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Isaac the Alchemist: Secrets of Isaac Newton, Reveal'd
A surprising true story of Isaac Newton’s boyhood suggests an intellectual development owing as much to magic as science.Before Isaac Newton became the father of physics, an accomplished mathematician, or a leader of the scientific revolution, he was a boy living in an apothecary’s house, observing and experimenting, recording his observations of the world in a tiny notebook. As a young genius living in a time before science as we know it existed, Isaac studied the few books he could get his hands on, built handmade machines, and experimented with alchemy—a process of chemical reactions that seemed, at the time, to be magical. Mary Losure’s riveting narrative nonfiction account of Isaac’s early life traces his development as a thinker from his childhood, in friendly prose that will capture the attention of today’s budding scientists—as if by magic. Back matter includes an afterword, an author’s note, source notes, and a bibliography.
176 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2017
67 people are currently reading
743 people want to read
About the author
Mary Losure
6 books25 followersMary Losure writes innovative nonfiction (and the occasional fantasy) for kids.
Her latest book, ISAAC THE ALCHEMIST: SECRETS OF ISAAC NEWTON, REVEAL’D, has received three starred reviews.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
November 11, 2017
A fascinating biography and history of science book. I mean, we've all heard of Isaac Newton, but the sheer number of things he discovered and theorized that are still accepted facts today is amazing. It's especially amazing considering the time period in which he lived, when alchemy was still an accepted branch of science and there were laws against turning other metals into gold in case someone figured out how to do it.
The book is true narrative nonfiction, weaving the story of Isaac Newton's childhood and forays into mathematics, science, and astronomy while pointing out places that researchers can't ever know exactly what happened or what Isaac thought, etc.
This would be a great book for young scientists or anyone interested in the history of science. I would also try it on science-inclined fans of magical fantasy like Harry Potter and Magyk, etc. The principles of alchemy are so close to magic that I think it would interest fantasy readers.
I listened to the audiobook, which is a nice recording done by a British actor Steven Crossley. His voice is a nice match for the subject (since Newton was British) and lends the book a fitting storytelling tone.
The book is true narrative nonfiction, weaving the story of Isaac Newton's childhood and forays into mathematics, science, and astronomy while pointing out places that researchers can't ever know exactly what happened or what Isaac thought, etc.
This would be a great book for young scientists or anyone interested in the history of science. I would also try it on science-inclined fans of magical fantasy like Harry Potter and Magyk, etc. The principles of alchemy are so close to magic that I think it would interest fantasy readers.
I listened to the audiobook, which is a nice recording done by a British actor Steven Crossley. His voice is a nice match for the subject (since Newton was British) and lends the book a fitting storytelling tone.
May 23, 2022
Isaac Newton is fascinating and I enjoyed learning about his childhood, but I thought a book on Isaac Newton and alchemy would actually talk about alchemy. 👀
It barely talked about alchemy.
A great read if you just want to know about Isaac Newton and how he grew up and a great read if you have no interest in alchemy.
It barely talked about alchemy.
A great read if you just want to know about Isaac Newton and how he grew up and a great read if you have no interest in alchemy.
August 17, 2017
When most of us think of Isaac Newton, we think about an apple falling on his head and his formulating his law of gravity and his three laws of motion. But there is much more to his life and Mary Losure has written an extraordinary, well-researched biography of Isaac Newton, beginning with his childhood and a mother who essentially abandoned him as a young boy.
Born on December 25, 1642, Isaac, a loner, spent much of his childhood living in a third floor room in an apothecary’s home in an English village called Grantham. His father was dead, and his mother remarried a man who didn’t want Isaac in the house. Isaac lived in a world dominated by Puritans, but one that still held many mysteries about the physical world and he spent much of his time pondering these mysteries and studying alchemy in the hope of creating a philosopher’s stone, believing such a stone would hold the answers to all his questions. As a result of his studies, he had to teach himself advanced mathematics, inventing what he called fluxions, a precursor to modern calculus, along the way.
Eventually, Isaac ended up at Trinity College Cambridge, where he remained as a mathematics professor after his student days ended. Still a loner, and still studying alchemy, he continued his experiments there, still hoping to create a philosopher’s stone.
Sent home from Cambridge because of the plague in 1665-66, Isaac spent much of his time wondering about the rules that govern the paths moving objects took through space, paths he could calculate using fluxions. But what, he wondered, kept the moon on its path? But it was much later that the answer finally came to him, and again, using fluxions, he developed his three laws of motion, laws that would later be called Newtonian Physics.
