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Einstein: His Life and Universe Hardcover – Deckle Edge, April 10, 2007
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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.
- Print length675 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherSimon & Schuster
- Publication dateApril 10, 2007
- Dimensions6.75 x 2 x 9.75 inches
- ISBN-100743264738
- ISBN-13978-0743264730
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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.
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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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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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.
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."
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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.
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!
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!







