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Photobiographies

Genius (Direct Mail Edition): A Photobiography of Albert Einstein

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On the 100th anniversary of the publishing of the special theory of relativity, this National Geographic photobiography chronicles the life of one of the most brilliant scientists who ever lived. Through compelling text and stirring archival photographs, the author recounts Einstein's life from his privileged childhood in Austria through the crucial years during World War II, and his death 50 years ago in Princeton, New Jersey. Young readers learn about Einstein's remarkable theories that still influence technologies of today and discover the causes he passionately supported such as disarmament and civil liberties.

64 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2005

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About the author

Marfe Ferguson Delano

39 books4 followers

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5 stars
51 (38%)
4 stars
51 (38%)
3 stars
28 (21%)
2 stars
1 (<1%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Profile Image for Samra.
568 reviews
July 31, 2015
Amazing kids biography book. would keep them interested in this awesome scientist
50 reviews
December 5, 2016
• Book summary
-Albert Einstein was left without his grandfather at an early age, who was his idol. He was a brilliant man who initiated 20th-century science with his general theory of relativity. He was born in Ulm, Germany. His parents supported Einstein in everything he did. He learned independence early, and did not like school initially. Though, he went along to attend the Swiss Federal institute of Technology. After college he hit some struggles financially, with his love life, and family issues. He spent the rest of his time studying and creating more profound theories. He became a renown, Nobel Prize winner, and still continued to use his brilliant mind creating more theories.

• Grade level, interest level, Lexile
-3rd-6th grade

• Appropriate classroom use (subject area)
-Use during reading circle or while introducing Alberta Einstein.

• Individual students who might benefit from reading
-Students that are interested in math and theorists like Einstein.

• Small group use (literature circles)
-Have students analyze the events in his life and come to the conclusion that they are also capable of anything. Talk about his struggles and accomplishments.

• Whole class use (read aloud)
-After reading, have students analyze the events in his life.

• Related books in genre/subject or content area
-“Isaac Newton” written by National Geographic is a good follow up book especially if students are interested in learning in mathematical theorists. Good introduction books.

• Multimedia connections
-Available in hardcover or paperback.
Profile Image for Amy.
3,501 reviews35 followers
June 16, 2010
I read parts of this story out loud to my 9 year old son...although we had to a little editing when it came to several parts...the child out of wedlock, living with and then marrying his cousin, etc. But it was an interesting look at a brilliant man. It explained his scientific concepts and discoveries in as simple a format as possible...I was still lost but grasped more than I have before. He made huge contributions not only in quantum physics but in promoting peace, democracy, equal rights, and bringing "Jewish" issues to the forefront of society. It was interesting...
Profile Image for Emily.
198 reviews2 followers
November 10, 2012
"The important things is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing. One cannot help but be in awe when one contemplates the mysteries of eternity." - Albert Einstein
12 reviews4 followers
May 10, 2015
This book looks good for a couple of reasons, First, the book has pictures. For example, everyone prefers books with pictures because it gives them an understanding in a picture and not words. Second, the book has a timeline and resources. For example, that can be very helpful when knowing when he did this or if the reader wants to know where they found the information. Those are the reasons why this book looks good.
This book might interest friends for a couple of reasons. First, the book has quotes. For example,"Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited, imagination encircles the world". Second, the book talks about Einstein's history. For example, the book doesn't talk just when Einstein found out the E=mc² equation.Those are the reasons why the book might interest friends.
The book got rated a 4 and not a 5 for a couple of reasons. First, the book might get boring if the reader doesn't want to read a certain part. For example, someone has to read the history while he wanted to read the facts. Second, the book might not teach the reader if he already knows the stuff. For example, the book talks about the E=mc² while the reader already knows everything about it. Those are the reasons why the book is rated 4 stars.