I majored in philosophy as an undergrad, and we studied some Newtonian ideas, and I never really thought Isaac Newton was a terribly interesting person. However, Losure has given his life an interesting spin by referring to him most of the time as a alchemist/magician and focusing on his alchemical interests and experiments, one of which resulted in fireworks that lit up the night sky when he was still a boy. Much of what Losure writes is speculation based on what facts there are about Isaac Newton’s life. She has done this in part by presenting a believable picture of the kind of world Isaac lived in, adding real depth to her biography of this illusive magician/scientist. In fact, Newton still has the distinction of being the world’s greatest alchemist, and one of the world’s greatest scientists.
Losure has included copious reproductions of illustrations throughout the book, some by Isaac, some from other sources, but all from the time of Isaac’s life. There is also a Bibliography and list of Works Consulted for the very curious who might want to explore Isaac Newton’s life and/or times in more depth.
I have to admit, I put off reading Isaac the Alchemist for a long time despite the many wonderful reviews I had read about it, and am I sorry I did. This is probably one of the most compelling, interesting and accessible scientist biographies I’ve ever read. I think that whether your young readers are interested in science or magic (alchemy), or just big Harry Potter fans who already know about the philosopher’s stone, they will find Isaac Newton’s life and times as fascinating as I did.
This book is recommended for readers age 10+
This book was sent to my by the publisher, Candlewick Press
Born on December 25, 1642, Isaac, a loner, spent much of his childhood living in a third floor room in an apothecary’s home in an English village called Grantham. His father was dead, and his mother remarried a man who didn’t want Isaac in the house. Isaac lived in a world dominated by Puritans, but one that still held many mysteries about the physical world and he spent much of his time pondering these mysteries and studying alchemy in the hope of creating a philosopher’s stone, believing such a stone would hold the answers to all his questions. As a result of his studies, he had to teach himself advanced mathematics, inventing what he called fluxions, a precursor to modern calculus, along the way.
Eventually, Isaac ended up at Trinity College Cambridge, where he remained as a mathematics professor after his student days ended. Still a loner, and still studying alchemy, he continued his experiments there, still hoping to create a philosopher’s stone.
Sent home from Cambridge because of the plague in 1665-66, Isaac spent much of his time wondering about the rules that govern the paths moving objects took through space, paths he could calculate using fluxions. But what, he wondered, kept the moon on its path? But it was much later that the answer finally came to him, and again, using fluxions, he developed his three laws of motion, laws that would later be called Newtonian Physics.
I majored in philosophy as an undergrad, and we studied some Newtonian ideas, and I never really thought Isaac Newton was a terribly interesting person. However, Losure has given his life an interesting spin by referring to him most of the time as a alchemist/magician and focusing on his alchemical interests and experiments, one of which resulted in fireworks that lit up the night sky when he was still a boy. Much of what Losure writes is speculation based on what facts there are about Isaac Newton’s life. She has done this in part by presenting a believable picture of the kind of world Isaac lived in, adding real depth to her biography of this illusive magician/scientist. In fact, Newton still has the distinction of being the world’s greatest alchemist, and one of the world’s greatest scientists.
Losure has included copious reproductions of illustrations throughout the book, some by Isaac, some from other sources, but all from the time of Isaac’s life. There is also a Bibliography and list of Works Consulted for the very curious who might want to explore Isaac Newton’s life and/or times in more depth.
I have to admit, I put off reading Isaac the Alchemist for a long time despite the many wonderful reviews I had read about it, and am I sorry I did. This is probably one of the most compelling, interesting and accessible scientist biographies I’ve ever read. I think that whether your young readers are interested in science or magic (alchemy), or just big Harry Potter fans who already know about the philosopher’s stone, they will find Isaac Newton’s life and times as fascinating as I did.
This book is recommended for readers age 10+
This book was sent to my by the publisher, Candlewick Press
September 10, 2018
This is a really interesting and informative book for young readers about Isaac Newton, the genius recluse. The 11-year-old and I read this book to complement our Age of Enlightenment history lesson. We learned quite a bit about his scientific contributions as well as his eclectic childhood, personality, habits, and interests, including his quest to find the Philosopher's Stone through alchemy which surely led to low dose mercury poisoning. I enjoy Mary Losure's writing. I have often recommended "The Fairy Ring: Or Elsie and Frances Fool the World" to kids who may not feel compelled to read non-fiction selections. The Fairy Ring is a fun, fascinating tale that those with an interest in fairies find quite appealing. I look forward to reading more of her books in the future.
