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Einstein: A Life of Genius (The True Story of Albert Einstein)
No man—not Hitler, not Gandhi, not Franklin D. Roosevelt—did more to shape and reshape the twentieth century than Albert Einstein. His ideas exploded centuries of established physics, paving the way for electronics, space exploration, and the atomic bomb. The very device on which you read this blurb would not exist without his work. But amazingly, Einstein’s influence didn’t stop with his scientific ideas; he also became a pre-eminent advocate for world peace and nuclear disarmament, and was offered the presidency of the new state of Israel. In this readable, compact biography, Alexander Kennedy surveys every aspect of this complex, towering figure that pop culture too often reduces to a cartoon absent-minded professor or Apple advertisement. By exploring the darker corners of Einstein’s life—such as the way anti-Semitism shaped his childhood, and the nastiness of his 1919 divorce from Mileva Maric—readers come away with a renewed sense of wonder at his many triumphs. Written with the lay reader in mind, A Life of Genius includes readily understandable explanations of even advanced theories such as general relativity. By the end, we not only understand how Albert Einstein’s genius has shaped our past, but how it continues to shape the future of our species as well. "The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science." - Albert Einstein Buy Now to Explanations of Einstein’s most important scientific contributions, including quanta, special relativity, general relativity, and his analysis of Brownian motion.Debunkings of popular Einstein myths, including the claim that he failed math as a young boy.A detailed exploration of Einstein’s personal life, including his divorce and complicated relationships with his children.Einstein’s key role in the creation of the Manhattan Project.Einstein’s political activism and the resultant FBI investigation.A look at Einstein’s role in pop culture.Insights and witticisms in Einstein’s own words. Buy Now and Read the True Story of Albert Einstein... Thank you in advance for buying our book. We know you'll love it!
154 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2016
400 people are currently reading
247 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
June 30, 2016
You get a real sense of the complexities and contradictions of this amazing man through the book. I liked that this book worked to clear up myths and confusion about Einstein. It was written in a way that encouraged you to make your own connections - I went back and forth about sharing mine, ultimately deciding that they're probably only interesting to me. I was surprised to learn that he developed and discovered important theories that I had previously thought already established. I'm familiar to some degree with many of the other scientists mentioned, but I hadn't realized they were contemporaries and how many vital theories and discoveries were occurring during Einstein's life.
This is a worthwhile and well-researched read for teens on up. Understanding of the historical context in which he lived, the breadth and depth of his discoveries, and insight into who Einstein was -his personality, beliefs and quirks are all clearly conveyed. It's a fun read, and doesn't get bogged down, so it's quite readable and even though you're learning, it's not stuffy or too dense. Some well-placed quotes are peppered throughout the book. There were a couple of typos, for example sometimes Einstein's wife is called Mileva amd sometimes Maleva and Linus Pauling is referring to as Linus Paulding. It would've been cool to have a chapter at the end going into more scientific and mathematical detail for those so inclined and to have a chapter delving more deeply into scientific/mathematical research since his death built on his theories. I received this at a free or discounted rate in exchange for my honest review.
This is a worthwhile and well-researched read for teens on up. Understanding of the historical context in which he lived, the breadth and depth of his discoveries, and insight into who Einstein was -his personality, beliefs and quirks are all clearly conveyed. It's a fun read, and doesn't get bogged down, so it's quite readable and even though you're learning, it's not stuffy or too dense. Some well-placed quotes are peppered throughout the book. There were a couple of typos, for example sometimes Einstein's wife is called Mileva amd sometimes Maleva and Linus Pauling is referring to as Linus Paulding. It would've been cool to have a chapter at the end going into more scientific and mathematical detail for those so inclined and to have a chapter delving more deeply into scientific/mathematical research since his death built on his theories. I received this at a free or discounted rate in exchange for my honest review.
June 1, 2017
A summary of Einstein's life
Though I still do not understand Einstein's theories, I do have a basic knowledge of his life--his activities, personality, social status, some of his philosophies, and his humor. The material is very succinct and a quick read. I recommend it for people who want an overview of Einstein.
Though I still do not understand Einstein's theories, I do have a basic knowledge of his life--his activities, personality, social status, some of his philosophies, and his humor. The material is very succinct and a quick read. I recommend it for people who want an overview of Einstein.
