3-minute Einstein: Digesting His Life, Theories, and Influence in 3-minute Morsels

by Paul Parsons

Examining the scientist whose space-time theories laid the foundations for modern physics, this biography portrays Albert Einstein as not only an unparalleled scientific genius, but as a human rights campaigner, a political activist, and the iconic archetype of the mad professor. This engaging and illuminating book shows readers why it is that Einstein continues to fascinate scientists and laypeople alike, all in brief bits of text that keep readers from getting overwhelmed by complicated and advanced scientific explanations. The biography is structured into three parts—life, theories, and influence—and although the two theories of relativity occupy places of honor, lesser-known aspects of Einstein’s work are not forgotten, such as how his investigations aided in the invention of lasers, how he patented a unique type of refrigeration, how he proved the existence of atoms, and how he invested his last years into a premature search for the theory of everything. His celebrated scientific pursuits are contrasted with an agitated private life, two marriages, an illegitimate daughter, a lack of resources during World War I, illness, and his exile to the United States due to the Nazis’ rise to power.

Examinando al científico cuyas teorías de tiempo y espacio proveyeron los fundamentos para la física moderna, esta biografía representa a Albert Einstein no sólo como un científico brillante incomparable, pero como un defensor de los derechos humanos, un activista político y el arquetipo del icónico profesor alocado. Este interesante e iluminante libro le muestra al lector por qué es que Einstein continúa fascinando a científicos y laicos por igual, todo mediante trozos breves de texto que evitan que el lector se sienta inundado por explicaciones científicas complicadas y avanzadas. La biografía está estructurada en tres partes—vida, teorías e influencia—y aunque las dos teorías de la relatividad ocupan el puesto de honor, no se olvidan aspectos menos conocidos del trabajo de Einstein tales como cómo su investigación ayudó a la invención del láser, cómo patentó un tipo único de frigorífico, cómo demostró la existencia de los átomos y cómo invirtió sus últimos años en una búsqueda prematura de la teoría del todo. Sus celebradas labores científicas se contrastan con una vida privada agitada, dos matrimonios, una hija ilegítima, la escasez de recursos durante la primera guerra mundial, la enfermedad y la huida a Estados Unidos a causa del ascenso al poder de los nazis.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, Physics, Biography, History

Hardcover

First published May 16, 2011

Reviews

[Sonja · Rating 4 out of 5]

❝Imagination is more important than knowledge.❞

3-minute Einstein is a really digestible and accessible biography. The whole concept of the book is that every page can be read in three minutes, so complex subjects such as the theory of relativity are way easier to understand this way. It was a very interesting read!

» buddy read with my eldest brother

[William Schram · Rating 4 out of 5]

Albert Einstein is quite possibly the most famous scientist of the modern era. Do I know why that is, though? Well, yes. To an extent, I do know about Einstein and his findings. I don't know them well enough to write a book about it, though, so that is where Paul Parsons comes in with 3-Minute Einstein.

Parsons divides his book into three major sections. Each one of them provides pictures of Einstein and various aspects of his life.

The book delivers what it promises; a quick examination of Albert Einstein's life. It covers both his triumphs and his failures. I am most familiar with the aspects of Einstein's life that have to do with Physics. I didn't know too much about his personal life, but apparently, Einstein was a ladies' man. To be blunt, he had several extramarital affairs. I know about the Cosmological Constant and his failure in predicting the expanding universe.

I don't see any mention of Vincent Berthal in the copy I have. The author is Paul Parsons, and the foreword is by John Gribben.

[maks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fast and cohesive. Would be very useful for writing a report where you need quick facts about Einstein's life and accomplishments and well as his work's influence. However, it's not the book if you want to know the nitty gritty details of his life or the breakdowns of his findings.

[Dennis P Moore · Rating 2 out of 5]

5.

[Servaas]

I only read two thirds of this book, it provides some interesting insights into Einstein's youth and theories

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

When my son had to do some testing, I read this book in about two hours in the waiting room. The book has wonderful photos and quotations, timelines, biographical information, easily digested scientific information, and discussion of Einstein's legacy. Highly recommended for people who want an overview of Einstein's life, work, and significance.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

My youngest (age 11) was interested in learning more about Einstein, and although this is an adult non-fiction book, it was an excellent introduction. Lots of interesting information about Einstein, his life, and his theories, but written in short, easy to understand segments. This was an enjoyable book to read aloud.

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Albert Einstein, almost more than I love science. I picked up this book from B&N in the sale section. It has some pretty neat facts, pictures, and is simply written. Who could say no to such a beautiful mind???

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was "relatively" easy to read and "absolutely" thought provoking.

[Arthur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read that lets you digest Einstein's life and his theories in easy 3 minute snippets.