February 9, 2019
Very good junior-level biography of Isaac Newton. Also includes easy-to-understand information on the evolution from alchemy-based science to chemistry and other sciences.
November 3, 2020
I hadn't heard of Losure before but now I'm going to check out the other two books (there may be more) that are listed in the back of the book since she's a nonfiction writer about interesting topics for YA readers.
This is a biography of Isaac Newton that focuses on his formative years but still spends enough time in his college studies at Trinity and into the work he did through his eighties when he died. There's a respect for the brain that Newton had that was far above most others at the time (as evidenced by the mathematics professor at college vacating his esteemed position so the 27 year old who he knew knew more than him could be in the position). He was always thinking, jotting down numbers, exploring the stars, and creating via alchemy. It's truly fantastical to think about the things he dove headlong in to and this curiosity is ever-present in the book.
It's sparse and at the same time dense. Some images of his journals seem misplaced but are part of the overall ambiance of the book celebrating a genius. There's definitely a respect for the secrets he revealed in STEM.
This is a biography of Isaac Newton that focuses on his formative years but still spends enough time in his college studies at Trinity and into the work he did through his eighties when he died. There's a respect for the brain that Newton had that was far above most others at the time (as evidenced by the mathematics professor at college vacating his esteemed position so the 27 year old who he knew knew more than him could be in the position). He was always thinking, jotting down numbers, exploring the stars, and creating via alchemy. It's truly fantastical to think about the things he dove headlong in to and this curiosity is ever-present in the book.
It's sparse and at the same time dense. Some images of his journals seem misplaced but are part of the overall ambiance of the book celebrating a genius. There's definitely a respect for the secrets he revealed in STEM.
July 8, 2025
Great little book overviewing Isaac Newtons life. Using the element names of the day instead of the modern names was a nice touch. Writing was really engaging and easy to follow, giving simplistic descriptions of physics, in an easy to understand way. What stood out most to me was how a lot of Newtons discoveries or “laws” he made fairly young in life, but didn’t compile them or publish them until late in life.
September 28, 2018
I LOVED this book. I had no idea Newton's life was so fascinating (as well as heartbreaking at times) and that he accomplished all that he did. He's one of my new favorite people about whom to read!
February 18, 2017
Other than Newtonian physics, I didn't know too much about Isaac Newton. This book talks about some of his laws of physics, but mostly discusses his role as an alchemist. There are a few things that I really enjoyed about the book. The first was that it gives a lot of information about what Isaac was like as a person. As a music teacher, there are many times that I notice that my students have an idea about who famous composers are, or what they did, but they do not really have any idea how these people fit into "the big picture" historically. These composers just seem like facts in a book rather than people. It was nice to for me to hear about Isaac's quirks and personality traits, as well information about his family and living conditions. Ms. Losure also explains some of the concepts that were known/unknown in the time period that Newton was living in (Ex. how a prism works- what Newton discovered vs. what was thought at the time or how planets moved through space)
Another thing I enjoyed was that it was a quick, easy, entertaining read. I wondered if kids would understand some of the more technical information, like some of the symbols used in Alchemy, but there were definitely science-related things that they will find very interesting, like the information on simple machines. Towards the end of the book, the author tells how some of the discoveries made by Newton have been used in other scientific successes (like sending a rocket into space). Ms. Losure also wrote a few blurbs that kind of challenged kids to come up with their own discoveries and inquiries. I also enjoyed her mention of some of the interesting resources she used and the supplemental material at the end of the book.
I would recommend this to older children who like biographies and science.
Another thing I enjoyed was that it was a quick, easy, entertaining read. I wondered if kids would understand some of the more technical information, like some of the symbols used in Alchemy, but there were definitely science-related things that they will find very interesting, like the information on simple machines. Towards the end of the book, the author tells how some of the discoveries made by Newton have been used in other scientific successes (like sending a rocket into space). Ms. Losure also wrote a few blurbs that kind of challenged kids to come up with their own discoveries and inquiries. I also enjoyed her mention of some of the interesting resources she used and the supplemental material at the end of the book.
I would recommend this to older children who like biographies and science.
May 24, 2017
Really engaging, pared down look at Isaac Newton's life. Manages to use a lot of original sources but still not be overwhelming. Emphasizes Isaac's odd behavior, willingness to dive deeply into things and find new things, but not share them. I never knew how Newton developed so many of his theories or his obsession with alchemy, which really took more of his focus than the physics and mathematics he is known for.