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March 22, 2022Albert Einstein was a magnificent person I thought and I was correct. but, after I read this book, I knew more interesting facts stories of his life and how he came to the famous. honestly, I did know most of the facts about albert einstein before I read this book. but it didn't make the book boring because the facts I didn't know about were unexpected. for example, people think that people with small brains are dumb but Albert Einstein wasn't his brain was smaller than the regular brain of a man but he was still a genius. that made me think about how the world actually works because I also thought that the big brain is good but it doesn't actually matter
February 12, 2016
“Einstein: A Life of Genius” written by Alexander Kennedy is a bit short, yet rather well written book for readers interested about the most important facts on Albert Einstein life.
In his book divided in seven chapters, Kennedy right at the beginning emphasizes his focus only on information essential to telling an informative and entertaining story, the end result being a very focused and easy-to-read book that anyone can enjoy.
From events that transformed an average boy into a man who would become synonymous with genius, the very important year of 1905 when Einstein revolutionized the science, his professor years, to the years when he became worldwide known celebrity and continued his research that reconciled his scientific knowledge with his religious beliefs – Kennedy brings in front of the reader's eyes the information that will help in better understanding of this genius.
Therefore, if you don’t have time or patience going through some good but extensive Einstein biographies, I could recommend reading Kennedy’s “Einstein: A Life of Genius”, especially for those readers who usually don’t like reading historical accounts.
I was given a copy of this book by the author for the purpose of unbiased review, while all the presented information is based on my impressions.
In his book divided in seven chapters, Kennedy right at the beginning emphasizes his focus only on information essential to telling an informative and entertaining story, the end result being a very focused and easy-to-read book that anyone can enjoy.
From events that transformed an average boy into a man who would become synonymous with genius, the very important year of 1905 when Einstein revolutionized the science, his professor years, to the years when he became worldwide known celebrity and continued his research that reconciled his scientific knowledge with his religious beliefs – Kennedy brings in front of the reader's eyes the information that will help in better understanding of this genius.
Therefore, if you don’t have time or patience going through some good but extensive Einstein biographies, I could recommend reading Kennedy’s “Einstein: A Life of Genius”, especially for those readers who usually don’t like reading historical accounts.
I was given a copy of this book by the author for the purpose of unbiased review, while all the presented information is based on my impressions.
February 11, 2016
Alexander Kennedy busted the myths about Albert Einstein in short and simultaneously detailed (enough) passage.
I'd recommend this book to those who aren't willing to read complex biographies but understand what kind of man he was, though, it might provoke your interest towards Einstein's life to increase as well.
I'd recommend this book to those who aren't willing to read complex biographies but understand what kind of man he was, though, it might provoke your interest towards Einstein's life to increase as well.
September 17, 2017
This was a very informative quick read. After reading The Other Einstein, I needed to do further research and this book was on my list. It's not complicated yet explains enough of his theories. And I liked all his relationships with professors and students. From birth to death, a good life full of purpose.
March 1, 2019
Einstein, profoundly amazing and concurently simple
I felt that Albert was presented as human with an extraordinary gift. I believe the book presented him very well in his many other attributes also
I felt that Albert was presented as human with an extraordinary gift. I believe the book presented him very well in his many other attributes also
November 26, 2017
Explains why out of all great physicists of the 20th century Eisnstein was the most popular one. Good read overall.
January 27, 2018
Albert Einstein
I liked this book because it stated facts only. I found some things that I did not know about Einstein as well.
I liked this book because it stated facts only. I found some things that I did not know about Einstein as well.
March 26, 2018
Albert Einstein
This book was a good read. Informative but easy to follow. I would recommend this to any Einstein fan. Took me just a few hours to read.
This book was a good read. Informative but easy to follow. I would recommend this to any Einstein fan. Took me just a few hours to read.
July 25, 2018
An important human being better known.
A vague image became more of a known entity. What mod can one expect from a biography. Four stars? Nobody is perfect. Gloria
A vague image became more of a known entity. What mod can one expect from a biography. Four stars? Nobody is perfect. Gloria
July 26, 2018
Interesting
This is an interesting book. Learn things I did not know about Albert Einstein. I recommend this book. It is a short but informative book.
