E=mc2: A Biography of the World's Most Famous Equation
by David Bodanis

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Book Reviews of E=mc2: A Biography of the World's Most Famous Equation

Book Review: Excellent Introduction to the Theory of Relativity
Summary: 5 Stars

I read this book before taking any physics courses, and before taking an intermediate chemistry course. In other words, I had literally no science background to speak of, other than a few high school courses and my own interest. I received this book as a gift, and was immediately enthralled. Needless to say, this is one of the few books that has joined the ranks of being re-read a few times.

Bodanis, in this book, follows the progression of what eventually leads Einstein to develop his special theory of relativity, or - as us plebians may know it - E = MC ^ 2. Rather than dwelling on this equation itself, Bodanis instead takes the readers through the history leading up to (and including) this equation. He discusses the scientific work of Lavoisier, Voltaire, and other scientists throughout the scientific englightenment, throwing in clever anectdotes and genuine scientific information. Bodanis includes the relevant information -- relaying to the reader how, exactly, each scientific finding influenced Einstein's later discoveries. However, this is all done without being stodgy or boring -- there is the proper amount of wit and enthusiasm, making this a most enjoyable read.

The other aspect of this book which I enjoyed immensely was the articulation of world events, however superficially. When Einstein had developed his theory of relativity, and was teaching in Germany and Austria, he eventually fled. Bodanis does not ignore the importance of the German scientist exodus during World War II. He ties together loose ends, and makes this book into more than just an equation: He shows how the scientific community was impacted, and the scenario that built up to the development of the theory of relativity.

All said, this is an exciting romp through something which is generally, er...not seen as so exciting. For those interested in scientific history, fact, theory, or even science's impact on the world -- this book is sure to be enjoyed. There is an incredibly broad reader base that will enjoy this book.

Summary of E=mc2: A Biography of the World's Most Famous Equation

Just what those circumstances are occupies much of Bodanis's book, which pays homage to Einstein and, just as important, to predecessors such as Maxwell, Faraday, and Lavoisier, who are not as well known as Einstein today. Balancing writerly energy and scholarly weight, Bodanis offers a primer in modern physics and cosmology, explaining that the universe today is an expression of mass that will, in some vastly distant future, one day slide back to the energy side of the equation, replacing the "dominion of matter" with "a great stillness"--a vision that is at once lovely and profoundly frightening.

Without sliding into easy psychobiography, Bodanis explores other circumstances as well; namely, Einstein's background and character, which combined with a sterling intelligence to afford him an idiosyncratic view of the way things work--a view that would change the world. --Gregory McNamee

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