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on July 17, 2015
There is perhaps no greater scientist to have ever lived. His name is known internationally. Even if people don't completely understand his work, they respect his contribution. This is the third book I've read by Walter Isaacson, and I must say, like "The Innovators" and "Steve Jobs," "Einstein" is a wonderful read.
Isaacson has won my vote: he's one of the best biographers of our time. Book after book, he captures the essence of these figures with respect and critical review. Einstein is a fascinating, flawed, and brilliant man. Isaacson adeptly weaves stories of scientific discovery with the trials and tribulations of marriages run amok. Einstein's temperament was extreme: kindness juxtaposed with coldness. Isaacson compares the two and leaves his focus on display for the reader.
I was exceptionally impressed by Einstein's political leanings and powerful statements. Here are a few that captured my attention:
"Blind respect for authority is the greatest enemy of truth."
'A new idea comes suddenly and in a rather intuitive way. But intuition is nothing but the outcome of earlier intellectual experience."
"People who live in a society, enjoy looking into each other's eyes, who share their troubles, who focus their efforts on what is important to them and find this joyful -- these people lead a full life."
"Use for yourself little, but give to others much."
Isaacson has won my vote: he's one of the best biographers of our time. Book after book, he captures the essence of these figures with respect and critical review. Einstein is a fascinating, flawed, and brilliant man. Isaacson adeptly weaves stories of scientific discovery with the trials and tribulations of marriages run amok. Einstein's temperament was extreme: kindness juxtaposed with coldness. Isaacson compares the two and leaves his focus on display for the reader.
I was exceptionally impressed by Einstein's political leanings and powerful statements. Here are a few that captured my attention:
"Blind respect for authority is the greatest enemy of truth."
'A new idea comes suddenly and in a rather intuitive way. But intuition is nothing but the outcome of earlier intellectual experience."
"People who live in a society, enjoy looking into each other's eyes, who share their troubles, who focus their efforts on what is important to them and find this joyful -- these people lead a full life."
"Use for yourself little, but give to others much."
on February 4, 2017
I am barely half way through this book, having been into it again at 2:30 this morning. It is an appropriately exhaustive introduction to Einstein the man and his work. It is also well supported by copious notes which I personally am finding equally valuable. Apart from a prior basic science qualification, I also studied Einstein in some detail in my History & Philosophy of Science degree, particularly regarding Special Relativity. In a separate part of this course, I had a good exposure to Quantum Electrodynamics. In addition, I've read widely on such topics for over 60 years.
The quality of the writing is excellent. (I also bought Isaacson's 'The Innovators' from Amazon and enjoyed it equally.) The balance he achieves between the very thorough basic text and the supporting notes is admirable. Not only is he covering decades of a life but also the intricacies of the thought processes and output of one of the greatest minds we've known - a wonderful accomplishment. A book I would recommend to anyone with the slightest interest. Maths and formulae are kept to an absolute minimum. It can be enjoyed at a number of levels - a compliment to any author.
The quality of the writing is excellent. (I also bought Isaacson's 'The Innovators' from Amazon and enjoyed it equally.) The balance he achieves between the very thorough basic text and the supporting notes is admirable. Not only is he covering decades of a life but also the intricacies of the thought processes and output of one of the greatest minds we've known - a wonderful accomplishment. A book I would recommend to anyone with the slightest interest. Maths and formulae are kept to an absolute minimum. It can be enjoyed at a number of levels - a compliment to any author.
on April 2, 2016
A well written, thoroughly researched and very interesting book. Isaacson has an easy style and quite readable. I'm always frustrated by authors who become "quote happy" and either separate and/or indent them, or go overboard with footnotes which destroys continuity. Although Isaacson uses many, many quotes, virtually all of them are molded into the sentence resulting in smooth reading and no loss of continuity. Also, one would think writing about Albert Einstein would necessarily involve mind bending concepts, mathematical equations, etc. far beyond us mortals, and to a certain degree that is unavoidable for this subject. However, Isaacson has a way of presenting the theories and concepts in a reasonably understandable language and style. Though I'm not finished with the book as yet, I have found it totally fascinating thus far and sometimes find it hard to put it down and go to bed. Whatever one has heard about Einstein and the many myths about his life, genius, shortcomings, etc., I think you'll find this book to quite enlightening.
VINE VOICEon 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."
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."
on April 24, 2013
It must be difficult to write about a man who died a long time ago and to only rely on references to what others have already written. That is how this book appears to me: a collection of quotes painfully pulled from the literature, stitched together by unexciting prose. I read this Isaacson book with great expectations after I read his Steve Jobs biography. But I was disappointed. Isaacson also repeats himself frequently, to the point of verbatim repeat sentences. This is odd, today's editing technology should catch that or he uses this intentionally as filler (his books are unnecessarily long).
TOP 1000 REVIEWERVINE VOICEon November 3, 2008
It is interesting to see that 4 years after Isaacson's Benjamin Franklin: An American Life he chose to write about another rebel scientist in Albert Einstein. While the two men make a great compare/contrast it doesn't make it any easier for the author writing the books (NOTE: At no point during "Einstein" does Isaacson try to compare/contrast the two). While writing on Franklin most readers can grasp the scientific and political thoughts that are being discussed. This is not necessarily true of the readers of Einstein.
I need to offer a bit of a disclaimer - I am a degreed engineer who has taken multiple classes in quantum mechanics. However, there are times I had difficulty in grasping the concepts that Isaacson was presenting. While I believe that Isaacson did much research I did find that his approach to explaining the concepts to be a bit clumsy. Please do not take this as being overly negative - MOST people will look clumsy when trying to explain the theory of general relativity or the photoelectric effect. However, in "einstein" it made sections of the book very difficult to read much less comprehend. I have a lot of sympathy to the readers who have never been introduced to these concepts prior to reading "Einstein".
That is the negative - it can be a very difficult read at times (which is the reason for 4 stars instead of 5). On a positive note (and there are many more positives than negatives) Isaacson has presented us with a lovable yet humanly flawed Einstein. We are told of the passion and failures of his first marriage. We are shown great insights into the curious thought experiments that he performed to generate his great insights (such as a person who is accelerated downward at high acceleration doesn't know if it is "gravity" or another force that he is feeling) or the perceived changes in light on a passenger on a train compared to someone viewing from the train station.
Another insight that we rarely see is his opposition to nationalism and the loss of personal liberty. Einstein was a very outspoken critic of McCarthyism and he did not shy away from the controversy. In short, Einstein was a rebel for the conventional thought of science and that of politics. Isaacson is very skilled in showing these comparisons throughout Einstein's life.
While Isaacson's "Einstein" does not reach the level of "Franklin" in story-telling skill or scientific explanation it is still a must read for anyone curious in the development of modern thought in Physics...for everyone else... I hope you are up to the challenge. 4 stars.
4 stars.
I need to offer a bit of a disclaimer - I am a degreed engineer who has taken multiple classes in quantum mechanics. However, there are times I had difficulty in grasping the concepts that Isaacson was presenting. While I believe that Isaacson did much research I did find that his approach to explaining the concepts to be a bit clumsy. Please do not take this as being overly negative - MOST people will look clumsy when trying to explain the theory of general relativity or the photoelectric effect. However, in "einstein" it made sections of the book very difficult to read much less comprehend. I have a lot of sympathy to the readers who have never been introduced to these concepts prior to reading "Einstein".
That is the negative - it can be a very difficult read at times (which is the reason for 4 stars instead of 5). On a positive note (and there are many more positives than negatives) Isaacson has presented us with a lovable yet humanly flawed Einstein. We are told of the passion and failures of his first marriage. We are shown great insights into the curious thought experiments that he performed to generate his great insights (such as a person who is accelerated downward at high acceleration doesn't know if it is "gravity" or another force that he is feeling) or the perceived changes in light on a passenger on a train compared to someone viewing from the train station.
Another insight that we rarely see is his opposition to nationalism and the loss of personal liberty. Einstein was a very outspoken critic of McCarthyism and he did not shy away from the controversy. In short, Einstein was a rebel for the conventional thought of science and that of politics. Isaacson is very skilled in showing these comparisons throughout Einstein's life.
While Isaacson's "Einstein" does not reach the level of "Franklin" in story-telling skill or scientific explanation it is still a must read for anyone curious in the development of modern thought in Physics...for everyone else... I hope you are up to the challenge. 4 stars.
4 stars.
on March 11, 2015
So far it's good. The author writes about Einsteins academic achievements and scientific ideas as well as life achievements such as pregnancy with Maric. The author intersperses actual excerpts from letters written from and to Maric and quotes from Einsteins Journal accompanied with references making the book well researched. The book explains his long journey of being a patent clerk to discovering his theory of relativity the ups and downs along the way all of the job applications he submitted for professorship and all of the his female companions along the way. Einstein was a very interesting fellow and he interested many people whether he was sailing alone enjoying his solitude "lightly gripping the rudder" as the book puts it or traveling the country to give speech making friends and sharing and enjoying the classics of music. This book follow Einstein all the way to his end years and puts a lot of emphasis on making points about Einstein's character through Einstein's own words to his female companions friends and enemies and to his male friends and enemies. Overall this book is very detailed.
on June 16, 2016
This is the second biography I've read by Walter Isaacson. My view is that he's a great biographical writer. He does a deep dive on research. He must have read every scientific paper and news article and interviewed every person who knows something unique about Einstein. He really seems to gather as many facts as possible. From there, he does his best to present the information as unbiased as possible, a difficult task I'm sure, but he achieves it with grace. If the records conflict, he doesn't choose one side. He writes that the records conflict. The result is an objective and intimate picture of a person that I believe will stand the test of time. I highly recommended it.
on February 15, 2015
I am a huge fan of Einstein and this book has incredible information of the life of this iconic man. The book is extremely long and has its dull moments as expected from Isaacson, but if you can get pass that then this should be a very enlightening biography. This book really goes into detail of Einsteins life and attempts to give the reader an inside feel of how his mind worked. I think this is a great book for anyone who longs for knowledge and is perfectly fine with reading a book of this length, but most importantly enjoys Isaacson's work.