This is an interesting book. Learn things I did not know about Albert Einstein. I recommend this book. It is a short but informative book.
October 22, 2018
We all know a lot about Einstein and his great achievements. Yet this book has a lot of interesting stuff about this great man that is not known or known with lesser clarity.
December 4, 2018
Fascinating
A quick read into a unique and remarkable scientist. Learned new facts about his personal life that most of us never knew.
A quick read into a unique and remarkable scientist. Learned new facts about his personal life that most of us never knew.
December 30, 2018
Very short and easy read. Good summary of the key events in the life of Einstein.
March 5, 2019
It’s ok
October 9, 2021
Awesome info got a better idea of who Einstein was
April 12, 2016
The publisher/author sent me a free e-copy of this book for review. I'm sorry to say that I didn’t like it, and the physics in particular is so badly wrong that it made me very cross.
The book is intended as a brief introductory biography of Albert Einstein. As a summary of the events in Einstein's life it is adequate if a little plodding; I found the style rather dry and clunky but it is readable. There are two comparatively lengthy sections at the end on Einstein's religious and political beliefs which listed a lot of known opinions but didn't offer much in the way of real insight. However, in a brief sketch like this that is defensible.
What is most certainly not defensible is the "explanations" of the physics, which are confused, inaccurate and largely just plain wrong. For example, introducing Galileo's insights into relative motion (*not* relativity, as stated in the book), Alexander Kennedy asserts that if a cannonball is dropped from the top of the mast of a moving ship, the person who drops it will see it fall at the base of the mast, while a stationary observer on shore will see it fall some distance from the mast. This is self-evident nonsense. Of course the cannonball wouldn't land in two different places on the deck at the same time; quantum particles might, cannonballs certainly don't – and to attribute this piece of idiocy to Galileo, one of the finest observational scientists ever to have lived, is simply insulting. It gets worse from there; I won't even attempt to go into the inaccuracies and eventual utter absurdity of the subsequent "explanation" of Einstein's work on Relativity, and the extremely brief section on gravity, acceleration and General Relativity had me muttering "no, no, no!" with my head in my hands.
I'm sorry to be harsh, but anyone writing a biography of Einstein, however brief and non-technical, needs some understanding of the rudiments of his work; misleading nonsense like this is just not acceptable. I have given the book two stars because some of the other biographical information is adequate, but for an introduction to Einstein I'd suggest trying one of the many fine available biographies of the man and giving this a miss.
The book is intended as a brief introductory biography of Albert Einstein. As a summary of the events in Einstein's life it is adequate if a little plodding; I found the style rather dry and clunky but it is readable. There are two comparatively lengthy sections at the end on Einstein's religious and political beliefs which listed a lot of known opinions but didn't offer much in the way of real insight. However, in a brief sketch like this that is defensible.
What is most certainly not defensible is the "explanations" of the physics, which are confused, inaccurate and largely just plain wrong. For example, introducing Galileo's insights into relative motion (*not* relativity, as stated in the book), Alexander Kennedy asserts that if a cannonball is dropped from the top of the mast of a moving ship, the person who drops it will see it fall at the base of the mast, while a stationary observer on shore will see it fall some distance from the mast. This is self-evident nonsense. Of course the cannonball wouldn't land in two different places on the deck at the same time; quantum particles might, cannonballs certainly don't – and to attribute this piece of idiocy to Galileo, one of the finest observational scientists ever to have lived, is simply insulting. It gets worse from there; I won't even attempt to go into the inaccuracies and eventual utter absurdity of the subsequent "explanation" of Einstein's work on Relativity, and the extremely brief section on gravity, acceleration and General Relativity had me muttering "no, no, no!" with my head in my hands.
I'm sorry to be harsh, but anyone writing a biography of Einstein, however brief and non-technical, needs some understanding of the rudiments of his work; misleading nonsense like this is just not acceptable. I have given the book two stars because some of the other biographical information is adequate, but for an introduction to Einstein I'd suggest trying one of the many fine available biographies of the man and giving this a miss.