There is a part in the book that discusses his telescope and how he talked about making it, and even making the tools he used to make it. So here you have it: Isaac Newton, ultimate maker.
Pair it with The Blackthorn Key and then be prepared for tweens to want to mix up something crazy!
There is a part in the book that discusses his telescope and how he talked about making it, and even making the tools he used to make it. So here you have it: Isaac Newton, ultimate maker.
Pair it with The Blackthorn Key and then be prepared for tweens to want to mix up something crazy!
August 16, 2017
Sir Isaac Newton is remembered as one of the most famous and influential scientists of the Western world. But when he was a child Isaac was just the son of an illiterate yeoman/farmer; Isaac didn't even go to school until he was twelve. From his writings and the memories of those who knew him, we know that Isaac was a quiet and sometimes angry boy who was endlessly curious and enjoyed building things by hand. When Isaac was sent to live above an apothecary's workshop, he had access to all kinds of interesting books about science, art, nature, and the secretive and magical practice of alchemy. Although Isaac discovered the laws of motion that are the basis for all of physics, he also spent much of his life practicing alchemy, attempting to find the philosopher's stone or turn various metals into gold. In a time when it was nearly impossible to distinguish between science and magic, Isaac managed to be both a brilliant scientist, and, in some ways, "the last of the magicians."
Using the primary sources of Isaac's own notebooks, this book really transports the reader back to Isaac's childhood and adolescence to see how one of the greatest scientists ever became who he was. No one knew until the 1930s (when some of his manuscripts were found and sold) how much of Newton's life was devoted to, of all things, alchemy. It's funny to think of a famous, rational scientist dabbling in something like alchemy, but I think the book does a good job of showing Isaac as a fully realized, complex and contradictory human being. I think Isaac's story itself ends absolutely perfectly, but the back matter about Isaac's notebooks, the science of "chymistry" at Isaac's time, and other related information is also fascinating.
I would suggest this book to grades 4-9, especially those interested in science or famous people. It would be a good readalike for another Mary Losure book that I've read, The Fairy Ring, as well as other biographies for young people such as Radioactive! by Winifred Conkling or Amelia Lost by Candace Fleming.
Using the primary sources of Isaac's own notebooks, this book really transports the reader back to Isaac's childhood and adolescence to see how one of the greatest scientists ever became who he was. No one knew until the 1930s (when some of his manuscripts were found and sold) how much of Newton's life was devoted to, of all things, alchemy. It's funny to think of a famous, rational scientist dabbling in something like alchemy, but I think the book does a good job of showing Isaac as a fully realized, complex and contradictory human being. I think Isaac's story itself ends absolutely perfectly, but the back matter about Isaac's notebooks, the science of "chymistry" at Isaac's time, and other related information is also fascinating.
I would suggest this book to grades 4-9, especially those interested in science or famous people. It would be a good readalike for another Mary Losure book that I've read, The Fairy Ring, as well as other biographies for young people such as Radioactive! by Winifred Conkling or Amelia Lost by Candace Fleming.
October 16, 2017
"Isaac Newton 'was not the first of the age of reason...He was the last of the magicians.' Like the imagined alchemist he transformed one thing into another: an age of belief and superstition into an age of math, science and reason.
What a fabulous book: the best of narrative nonfiction. Losure tells the compelling story of a young boy, isolated and unloved who becomes obsessed with understanding and discovery. Copious illustrations, included on virtually every page, add important insight and keep the pages turning.
When your head is filled with things that other people don't seem to give much thought to - chymistry, star names, mandrake root, maths, mathematicall magik - it can be hard to make friends. Being short, secretive and smarter than everybody else doesn't help."
Tracing the path of Newton's life and discovery brings to life a fascinating period of time as Western mankind moved from a world ordered by belief to one governed by reason. "If this is so...then that must be so." Laws of motion: not only how but why. A world explained not by magic but by mathematics
This fascinating book would be a fabulous introduction to American colonial history as it so evokes the dawn of the Enlightenment. It would also be a fabulous nonfiction companion to the popular Blackthorn Key series.
Back-matter includes Amost amazing addendum: including Newton's secret code, demystifying chemistry, and some recipes for chemical concoctions, Acknowledgements, Source Notes, Bibliography, Image Credits and Index.
What a fabulous book: the best of narrative nonfiction. Losure tells the compelling story of a young boy, isolated and unloved who becomes obsessed with understanding and discovery. Copious illustrations, included on virtually every page, add important insight and keep the pages turning.
When your head is filled with things that other people don't seem to give much thought to - chymistry, star names, mandrake root, maths, mathematicall magik - it can be hard to make friends. Being short, secretive and smarter than everybody else doesn't help."
Tracing the path of Newton's life and discovery brings to life a fascinating period of time as Western mankind moved from a world ordered by belief to one governed by reason. "If this is so...then that must be so." Laws of motion: not only how but why. A world explained not by magic but by mathematics
This fascinating book would be a fabulous introduction to American colonial history as it so evokes the dawn of the Enlightenment. It would also be a fabulous nonfiction companion to the popular Blackthorn Key series.
Back-matter includes Amost amazing addendum: including Newton's secret code, demystifying chemistry, and some recipes for chemical concoctions, Acknowledgements, Source Notes, Bibliography, Image Credits and Index.
September 22, 2017
Isaac Newton’s theories about the laws of motion and gravity revolutionized the world, and his methods helped to create the modern idea of “science.” Back in the mid-seventeenth century, young Isaac was a boarder in the home of an apothecary, a maker of medicinal potions and elixirs. Isaac read books about the mysterious study of alchemy, and his early notebooks reveal his fascination with alchemists’ search for the power to transform substances.
The symbols and language found in The Mysteryes of Nature and Art are not that different from the magical spells taught at Hogwarts; in fact, the original “philosopher’s stone" was sought by alchemists as the key to all knowledge. Based on what was known in Isaac Newton’s time, these quasi-magical ideas were just as likely to be true as a rocket that could fly to the moon. Losure’s biography touches on Newton’s development of calculus, his discoveries about optics, and the basics of his laws of mechanics; but the real focus is Isaac’s curiosity, his drive to learn the truth about physical forces, and his early experiments such as devising homemade fireworks. This fascinating book could provide a doorway into science for imaginative children who might find science dry, or boring.
The symbols and language found in The Mysteryes of Nature and Art are not that different from the magical spells taught at Hogwarts; in fact, the original “philosopher’s stone" was sought by alchemists as the key to all knowledge. Based on what was known in Isaac Newton’s time, these quasi-magical ideas were just as likely to be true as a rocket that could fly to the moon. Losure’s biography touches on Newton’s development of calculus, his discoveries about optics, and the basics of his laws of mechanics; but the real focus is Isaac’s curiosity, his drive to learn the truth about physical forces, and his early experiments such as devising homemade fireworks. This fascinating book could provide a doorway into science for imaginative children who might find science dry, or boring.
May 14, 2017
Everyone focuses on Isaac Newton's accomplishments later in his life. This fascinating biography begins with his childhood and an unhappy one at that. It is hard to imagine larger than life personages as children but this biography certainly accomplishes that. Newton was quite interested in mathematics and how the world works starting at an early age. He read, scribbled notes and formulas any time he could get paper and pen. Though his start in school was slow and laborious he caught up and then passed all the other students in his school. His mother tried to get him to work/help on the family farm but that turned out to be a disaster. Isaac had no interest in farm chores and spent his time lost in thought and analysis. He finally went to university where he excelled, finally becoming an instructor himself. And for Harry Potter fans, there is regular mention of the philosopher's stone and what that could mean for the person who discovered it. The book includes a table of contents, index, source notes and bibliography. Though there is no glossary words are defined within the text by the author. Recommended for readers in grades 4-8.
January 1, 2018
Great narrative nonfiction, a biography of young Isaac Newton that focuses on his childhood when he was a loner who was always thinking about things and writing in his journal in his room. He made up a code to write in, and had other habits characteristic of geniuses. I didn't know that he was really into alchemy, trying to turn elements into gold, and even was poisoned by mercury from all of his experiments in it (but lived to a ripe old age nonetheless0. The author in her afterword notes that she wanted the story to be accessible to everyone regardless of scientific education levels, especially kids, so she wrote it without using science terms that would have been invented after Isaac's time (or at least, she used them in explanations only), so you don't need to know advanced chemistry or math or physics in order to appreciate what he was brilliantly inventing. Lovely design to this book, black and white illustrations, including many of Newton's own symbols and drawings, and has a gorgeous cover; extensive notes and sources for everything. I didn't think I was going to enjoy a book about a scientist-inventor-thinker I barely knew anything about, as much as I ended up doing!
March 8, 2023
This was a very interesting summary of Isaac Newton’s life and I learned a lot. His father died when he was young and his mother seemed mostly uninterested in him. When she remarried they sent him to live in an apothecary’s home. His father and grandfather didn’t know how to read, but he did go to school for reading and Latin. He spent lots of his free time observing stars, doing experiments, and calculating formulas. I was also amused by his list of sins. He grew up in a Puritan town, so most of the misdeeds are things like making a mousetrap on a Sunday.