The features in this book are useful for a couple of reasons. First, there is an index. For example, "Atomic bombs 56" that would help if wanting to where something is. Second, the book has credits on who wrote what. For example, "Back Cover photograph: Bettmann/Corbis".Those are the reasons why the features in this book are useful.
This book can teach the reader for a couple of reasons. First, it teaches the E=mc². For example, "E=mc², or Energy (E) equals mass (m) multiplied by the speed of light (c) squared (²). Second, it also teaches about the example of the train and the ball. For example, "If you are on a train traveling 40 miles per hour and you throw a ball at 20 miles per hour in the same direction that the that the train is moving, to you the ball would look as if it were moving at 20 miles per hour, but to a person outside the train watching the train the ball would seen going 60 miles per hour". Those are the reasons/example of the book teaching the reader.
This book is pretty good for a couple of reasons. First, the book gives specific information about Einstein. For example, "When Albert was 14 he was fascinated by math and physics" and "1905 Einstein produced 4 groundbreaking articles that revolutionized science". Second, the book informs people about Einstein and other things. For example, "Albert Einstein was born in 1879". Those are the reasons why this book is pretty good.

Einstein's life must be scary for a couple of reasons. First, he had to live through WW1 and WW2. For example, "Einstein was so horrified that the bombs had targeted civilians that he later said he regretted having sent the letter to Roosevelt." Second, he is German which was the "bad guys" of those wars and he was against Nazis. For example, "Moreover, he had spoken out strongly against the Nazis and in defense of democracy and pacifism." Those are the reasons Einstein's life must have been scary.
There are some things that the reader might relate to for a couple of reasons. First, some people might see themselves as an ordinary person which is the same for Albert. For example, "Although he was proud of his achievements, he saw himself as just an ordinary person." Second, people's marriages grew unhappy which exactly what happened to Albert because he spent more time on science than with his family. For example, "Over the past couple years, Albert and Mileva's marriage had grown unhappy." Those are the reasons/examples of the reader's life might relate.
Important events in Albert Einstein's life. First, he graduates from the Polytechnic which is a big part in everybody's life. "Albert received his degree in 1900, but he was so burned out from having to 'cram all this stuff' into his mind for the exam that he found 'the consideration of any scientific problems distasteful... for a year.'" Second, he was awarded with a Nobel prize in physics. "While he was on his way to a lecture tour in Japan in 1922, Einstein learned that he had been awarded the 1921 Nobel Prize for Physics." Those are the important events in Albert Einstein's life.

These people are important in Einstein's life for some reasons. Marcel Grossmann was Albert's lifelong friends. For instance he helped Albert with his notes for the final exams. The next people are his parents. "He was the first child of Hermann and Pauline Koch Einstein a middle-class Jewish couple." To sum it up these are the important people in Einstein's life.
There are shocking moments in Albert Einstein's life that he did. One of them is that he quits school in Munich to go to his family in Milan. For instance he chose to go to his family than to stay in school which is a weird part since he is one of the smartest person. Another is that he was offered to be the president of Israel but he declines the offer. "In 1952 the nation of Israel asked Einstein to become its president after the death of its first president." In short these are shocking moments in Einstein's life.
Some readers can relate to Albert Einstein's life. One thing they could relate is that he was ranked first for grades. For instance "A letter written by Pauline to her mother in 1886 noted with pride, 'Yesterday Albert got his grades once again he was ranked first, he got a splendid report card.' Despite getting good grades, Albert didn't really like school." Another thing is that their world just went downhill. For instance his family went to Milan without him and also their company is going in hard times. Those are other things some readers can relate to.

Albert Einstein's quotes are very interesting. Some of them are helpful. For instance,"Do not worry about your difficulties in mathematics; I can assure you that mine are much greater."(Albert Einstein, in a letter written in reply to a 15-year-old girl who wrote him asking for help with her homework). Next thing is that you can see in Albert's point of view. For instance,"Why is it that nobody understands me, and everybody likes me?" Those are the reasons why Albert Einstein's quotes are interesting.
Other important events in Albert Einstein's life. One of them is in 1905 when Albert formulates the equation "E=mc²". For instance, "He publishes four articles that revolutionize science, including two on his special theory of relativity." The next event is in 1952 when Einstein is offered presidency of Israel. For instance he (out of everyone) got chosen to be the president of the leading country of Jewish people (I think?) and he declines it too. Those are other important events is Albert's life.
These are other things the reader can relate to Albert Einstein. First is that at 14 years old Albert loved mathematics and physics. For instance many people growing up to their teen years start liking math and physics. Next is that the reader might have a best friend who is always there for them. For instance, "Marcel Grossmann excellent notes helped the class-cutting Einstein pass his final exams." Those are things the reader can relate to.