April 3, 2016
I received this ebook from the promoter, who sent it to me without waiting for an acceptance. He simply asked me to read and review it, and did not contact me after the initial email. Since it is a short volume at 98 printed pages, and I had some curiosity about Einstein's personal life, I did read it.
Initially, I found the style and substance quite intriguing. Albert Einstein is an immensely iconic and influential figure in our cultural background and so much has been written about him that seems open to interpretation that I was interested in a short, factual summary. Unfortunately, that promising start was not sustained and the narrative became both repetitive and unfocused once Einstein's philosophical beliefs came under scrutiny. Also I had trouble following the chronological sequence once the book changed style and the chapters centred around issues instead of events. Curiously, the quality of writing also deteriorated, and typos, grammar glitches and other editing defects became distracting.
I am giving this book three stars, although for me it was only a little more than "okay". What I read was entertaining and informative enough to satisfy my superficial curiosity but I felt that there was a lot missing which would have made the book more satisfying. As for the factual aspect, I never expect any biography to be 100% accurate as the personal viewpoint is unavoidable. If one is concerned about that, the answer is to do some research and read other accounts. However, I was surprised to see the disclaimer considering that the subtitle of the book is, “The True Story of Albert Einstein”. Ambiguous at best.
Initially, I found the style and substance quite intriguing. Albert Einstein is an immensely iconic and influential figure in our cultural background and so much has been written about him that seems open to interpretation that I was interested in a short, factual summary. Unfortunately, that promising start was not sustained and the narrative became both repetitive and unfocused once Einstein's philosophical beliefs came under scrutiny. Also I had trouble following the chronological sequence once the book changed style and the chapters centred around issues instead of events. Curiously, the quality of writing also deteriorated, and typos, grammar glitches and other editing defects became distracting.
I am giving this book three stars, although for me it was only a little more than "okay". What I read was entertaining and informative enough to satisfy my superficial curiosity but I felt that there was a lot missing which would have made the book more satisfying. As for the factual aspect, I never expect any biography to be 100% accurate as the personal viewpoint is unavoidable. If one is concerned about that, the answer is to do some research and read other accounts. However, I was surprised to see the disclaimer considering that the subtitle of the book is, “The True Story of Albert Einstein”. Ambiguous at best.
February 13, 2016
Einstein: A Life of Genius is a very good read. It explores the life of Albert Einstein, from his early formative years through the time of his death. It was fascinating to read about the history and culture and how Einstein fit in with his theories. Very well written and educational. I would definitely recommend this book to others.
February 24, 2016
Enjoyable read
A book about the world's most famous physicist, that's doesn't seem to be written for physicists. A brief and concise look into Einstein's life.
A book about the world's most famous physicist, that's doesn't seem to be written for physicists. A brief and concise look into Einstein's life.
February 28, 2016
Good and short background. Made me want to read something in-depth about his spiritual beliefs. As I am still reading Hitler gave me a bit more historical perspective on these men.
January 3, 2019
A nice overview of his life, but rather poorly written and seemingly sporadic.
April 14, 2016
Very short read
I thought the book as way too short and lacked detail. I would have liked more information on his theories
I thought the book as way too short and lacked detail. I would have liked more information on his theories
June 19, 2016
Brilliant short book to know about Einstein especially his brilliant religious beliefs
August 2, 2016
Not very well written, but the subject matter was interesting.
September 7, 2016
Well Written
A quick history o f his life, some experiences, and well placed quotes give the reader a refreshing insight.
I believe it truly depicts Einstein.
A quick history o f his life, some experiences, and well placed quotes give the reader a refreshing insight.
I believe it truly depicts Einstein.
September 14, 2016
Better than i expected
Very informative. Learned new things I never new. Gave me a better understanding of quantum mechanics in a simpler form, and Einstein's accomplishments.
Very informative. Learned new things I never new. Gave me a better understanding of quantum mechanics in a simpler form, and Einstein's accomplishments.
November 16, 2016
Einstein
Well written. Einstein's life very well documented. Many sources documenting his life, schooling and peoples opinions of him and his work.
Well written. Einstein's life very well documented. Many sources documenting his life, schooling and peoples opinions of him and his work.
December 31, 2016
I always wanted to know more about Einstein and this book gives a good idea of him and his life.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews