Einstein: His Life and Universe
by Walter Isaacson
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Book Reviews of Einstein: His Life and Universe
Book Review: Einstein gets whacked by a limp noodle-head
Summary: 2 Stars
EINSTEIN: HIS LIFE AND UNIVERSE was a heck of a disappointing biography, and I cannot recommend it. Walter Isaacson didn't wrong his subject or even write a bad bio; on the contrary, it is about as by-the-book as Einstein biographies go.
And that is the problem. This thing was recommended to me when new, and I dove at it, thinking it would beat out the Big Three Einstein Biographies: by Vallentin, Clark and Sayen respectively. BOY was I wrong. It is not only full of ho-humdrum sometimes approaching drivel; it actually makes horribly sloppy errors and even includes a few misquotations.
I leave it to the unfortunate reader to find them. This review is only here because the biography, in a sense, is deceptive. Isaacson promised new and previously unrevealed Einstein biographical detail. Instead, it's ten-times-reheated old hat.
Save your pennies and buy EINSTEIN IN AMERICA by Jamie Sayen, THE DRAMA OF ALBERT EINSTEIN by Antonina Vallentin, and EINSTEIN: THE LIFE AND TIMES by Ronald W. Clark. These are all the books an Einstein lover really needs to begin with - but Isaacson's book is now just an expensive doorstop in my home.
Book Review: A Biography for the Layperson: Einstein
Summary: 4 Stars
What's best about this biography: Isaacson's ability to immerse the reader so thoroughly in history, or his suspenseful development of Einstein's journey to the General Theory of Relativity? Actually both are keys to this eminently readable biography. As one who struggles with the simple concepts of physics, I was delighted to be taken, step by step, into the world of thought experiments. Key to the iconoclastic revolution he began, Einstein's thought experiments actually provide the reader with the means to begin understanding his famous equation, e=mc˛ and its tremendous impact on the world that resonates even today.
Einstein turns out to be far more complicated than the kindly, befuddled scientist of popular culture. Isaacson successfully captures the many nuances of Einstein's character. As the biography progressed through Einstein's initial fame after his scientific publication of 1905, I became aware of Isaacson's underlying theme in this biography: that of "fame" and how fame and popularity merged and began to dominate popular culture -- to a great degree due to this gentle scientist and revolutionary.
Book Review: Fantastic biography
Summary: 5 Stars
Walter Issacson provides a readable and thorough account of Einstien's life. From his great scientific discoveries described in layman's terms (I have never taken a physics class in my life and easily understood the descriptions) to his personal life and what fame did to transform the way he lived. The details are well laid out and prove once again Issacson's mastery of biography. The theories that Issacson lay out are well thought out and provide insight into how Einstein came up with his ideas and conducted his famed thought experiments as the patent officer in Switzerland. Einstein while undoubtedly brilliant was enthralled by being an underdog and by academia not accepting him initially he was able to look past their old ways and conceive something new. The spare time at the patent office allowed him to conduct these experiments and provide theories that would shake theoretical physics to its core. Overall it is highly readable and well worth the time for those looking for a non traditional history book or those in physics who want to learn more about the man behind the relativity.Book Review: Einstein the rebel, with physics made simple
Summary: 4 Stars
This book portrays Einstein as a human, with many foibles, without being condoning or condescending. Many of Einstein's great insights in theoretical physics are presented in an easy to understand manner - often using his own "thought experiments". He comes across as a brilliant physicist who had just the right personality to fit the role. He was just enough of a non-conformist 'ham' to grab the public's attention, while being normal enough to keep the attention. He comes across as a man totally dedicated to his ideas, regardless of whether they were popular.
The book provides balanced coverage of his entire life. The great discoveries while working in the patent office as well as his later pacifist and zionist leanings are all well covered. Some Einstein 'myths' are covered and convincingly debunked. Alas, the completeness also brings about one of the books faults. With personal and professional threads moving at different paces, the narrative often seems to jump around, with a seemingly dropped plot line picked up again a few chapters later.
Book Review: Einstein: His Life and Universe
Summary: 5 Stars
Over recent years I have developed a tradition of sitting down over the Christmas period and reading a book in almost a solid block and this year I had the delights of `Einstein: His Life and Universe` to keep me company for a couple of days. This book looks at his life and scientific discoveries and it is clear and engaging throughout. His ideas are explained in a way that most people can readily grasp and it is fascinating to read about his life and the times he lived in as he formulated them. This explores his family relationships and friendships, as well as his scientific rivals. It also looks at his Zionist principles, pacifist campaigning, feelings about WW2 and his latter years in America. There is a middle photo plate section with various photos of Einstein and acquaintances. This is very well sourced and referenced and makes for an in-depth scholarly text that is also accessible and interesting for the general reader. If you are looking to learn more about this iconic and influential man then this is a pretty good first port of call to consider.