These are important people in Albert's life. Isaac Newton was one of them."At the time, the accepted view of how the universe worked was the one that English scientist Isaac Newton had established more than 200 years earlier. " Another person is Hendrik Antoon Lorentz the Dutch Scientist. He helped Albert building his special theory of relativity. Those are more people that were important in Albert's life.
These events are one of the most dangerous or sad parts of Albert's life for a couple of reasons. One of the dangerous events is when the Nazis are taking over. An example is that they started making an atomic bomb to killing the Jews. Something else that was sad is when his daughter died. "Elsa Einstein died after a long, painful battle with heart and kidney disease." Those are the sad and dangerous parts of Albert's life.
These are the most happy times in Albert Einstein's life for good reasons. One of them is when he awarded the 1921 Nobel Prize in physics. Getting a Nobel Prize is an awesome and happy time to everyone. Something else is when he gets asked to be the president of Israel. "It was largely an honorary office, but Einstein nonetheless politely declined." Those are the happiest moments in Albert Einstein's life.
Profile Image for Gabi Jones.
55 reviews1 follower
April 24, 2018
This is different than most biographies because this one has a lot of pictures which would be very engaging for children. I enjoyed how these pictures were original photos from the original event because often times we don't get to see pictures from the actual event when it comes to historical events. I would use this in my classroom to teach students who Albert Einstein was during an "important people" unit. This also introduces them to a scholarly magazine National Geographic which they may have never been exposed to and end up really enjoying it for future use. His story is inspiring to children because he actually didn't do very well in school he got bad grades and didn't work very hard however he suffered mildly from these actions which is laid out in the book. I believe students will recolonize these action and hopefully make better choices when it comes to academics. The theme of the book is hard work will pay off and never let anyone underestimate you. One of Einstein's teacher told him he would never amount to anything and now national geographic is writing a biography about him!
Profile Image for Sydney.
42 reviews2 followers
December 4, 2019
I learned a lot in this book! This photobiography is has really great information about Albert Einstein from his birth until his death and everything in between including his wives and children. I think this book would be best for middle school students because it is pretty long and filled with so much information. This could definitely be used as an independent fun read or a research book too. Not only does this photobiography have information about Albert Einstein's schooling and accomplishments but also about some more fun things that the general public might not know. Rating 4 stars because it is so informational and can be a great resource.
Profile Image for João Pedro.
3 reviews
August 8, 2021
I read this book with the objective to learn more about one of the most brilliant minds that ever existed on earth, and my objective was completed, I really liked how they included pages with family member's thoughts, this is only a 4/5 instead a 5/5 because in the end it got a little bit boring, but it still was a great book
Profile Image for Catwall.
362 reviews1 follower
March 9, 2021
Childrens' literature. I bought this at a Scholastic book fair. As a teacher/Reading Specialist, I am always looking for good books that would interest my elementary students and this is one of them - of course I enjoyed reading it, too. Very good biography of this ultra famous scientist, with lots of photos; includes his life in Germany (including life under Hitler), his childhood, his family, and his life in the US.
233 reviews17 followers
July 31, 2018
"If one cannot explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough"--Albert Einstein

I really enjoyed this 2005 photo-biography of Albert Einstein. It's complete with photos, quotes and diagrams relating to his life and work. The book depicts how Einstein never lost his sense of wonder when he grew up as well. He is definitely someone I would've liked to have met!

Albert's granddaughter Evelyn (Hans Albert's daughter) writes the book's introduction. She gives us more of a perspective than most would of Einstein. Instead of scientific theory, Evelyn tells us about the grandfather she knew--about how he enjoyed sailing and playing the violin. She also mentions how Albert knew how to speak to children without talking down to them--a trait that seems to be missed in today's society.

