2023
Walter Isaacson takes readers through the extraordinary life of the renowned physicist Albert Einstein. Isaacson's comprehensive biography not only captures the essence of Einstein's scientific contributions but also delves into the fascinating aspects of his personal life.
Isaacson's meticulous research and engaging storytelling make this biography a captivating read. He masterfully presents Einstein's complex scientific theories in a way that is accessible to readers of all backgrounds. Whether it's relativity, quantum mechanics, or the photoelectric effect, Isaacson ensures that even the most intricate concepts are explained clearly and without unnecessary jargon. As a result, readers gain a deeper understanding of the revolutionary discoveries that perpetually changed our understanding of the universe.
However, what truly sets this biography apart is Isaacson's exploration of Einstein's personal life. Delving into his family dynamics, relationships, and political and social activism, Isaacson provides readers with a well-rounded picture of the man behind the genius. By examining Einstein's struggles and successes, his controversies and ethical dilemmas, Isaacson humanizes the iconic figure, making him relatable and understandable.
Furthermore, Isaacson's prose is engaging and fluid, making the biography accessible and enjoyable to read. He skillfully weaves together historical context, scientific explanations, and personal anecdotes, creating a narrative that is both informative and entertaining. Isaacson's admiration for Einstein shines through in his writing, but he remains objective and portrays the scientist honestly, highlighting both his strengths and flaws.
One criticism of the book is that it occasionally delves too deeply into scientific explanations, which may not appeal to readers without a strong background in physics. However, Isaacson's ability to seamlessly transition between technical details and personal anecdotes largely compensates for this minor flaw.
In conclusion, Einstein His Life And Universe is a compelling biography that provides a thorough understanding of Einstein's life, science, and impact on the world. Walter Isaacson's meticulous research, insightful analysis, and engaging storytelling make this book a must-read for anyone interested in the man behind the theory of relativity.
22 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on May 29, 2007
Einstein: His Life and Universe by Walter Isaacson is an awesome book about a man who was larger than life. Did I understand all of it? Nope. But that didn't keep me from enjoying it immensely.

Walter Isaacson is known for his well-researched and well-written biographies of great men, and he was aided by the discovery of many of Einstein's previously unknown private letters in 1986. After going through the basics, the author alternates between Einstein's personal life, his scientific work and his political beliefs.

As a physicist, Einstein possessed a brilliant mind. In 1905, he published four new theories that would change science forever. An uninspired student in college, he was unable to get a teaching job upon graduation. Instead, he ended up working for the Swiss Patent Office. This actually proved beneficial as it allowed him extra time to work on his theories. A humble man, Einstein believed that "knowledge is limited" and that curiosity and imagination were responsible for his discoveries. Isaacson tries to explain these in an easy-to-understand manner, but I still found my eyes glazing over in spots. By the end of his career, Einstein was no longer the innovative rebel but instead, the more conservative sage of Princeton.

As for Einstein's personal life, the newly discovered letters allow Isaacson to write in more detail about the famous scientist than any other biographer. This new treasure trove sheds new light on his first marriage to Meliva Maric. Einstein had complicated relationships with both wives and his two sons, and he didn't always treat them admirably. Yet, he was a very social man and had dozens of life-long relationships with other scientists and mathematicians. Einstein was described as "kind, good-natured, gentle and unpretentious." This quiet and unassuming man became our first celebrity scientist and hoards of fans flocked to see him. In these respects, Einstein was much like Ben Franklin--another one of Isaacson's subjects.

Einstein had strong political beliefs. He was both a socialist and a strong pacifist. But Hitler and Nazi anti-Semitism caused him to not only abandon his native Germany but also, to throw his weight behind the war effort. Einstein also decried racism. When Marian Anderson came to Princeton in 1937 to perform, the Nassau Inn refused her a room. Einstein opened his Princeton home to her.

Although Isaacson's biography is exhaustive, he leaves just a few questions unanswered. First, whatever happened to his house in Caputh, Germany after the war? I discovered on the internet that it has a fascinating history that I'm sure Isaacson's readers would enjoy. Also, I wonder how the advent of the computer might have changed Einstein's accomplishments. But these are only small issues in an almost perfect book.

