The Life of Isaac Newton (Canto original series) Reprint Edition

by Richard S. Westfall (Author)

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ISBN-13: 978-0521477376

ISBN-10: 9780521477376

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One of the greatest scientists in history, Isaac Newton's achievements in mathematics and physics marked the culmination of the movement that brought modern science into being. Richard Westfall's biography captures in engaging detail both his private life and scientific career, presenting a complex picture of Newton the man, and as scientist, philosopher, theologian, alchemist and public figure. An abridged version of his Never at Rest, this concise biography makes Westfall's highly acclaimed portrait of Newton accessible to general readers.

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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Beyond this survey of Newton's life and significance we also are treated to a summary of contemporary scholarship on many aspects of Newton's multifaceted career. And it is a delight to read!" The Reader's Review

"An altogether admirable job of scholarship, whose weightiness is balanced by the surfacing...of Westfall's dry humor." Kirkus Reviews

"The Life of Issac Newton...is a servicable volume...widely read by a public curious about Newton's life." Michael Hunter, Times Literary Supplement

"...a lively and lucid expositor of Newton's ideas and he has written an excellent book for those who want an authoritative introduction to Newton but do not have the time or the inclination to wrestle with the finer points of his mathematics." William R. Shea, Nature

"Westfall's account of his subject's personal life is gratifyingly elegant and precise....In bringing the truth of Newton's life to a wider audience, Westfall has certainly succeeded." Peg Padnos, Wilson Library Bulletin

"...Westfall is a master, and apart from the original, no better or more comprehensive introduction to Newton's life and work is to be had." J. McClellan III, Steven's Institute of Technology

"...the very smoothness of his prose commends this abbreviated version to physicists as well as to lay persons....I commend to you the great wealth of information contained in Westfall's work." American Journal of Physics

"Richard Westfall has admirably succeeded in demolishing the plaster saint and revealing, probably as much as one can ever hope to do, Newton the man. The portrait he paints shows someone who could be brutal and spiteful,...someone who was secretive to the point of paranoia; and had few if any friends in his life....This story is recounted in fluent and gripping prose by the author who deserves the Leo Gershoy Award, an American Historical award for his efforts." J. Langins, Applied Mechanics Review

"...author Westfall has effectively reduced his longer 1980 biography of Newton to a size that is more suitable for general audiences....strongly recommended." Doug Carmichael, Science Books & Films

"Westfall made it his business in writing Never at Rest to examine all the Newton manuscripts currently available for scholarly study...He speaks with authority about them all, offering his own interpretation of the importance of the theological papers (one that greatly advances our understanding of them) and also of the place of alchemy in Newton's work. He manages to make both Newton's alchemy and his religious interests seem integral to the story of Newton's life while keeping the scientific work in focus, an approach that offers the reader both breadth and the modern perspective on Newton's importance." B.J.T. Dobbs, ISIS of alch

Book Description

A concise biography which makes Richard Westfall's highly acclaimed portrait of Newton newly accessible to general readers.

Start reading The Life of Isaac Newton (Canto Classics) instantly on your Kindle Fire or on the free Kindle apps for iPad, Android tablet, PC or Mac. Don't have a free Kindle app? Get yours here

Product details

ASIN ‏ : ‎ 0521477379
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Cambridge University Press; Reprint edition (July 29, 1994)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 328 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9780521477376
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0521477376
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 14.2 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.51 x 0.79 x 8.5 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #5,030,847 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #728 in Physics of Gravity (Books)
- #7,851 in Scientist Biographies
- #9,153 in Physics (Books)

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Top reviews from the United States

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Whoa!

Great Biography

Reviewed in the United States on February 23, 2010

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This is a well documented, well written biography of a powerful intellect who nevertheless had his idiosyncrasies and insecurities. Isaac Newton is an admirable figure to read about due to his high degree of honesty. He was searching for truth and found a good deal of it. Mr. Newton's search was related not only to the mysteries of natural phenomena but into the origins and authentic teachings of Christianity which led him to make discoveries that his church-dominated society would have found threatening to say the least. After all, if established religion is shown to have a grossly erroneous concept of the God of the Bible, whom they profess to worship, then they constitute a public spiritual hazard. Nevertheless this was the situation and Newton recognized it. He did not choose to publicize it though, apparently in order to retain his access to the levers of scientific progress.

The author does Newton a service by not introducing his own opinions in telling of this although there are other areas where the story must be inferred from meager documentation. When the author's opinion does enter, at least the reader is provided sufficient factual information to either agree or disagree.