Sadly, Evelyn is no longer with us. She passed away in 2011 at the age of 70. Yet "Genius" is a book I highly recommend to any Einstein enthusiast, scientist or book-hound in general. With its pictures and quotes, the reader will blaze through this photo-biography again and again, picking up new pieces of information they have missed before.

Delano writes an amazing book for us to understand Einstein and his life. I am certain that Albert himself would be pleased with its simplicity and how the readers can enjoy learning about this genius that Time magazine dubbed back in 1999 as its "Person of the Century". Don't miss an opportunity to read this biography! This is a photo-book that one will enjoy reading or looking at photos or quotes over and over again.

Rating: *****
8 reviews1 follower
January 11, 2015
“Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited, imagination encircles the world”- Albert Einstein (Delano 30). Genius, a photography of Albert Einstein, was written by the world’s famous author Marfé Ferguson Delano. One of the three most important moments that pushed Albert Einstein to become a mathematician, as Einstein exclaimed, was “When I was a little boy my father showed me a small compass, and the enormous impression that it made on me certainly played a role in my life.”- Albert Einstein (Delano 9). Another example that played a role in Albert Einstein’s life, was when he visited Italy with his family, “The happy months of my stay in Italy are very beautiful memories…Days and weeks anxiety and tension.”- Albert Einstein (Delano 17). There, he visited art museums and churches, visited friends in the Italian countryside, hiked with his family and he also took time to write a scientific essay. Albert Einstein was also sent to a highly recommended Swiss high school, because of his remarkable mathematical abilities. Finally, another important moment in Albert Einstein’s life was when he fell in love with a woman from Serbia named Mileva Maric, “I’m so lucky to have found you, a creature who is my equal, and who is as strong and independent as I am”- Albert Einstein (Delano 22). Albert couldn’t marry her until he had found a steady job. Mileva went to live with her parents where she gave birth to her first daughter, who then died. A few months later, when Albert had found a steady job in the Swiss Patent Office, Mileva Maric came to live with him. There, Mileva gave birth to her second child, Hans Albert. Thus, this captivating biography was skilfully developed through the other’s use of description.

The biography, Genius, taught the reader many interesting facts and events in Albert Einstein’s life. Albert Einstein became world famous for his mathematical and scientific abilities. “Albert Einstein was named Person of The Century by Time Magazine, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics, and was even invited to be President of Israel-all in recognition of his great achievements. Albert Einstein may well be the most famous scientist who ever lived.” (Delano 67). Albert Einstein changed the way people’s view of the universe. Four world famous physicians that inspired Albert Einstein are Galileo Galilei, Isaac Newton, James Clerk Maxwell and Hendrik Antoon Lorentz. Albert Einstein taught the readers a very important lesson through his biography. “One thing I have learned in a long life; that all our science, measured against reality, is primitive and Child like-and yet it is the most precious thing we have.”- Albert Einstein (Delano 5). Albert Einstein taught the readers various life lessons through this biography.

The biography, Genius, is a very fascinate, descriptive and very interesting book. I would highly recommend this biography to young scientists and physicians who want to discover the many truths about science and universe. As well as readers who want to know more about Albert Einstein’s private life. This biography teaches various high moral standard life lessons such as “remaining a child”. As one can see, the amazing biography, Genius, is considered very exciting because of its use of description.
37 reviews2 followers
May 5, 2015
Personal Reaction: Genius: A Photobiography of Albert Einstein is an awesome books for elementary students of all ages to read I believe. I liked this book for that particular reason, students at younger levels can enjoy this book due to the countless old fashioned pictures of inventions and the chronological events he encountered within his life. Older children would also be captured by the pictures, but also enjoy reading about all he has done and make connections between what he has done and there everyday life. This book was written in a way that is not just boring and informational, it is written to keep students reading and keep them engaged in what is going on, which I find to be a necessity in any elementary book, mostly surrounding historical events.

Read Aloud: This book would be a good tool to use in a literature class, due to the information and content, but it could also be related to a science class at almost every age level. You learn about inventions, inventors, or different inventions that impact their daily lives in almost every year of education. Incorporating a fun and detailed book into a lesson about energy and technology that Albert Einstein focused on.