I was never very interested in Albert Einstein, but Isaacson has piqued my interest. He succeeds in bringing to life this "locksmith" who "knows that math is the language nature uses to describe her wonders."
44 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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Francisco Inacio Bastos
5.0 out of 5 stars Excelente biografia, ainda que as informações sobre o Brasil estejam erradas
Reviewed in Brazil on July 5, 2024
De uma forma geral, excelente biografia, que se beneficia de uma fecunda interação de um autor não especializado com físicos de alto padrão e grande capacidade de disseminação de conceitos científicos complexos. Infelizmente, as informações sobre o Brasil estão inteiramente equivocadas. Sobral, no Ceará, é localizada, pelo autor, na floresta amazônica
Freeway Jam
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book about Einstein
Reviewed in Canada on October 27, 2021
Issacson does an admirable job in telling Einsteins life story, and it is such a difficult thing to do without getting way to far into the complexities and complicated scientific theories that Einsteins life was about and involved with. And in this book he has been able to accomplish both great detail about the science, in a way thats mostly understandable, along with telling the reader all about Einsteins life, in all details, both academically and personal.
Einstein has always been one of my favorite, and most admired historical figures ever, and I found this book a great telling of his incredibly interesting life. It gives you the details that you need, in a way that one can grasp, if not completely, at least enough to appreciate the historic implications of so much of what Einstein did and thought of and solved, as well as questioned.
One thing that Einstein did and espoused most of his life, and that he believed to be so important in all aspects of life, ( especially in gaining knowledge and perspectives for ones entire life ) was the willingness, and ability to question things, all things, to better understand, and as important, learn.
Sadly, in todays current society, it seems that is no longer the case, as one gets shut down ( or with social media, cancelled and vilified ) when one does. Einstein would be very disappointed to see where things are today, especially in the halls and campuses of higher learning that exist today.
This book is a good look into the life and career of one of the greatest thinkers of modern times, and I thourougly enjoyed every page of it. I will continue to look for other information about him, but this was a great start.
7 people found this helpful
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Joe S
5.0 out of 5 stars Einstein
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 31, 2024
This is an excellent, excellent book.

A comprehensive, start to finish biography of the man's life, with extremely complicated, abstract mathematics and physics explained in a simplified manner, in a way only someone who intrinsically understands the subject can do.
Despite the subject matter, and by that I I close the First and Second World Wars, anti-Semitism and, intimately, the Holocaust, and also the physics and maths, it was simply a joy to read and never once felt heavy or dull.

If there is a better biography of Einstein out there, I won't just eat my hat, I'll grow my hair and moustache and impersonate the man for the rest of my days!
3 people found this helpful
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BoBo
5.0 out of 5 stars awe-inspiring
Reviewed in India on April 6, 2023
Was it Einsteins life or is it the portrayal that inspires awe, page after page. Einstein was all human- with his own set of flaws, human tenderness and persevering. Yes, he was much human- who always was naturally non-conformal, curious and a passion that he carried so lively, as long as he was.

Scientifically, It took 10+ years from his theory of relativity to his general theory of relativity, he kept oiling the fire amidst all his other turmoils. That was so commendable. His quest for the unified field theory was unsatiated until his end, but he relentlessly pursued it until the day of his death. He had a strong conviction that God doesn’t play dice and wasn’t convinced against the conviction until his last breath.

Personally, he kept connecting with Hans Albert until the end, despite the letters many tantrums and retractions. He kept providing for his younger son, despite choosing not to see him - a decision in respect of the son’s freedom.

Politically, he relentlessly pursued for a unified world. He regretted his part, however small it was, in the atom bomb discovery. He upheld socialism mixed with individual freedom and nurturing individual interests, and kept warning against the perils of capitalism. I would loved for him to pioneer planning a distinguished school curriculum - it would have been a lovely world.

Overall, he was fascinatingly curious about the universe in general, and humanity in particular.

I picked the book in 2021, thought I might get bored along the way and dropped it after a few pages. I resumed reading 2 years later and couldn’t put the book down - wonderfully written. His was a life worth living and his was a life worth telling!
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andrada comanac
5.0 out of 5 stars Stupenfo
Reviewed in Italy on February 28, 2022
Il libero è meraviglioso. Ti fa entrare nel mondo di Einstein e la scrittura di Walter e’ davvero eccellente. Consigliato assolutamente