|  | Author: Walter Isaacson
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
List Price: $17.95
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Seller: hippo_books
Rating:  257 reviews
Sales Rank: 5107
Languages: English (Original Language), English (Unknown), English (Published)
Media: Paperback
Pages: 704
Number Of Items: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 2
Dimensions (in): 9.2 x 6.1 x 2
ISBN: 0743264746
Dewey Decimal Number: 530.092
EAN: 9780743264747
ASIN: 0743264746
Publication Date: May 13, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Showing reviews 21-25 of 257
 An inspiration to budding scientists August 3, 2009
Shetu Shah (Atlanta, GA)
While a scientific background is helpful to fully appreciate Einstein's academic struggles and breakthroughs, the book is not meant to explain the theory of special relativity or quantum entanglement (though it does try). Isaacson references Einstein's own letters, speeches, and notes to show the transformation from a man with deeply troubled personal and academic lives to the most remarkable and revered scientists of our time.
 Walter Isaacson's EINSTEIN July 25, 2009
Dr. D. S. Summers (Erie, PA)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
Throughout my career in neurology, I had been somewhat confused about Einstein's unbelief in a God, but Isaacson clarifies that the eminent genius was indeed atheistic if not agnostic. Convincing quotes from Einstein in Isaacson's book: "A foolish faith in authority is the greatest enemy of truth" and "I am a deeply religious nonbeliever...a somewhat new kind of religion". But foremost by Einstein: "Through reading popular scientific books, I soon reached the conviction that much in...the Bible could not be true. The consequence was a positively frantic orgy of freethinking coupled with the impression that youth is intentionally being deceived by the state through lies; it was a crushing impression". Yet like Gibran, Einstein was impressed by nature's laws inclusive of humans: "Science w/o religion [passion] is lame; religion w/o science is blind..."
14 years old and loved it! July 23, 2009
George Dobbins (Lyons, NY, USA)
This is one of the most facinating biographies I have ever read. I, being fourteen, found myself sometimes a bit overwhelmed with the math and physics. But I will say that when the author explains it, it is easier to comprehend. I would recomend this book to ANYONE who wants a thurough (I being no Einstein myself know that is spelled wrong) and epic look at the personal life and triumphs of this genius.
With Compass In Hand June 17, 2009
JMack (Chicago)
While the story of Albert Einstein's insatiable curiosity seems to have begun with a compass, navigating through the landscape of his quixotic life may not be an enjoyable terrain when presented in certain ways. Walter Isaacson's biography does not overwhelm readers with scientific theories as to read like a physics book. Instead, it presents the right balance of science and the story of the man.
In reading the book, one of the most surprising themes is the anti-semitism faced by Einstein. Many dismissed his work such as his theory of relativism merely because Einstein was Jewish. Though thought to be a scientist, Einstein seemed to have a barometer for intolerance even at a young age. Certainly aiding in self-preservation, it also fostered his status as a citizen of the world first and foremost. Initially distancing his heritage at a young age, he would eventually embrace it and become as much a part of his history as his theories.
The book also explores territory that is often omitted in other biographies. For example while the fate of Lieserl Einstein is unknown, Isaacson gives a fair account. The potential shame of Einstein siring a daughter premaritally in this era in certain societies would have limited ability to attain recognition of his research. Initially, Einstein eccentric personality made this problematic enough. Isaacson explores the most likely events as relates to Lieserl in the book.
As many people have, I have been waiting for a quality biogrpahy of Albert Einstein. Like the compass that sparked Einstein curiosity as to how things work, this book is balance. Chapters alternate between science and personal life with slightly more emphasis on personal life. The positive reviews are well-founded.
Einstein is Hard to grasp -- Tried Twice June 1, 2009
Philip T. D. Jardine
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
I tried ordering this item twice from the sellers Amazon lists. The first seller replied that the item they sell isn't really the one they adveritised -- they claim it is the abridged version.
Second seller said that due to a sudden large order for the item, they are out of stock.
Both of these responses sound phoney to me. It is a pity such sellers are allowed to advertise on Amazon.
Showing reviews 21-25 of 257
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