Independent reading: When thinking about how this book could be used in a classroom at a more individual basis makes me think back to one sole component of this book and Albert Einstein, how big of an impact on our world one person can make. If a student feels that they are not important or is just having a day battling with the concept of what the future holds, this book would be a perfect one to show students what is possible. Einstein was a normal human just like any of us, and being able to accomplish these extraordinary feats would be exhilarating and motivating for any student going through a hard or tough time in their lives. Even though not a lot can be directly related to their lives, the overall concept is what can make students think and get the courage to do something they are nervous about or contemplating.
Profile Image for Holly.
44 reviews
July 25, 2012
This photobiography tells about Albert Einstein’s life from birth to death, detailing his education, family, beliefs, achievements, and failings. It is interspersed with quotes, letters, and images of Einstein throughout his life.
Personal Evaluation:
This book from National Geographic is delightful and easy to read. I love how he is presented so humanly, even though he was brilliant. The narrative format makes this appealing to students.
Memorable Literary Element:
Pictures show lots of aspects of Einstein’s life. The captions are detailed, and included is a timeline, resources page, credits, and an index.
Illustrations:
Lots of photographs in sepia tone of Einstein throughout his life give the book an additional class and professionalism. Also included are photographs of newspaper clippings, a diagram of one of his theories, background images made of his letters, and a map of the places he lived in Europe.
Profile Image for The Reading Countess.
1,916 reviews57 followers
February 20, 2013
Interesting read full of fascinating photos (naturally, look at the title) of Time Magazine's Person of the Century. I was unaware that he had two wives. His first wife, mother of his two living sons (a daughter, sadly, either adopted or died early in infancy prior to the legal union). His second wife, his cousin, began married life just as his popularity began to rise. Interestingly enough, a Jew by birth but educated in (cheaper) Catholic schools, he was not a poor student despite constant rumors to the contrary. True enough, he detested rote learning. Who doesn't? A complicated man, his penchant for non-violence was finally swayed after seeing how the Germans thirst for power would override the world if there was not a world war. My favorite photo is of his desk at Princeton on the day of his death. It rivals my own messy paperfill. Perhaps there is a streak of genius in all pack rats.
42 reviews
October 22, 2009
The book starts out with a forward from Evelyn Einstein, Albert Einstein's granddaughter. She speaks from her heart of this true character, and the narrative of the book is also written with a familiarity with Albert Einstein's life. This is a book great for children interested in math and science, as explanations of these theorems are explained in detail, or for the people that like life's dirty secrets, such as his second wife was his cousin. I did like the quotes of Albert Einstein written on the pages, his words speak strongly of his voice, which is a lesson we can teach our students, on the power of voice.
Profile Image for Brenna Call.
337 reviews8 followers
September 3, 2010
Photo essay biography about the life of scientist Albert Einstein. The book lists Einstein’s important contributions to science as well as many of his important political activities and gives a good overview of the history behind his feeling and actions. Einstein’s complicated theories were explained in an age appropriate and simplified way. As a layman, I found the information in this book fascinating and I am grateful for the list of further resources found in the back of the book. The book also contained a timeline, index and may fascinating pictures all important elements of good juvenile nonfiction.
50 reviews
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December 4, 2013
, this book goes into detail about Albert Einstein’s life from when he was born in 1879 to when he died in 1955. This nonfiction book gives the authors point of view as to why he believed (as well as why others believe) that Albert Einstein was a genius, even though he didn’t think so himself. Einstein himself said, “I have no special talents, I am only passionately curious” (Delano, 2005). However the author goes into detail on Einstein’s contributions to the world of science and mathematics and so on. It talks about his family from when he was growing up, to his own family when he grew older and the discoveries he made while being “passionately curious.”
Profile Image for Clarissa.
39 reviews2 followers
Read
December 5, 2014
Genius: A Photobiography of Albert Einstein, by Marfe Ferguson Delano, is an interesting collection of pictures that span the life of this famous man. From his early years to his death, the life of Einstein and the factors that contributed to his eventual fame. This photobiography shows Einstein through the ages, the pictures range in size from small snapshots to full double page spreads. Many times overlaid by quotes from Einstein himself. At times letters or documents that played a part in his life were backgrounds to the story being told. The telling of his story is informative, but the pictures are the highlights of the book itself.
110 reviews
August 13, 2008
Seriously, what a good egg (head) that Albert was. The photobiography layout makes him really accessible. My head was dancing with images of him hiking through the mountains, and sailing and thinking his cute little thoughts about riding on a ray of light.

