Einstein: His Life and Universe by Walter Isaacson
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Book Reviews of Einstein: His Life and Universe
Book Review: Great Science, Great History, Great Biography!!!
Summary: 5 Stars
First I read Isaacson's "Benjamin Franklin." Then I attended a lecture and book signing in New Orleans where the author delivered a wonderful lecture on Einstein after which he autographed my book. After that, how could I not read it?
Walter Isaacson is a brilliant man and a superb biographer! He truly understands Einstein's science and presents it in a way that is understandable to us mortals (well, almost). Any failures to understand the science though were totally mine....not the author's, and I certainly gained a much improved understanding of relativity, general relativity, quantum mechanics, etc. from having read this book. (Actually, I was reminded why I changed my intended college major from physics to other arenas during my freshman year.) I also gained a new knowledge of and appreciation for the other scientific luminaries of the early twentieth century as well as for the politics of scientific academia.
Beyond the science, Isaacson thoroughly explains Einstein the man. It is interesting to see how Einstein's early struggles to enter academia actually allowed him to think unconventionally and to develop the groundbreaking theories that made him famous. The book explores how his deep feelings for mankind could coexist in a personality that struggled with close personal relationships as well as how such an amazing scientific mind could sometimes be simplistic and naive in geo-political matters. Einstein's transition from pacifist to reluctant advocate of armament was also instructive. The perspectives of twentieth century history, Einstein's "rock star" status, his role in advocating the nuclear bomb, his religious views, his sense of being Jewish, his relationships with his family and peers and many other aspects of his life and personality are all covered well and entertainingly.
Who would think a biography of a scientist could be so interesting? While the actual science is sometimes a bit ponderous, it is necessary for the story, and Isaacson presents it well. The rest reads like a novel and, at several points near the end, is actually laugh out loud funny. I cannot recommend this book enough!!!
Book Review: HIS ENDLESS CURIOSITY
Summary: 5 Stars
Isn't it amazing what a person can accomplish with quiet "thought experiments" while looking out the window from a job that does not absorb all of the intellect and imagination? It is also interesting that some of Einstein's best work was accomplished early in his career when he was struggling economically and involved in a tumultuous marriage? Perhaps it shows that a great intellect can function by detaching itself from the noise of daily life. Perhaps the subconscious mind is the source of the greatest thoughts.
Contrary to our tendency to consider Einstein only for his brain, Isaacson's book focuses on the humanity of the Professor, including his struggles, failures, odd quirks and ideas, and endless curiosity. In an age of mindless entertainment, how much we need people with minds that are vitally interested in peeling away the next layer of mystery enveloping the universe! If Einstein had one passion, it was just to understand how the entire mechanism of creation works from the sub-atomic to the inter-galactic. If Einstein had one unique talent, it was his irreverence for conventional thinking and a special ability to see and visualize from an entirely new viewpoint. His unconventionality ultimately made him successful and endearing.
Isaacson's biography is well-worth reading and then sharing with a friend who also has a spark of curiosity about the man and his place in scientific and popular history. Einstein was a man of peace who loved sailing and music, yet in many chapters of his life peace eluded him due to events beyond his control. We can sympathize with Einstein when his last great quest for a unified field theory continued to elude him and his health failed him while equations continued to flow from his pen. I hope his life story will encourage a new generation of thinkers to follow imaginations and never lose their curiosity. Coauthor of ARROWS THROUGH TIME: A Time Travel Tale of Adventure, Courage, and Faith.
Book Review: Insightful and wonderfully written: a page-turner
Summary: 5 Stars
Walter Isaacson writes history so that it reads like an excellent, exciting novel. This biography is a page-turner.
Moreover, the author writes with subtle humor and great insight.
Isaacson's research is accurate and extensive, which makes it even more amazing that the book does not have the format of a history textbook.
This biography of Albert Einstein is filled with stories of a love affair, dear friendship, a failed marriage, his first wife's ruined career, his childhood insights, how the job at the patent office provided inspiration, his marriage to a first cousin who was also a second cousin, his family, his homes, his political and religious views, and his need for help with the mathematics related to his theoretical physics. We feel as if we know Albert Einstein personally as we read Isaacson's words.
Science is blended effortlessly with these tales of his personal life. Moreover, we learn so much along the way, painlessly and joyfully.
Every word is carefully selected; nothing needs to be cut.
Isaacson's grammar is perfect, which is extremely refreshing. Many modern authors cause me to believe that I should have a red pen to correct grammatical errors while reading their works.
Walter Isaacson's book on Benjamin Franklin is also absolutely wonderful, with similar qualities. (Hence my review of that book is similar to this review.)
Recently, some psychologists have labeled Einstein posthumously as autistic, suffering from Asperger's syndrome. Others strongly disagree with this diagnosis, and Isaacson recognizes Einstein as a genius who enjoyed the company of other people and reveled in his fame.
Book Review: If you like History, but aren't a Physicist, this book is for you.
Summary: 5 Stars
If you don't know much about Albert Einstein and probably aren't going to get a PhD in Physics anytime soon, but want to know more about this historical figure, this is certainly the book for you.
I found Issacson's easygoing writing style to be very helpful during the discussions on Einstein's relativity theory and his philosophical battle against the randomness in emerging Quantum mechanics. In truth, one cannot understand this great man without some knowledge of these areas of physics, though a typical reader won't want to understand their entirety.
In addition to his genius, it was wonderful to learn about Einstein's astounding curiosity, his perseverance towards an academic career, his steadfast rejection of nationalism, his incredibly simple approach to his personal life, and his commitment to the idea that everything in nature has a purpose and an underlying structure- that "God doesn't play dice".
At the same time, Einstein was a man, and he had many shortcomings. It was particularly discouraging to learn about his failings as a husband and as a father. His outspoken naiveté regarding global politics also remind the reader of today's society where celebrities in one field often feel the power/right to voice their opinions in another where they have little in the way of training or expertise.
I found his assessment of America in a letter to his son, particularly timely, paraphrasing: "in America everything is mass produced, even lunacy. But at the same time, everything fades away very quickly."
This is a book that is for mature readers due to it's length, some of it's subject matter and some language.
Book Review: An Excellent New Portrait
Summary: 5 Stars
Enough time has passed that a popular book was perhaps needed to turn the icon back into the man. It is a challenge to say something new about Einstein the man, and perhaps it is enough for Isaacson to shine the light of inquiry at a few new angles. Purists will appreciate the copious footnoting, but most readers will just enjoy letting the author present the material in an orderly, clear, and engaging manner. It is not possible to read the book (and enjoy the old photos) without feeling that you have made at least a good acquaintance with Prof. Einstein.
In my distant youth, I was led to believe that only a few elite scientists actually understood Einstein's major theoretical breakthroughs, but this author is able to explain them well enough to the layman reader that he or she won't feel entirely left out. The book may inspire a few to pick up the quest for a unified field theory, but for most of us the effect will be simply a greater understanding and appreciation of the individual, his times, and his many important impacts on our world. It is particularly interesting to watch the essentially pacifist scientists with a "world citizen" viewpoint confront the irrefutable evil of the persecution and murder of Jew and others. Ultimately, however, Einstein proves that nobody is a genius at everything (including affairs of the heart), and he never seems to realize the implicit danger in one-world government.
I see this book as having great value to anyone with deep roots in the 20th century, but even more value to young people (high school or older) who need to understand Einstein's life and times as context for today's world.