For example, calling Isaac Newton an 'Arian' is a bit of a stretch. Newton's conclusion that God was not a Trinity did not depend on the teaching of Arius, but as the author explains, on his personal scrutiny of many Bible manuscripts, translations, copies, and primarily by accumulating a substantial list of relevant scriptures.

It is a fascinating story of a man grappling with monumental issues and can be richly enjoyed even by those tempted to skim over the more demanding parts where concepts of Newton's 'Opticks' and 'Principia' are explained.

3 people found this helpful

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Joseph A Olson, PE

Expecting a Newton Whitewash

Reviewed in the United States on October 5, 2010

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It would be hard to find fault with the genuis of Newton's creations in mathematics, physics and the reflecting telescope. In deed, the only thing that could eclipse this genuis would be his own dark character demons. 'The Life of Isaac Newton', by Richard Westfall should be praised for a balanced reporting of both sides of this icon. Having previously read 'The Curious Life of Robert Hooke' by Lisa Jardine, I required some mention of Newton's shabby treatment of this fellow genius. Westfall adequately covered this mistreatment, along with Newton's unforgivable treatment of the Royal Astronomer, John Flamsteed, who provided 30 years of dedicated celestial measurements and Roger Cotes who proofread and corrected much of Newton's later work.

So divisive was Newtons leadership at the Royal Society, that there was a consistant 25% of Anit-Newton vote on every issue, even if there was unanimity prior to and after all votes. This un-need Anti-Newton-Newton rift tainted the Society for years after Newton's death. Only under recent research have these facets of human fraility become known. It is sad that Newton's behavior tarnished his well earned credits. This and 'Robert Hook' by Jardine are must reads to understand the origins of the Royal Society and the development of the English Scientific Method.

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Michael Kempel

interesting

Reviewed in the United States on April 6, 2014

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I have learned a lot of interesting history of Newton. It shows how hard it must have been to be sooo smart as he was.

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Mudiwa

A Dull Slog - Avoid this Abridged Version

Reviewed in the United States on March 19, 2018

Note - this concerns the abridged edition. I can't comment on the unabridged text.

I found this book to be a dull slog. The setting and historical context is mostly assumed; very little is provided. Probably a consequence of abridgement, but there is so much left out that I did not get a clear sense of the man, his times, or the setting. The text is very dry, and so full of editorial commentary that it reads more like an appendix to a biography. It is overly concerned with how we know what we know, esoteric details about source documents, and what we can know from what Newton and others wrote. It is barely adequate in portraying Newton as a person, though it is difficult, no doubt. Definitely a rounded portrayal, at least. There is too little information about Newton's inventions and discoveries, in my opinion, and what is there is so sketchy as to be more confusing than enlightening (and I have a degree in physics.)

One person found this helpful

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MrSherlockHolmes

A good introduction to the man.

Reviewed in the United States on July 25, 2006

Newton has been a fascinating figure for me, ever since I read a condensed history about him in one of those INTRODUCTION TO series, I think that one was on Quantum Physics. What fascinated me about Newton was his singleness of mind, a genius who devoted himself almost entirely to the pursuit of knowledge.

Westfall's book is a condensation of an earlier book _Never at Rest_ which I have not had the pleasure of reading. Westfall presents the life of Newton warts and all. It describes his rise to prominence in the scientific world of his time and all the events leading to his most significant publication, the Principia.

What was new to me was Newton's arguments with Hooke and his behavior toward Flamsteed which diminish the man's greatness, in my mind at least. What may be interesting to readers of Newton, the man, rather than the Scientist, are his `latter years' in public service at the Mint.

Overall, I think Westfall kept the proper balance between presenting the works and person of the life of Newton. A worthwhile read.

4 people found this helpful

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Top reviews from other countries

Chlamyphorus

Hits Its Target Admirably

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 19, 2020

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This is a book cut down from Westfall's full biography for a general readership. It is a very useful and readable addition to my shelf of history of science books. It is much better than the other Newton biography I have. I would have liked to have been able to afford Westfall's full biography. But I doubt that I would have read it from cover to cover as I did this one. I gained useful insights from this version, but I am left with questions which only the full biography is likely to answer.

S A.

Five Stars

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 1, 2014

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great read

Daniel Sheppard

A most rewarding read. Enjoyable and educational.

Reviewed in Canada on July 18, 2016

Verified Purchase

A most rewarding read.
Enjoyable and educational.

Amazon Customer

... trivial matter such as the number of sheep isaacs great uncle had

Reviewed in Canada on August 14, 2017

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This book has way too much detail about trivial matter such as the number of sheep isaacs great uncle had.

Lawrence Nial

Four Stars

Reviewed in Canada on February 7, 2016

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A good book. Could have had more math's and proofs.

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