The diagrams of the scientific principles are better than any I've seen elsewhere. My confidence was boosted. I picked up my boyfriend's copy of "Six Not So Easy Pieces" by Feynman, read one chapter, and decided to stick with the middle-grade physics. The pictures are so much better!

1,917 reviews22 followers
January 17, 2016
"Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited, imagination encircles the world." This quote by Einstein seems to get at the greatness of his genius. Yes, he was smart, particularly in math and science, but the major contributions he made to our understanding of the world came first of all because he was a creative thinker.
"What if one were to run after a ray of light?"-so began one of the most well known of his "thought experiments". The photos in this book are a wonderful way to make the man and his theories accessible.
Profile Image for Grace.
368 reviews33 followers
March 6, 2010
This was the first book I've read about Albert Einstein, so I thought it was delightful to get a quick over view of his life and some insight into his personality.

The book, while only 64 pages long including the bibliography and timeline, was packed full of entertaining tidbits about Einstein's life, love, and passions. In the first few pages, Einstein went from being a legend in my mind to a tangible, well rounded human being. It is well worth the read, even if only for the pictures.
Profile Image for Andrea M.
578 reviews
August 22, 2012
Einstein was one of the few scientists ever to achieve celebrity status among the masses of common people. This book chronicles his life. My kids and I read it out loud and found his adventures humorous and interesting. However, the great tragedy of his life was that he chose to put his work before his family. We had a long discussion on the implications of that choice for Einstein, his first wife and his three children.
38 reviews6 followers
June 11, 2015
This juvenile biography gets to the core of Einstein: His sense of playful wonder about the universe. Two Einstein quotes from the book:

"One thing I have learned in a long life; that all our science, measured against reality, is primitive and childlike--and yet it is the most precious thing we have."

and

"What if one were to run after a ray of light?
. . . What if one were riding on the beam?
. . . If one were to run fast enough, would it no longer move at all?

15 reviews20 followers
June 27, 2010
As a former science teacher and one who has loved science for most of my life, I have always been fascinated by Einstein. This book portrays not only his amazing scientific mind, but also his human side. If you are looking for a basic introduction to this great scientist, this is a quick easy read that might be just right for you.
Profile Image for Jada S..
7 reviews1 follower
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May 17, 2013
The book I am reviewing is GENIUS by Marfe Fergusson Delano. This book is about who exactly Albert Einstein was and how he contributed to physics, basically, all about Albert Einstein’s life. It explains how he grew up, his family, what he did in high school, tons of good stuff like that.
If you like nonfiction stuff, and live albert einstein, read this book!
Profile Image for Sean Dugan-Strout.
47 reviews
August 12, 2016
This is a biography of a house-hold name- Albert Einstein. The pictures here are interesting and placed to help finish the sentences of this man's story as you read through this book. The explanations were not complicated (for me, not being a man of science) and perfect for older elementary school students. The information itself was presented in a personal way that emphasized each photo.
Author 1 book6 followers
February 18, 2016
Great overview of the life and theories of a very interesting man. With an emphasis on his pacifism and charity work, this was a great intro into the life of a legend.

Even as an adult I learned a lot about physics from this book. It was explained in a very clear and to-the-point kind of way.

Definitely recommend for kids - it will inspire them to think like a Genius!
8 reviews
October 1, 2016
This was a great book about an extraordinary scientist who changed the world. It had lots of pictures and lots of facts. I would recommend it to anyone who likes biographies and science. It's a good combination of both!
51 reviews4 followers
October 7, 2009
Biography
This book has great photos of Einstein's life. This would be good for 6th grade but has very complex vocab, so it wouldn't be the best for lower grades.
Profile Image for Ryan .
3 reviews
April 29, 2011
I thought this book was very good with the facts. It named most of his life in this book and had a lot of description when it came to scientific.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews

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