He earned the chance to go to Cambridge and worked as a servant there to pay for it. He had a brilliant mind and made major discoveries in his life, such as:
The Law of gravity, laws of motion and inertia, understanding light and how it could bend and separate through a prism, understanding how the planets and stars moved in space, and many principles of calculus.
This book was written for youth, so occasionally the footnotes are oversimplified, but for the most part this is a fantastic book for adults too. 4.5 stars!
He earned the chance to go to Cambridge and worked as a servant there to pay for it. He had a brilliant mind and made major discoveries in his life, such as:
The Law of gravity, laws of motion and inertia, understanding light and how it could bend and separate through a prism, understanding how the planets and stars moved in space, and many principles of calculus.
This book was written for youth, so occasionally the footnotes are oversimplified, but for the most part this is a fantastic book for adults too. 4.5 stars!
October 15, 2017
Quick, easy YA biography of Isaac Newton. Like much quality YA non-fiction, I think most adults would enjoy and retain more from a book this size and style than a longer biography. Good images, even if many are generic, and a sad, interesting story.
Newton had a lonely childhood and was a jealous loner of an academic, but he was a once-in-a-century-or-three genius. He came up with even more than the familiar laws of physics, and he came up with these ideas with so much less previous correct scholarship to build upon. He spent a long time studying alchemy as well, which the books emphasizes, but it still outlines his principal works very clearly. I don't think a teen with no other exposure to alchemy will get quite how it was sort of respectable even while being really weird and arcane. A good book for even my 5th grader and up, but not something so intriguing that it will pull in a less interested reader.
Newton had a lonely childhood and was a jealous loner of an academic, but he was a once-in-a-century-or-three genius. He came up with even more than the familiar laws of physics, and he came up with these ideas with so much less previous correct scholarship to build upon. He spent a long time studying alchemy as well, which the books emphasizes, but it still outlines his principal works very clearly. I don't think a teen with no other exposure to alchemy will get quite how it was sort of respectable even while being really weird and arcane. A good book for even my 5th grader and up, but not something so intriguing that it will pull in a less interested reader.
May 30, 2018
3.5/5
This book was among the of best young adult nonfiction for 2017-2018, and I was pleasantly surprised. As a self-proclaimed hater of all things science, I half expected to quit this book halfway through (if I made it that far), or read every word just to say that I read it; however, not only was this book incredibly informational, but it gave an inside glimpse into the life and times of Isaac Newton. Upon reading this book, I learned about Newton's incredible "Year of Wonders" where he made fantastic discoveries upon which modern chemistry, calculus, and physics are based, in addition to learning his sour disposition, leaving him isolated and alone in his thinking.
I am grateful to have read this, and I can see our science and math teachers appreciating this book, as they probably already know all about Newton's greatness. I know that students will also appreciate this genius and have lots to say about how Newton has impacted their studies.
Take that, science!
This book was among the of best young adult nonfiction for 2017-2018, and I was pleasantly surprised. As a self-proclaimed hater of all things science, I half expected to quit this book halfway through (if I made it that far), or read every word just to say that I read it; however, not only was this book incredibly informational, but it gave an inside glimpse into the life and times of Isaac Newton. Upon reading this book, I learned about Newton's incredible "Year of Wonders" where he made fantastic discoveries upon which modern chemistry, calculus, and physics are based, in addition to learning his sour disposition, leaving him isolated and alone in his thinking.
I am grateful to have read this, and I can see our science and math teachers appreciating this book, as they probably already know all about Newton's greatness. I know that students will also appreciate this genius and have lots to say about how Newton has impacted their studies.
Take that, science!
March 8, 2019
Probably my fault, but I assumed this was a book aimed at adults interested in Isaac Newton's alchemical leanings. When I picked it up at the store (I ordered it online and opted for store delivery because it's faster and cheaper) I began to have my suspicions. It is a fairly slender, large format volume. I got it home and opened it. It's well produced, with a lot of contemporary (to Newton) illustrations. I started to read, and quickly realized that I was not in the target audience. It's a children's book. I didn't appreciate that from the descriptions of the book online.
So my two star rating reflects the fact that it was of little use for my own purposes. If you have a ten year old who's interested in the esoteric views of one of the world's great scientists (and the man who laid the foundations for modern empirical science) it would be a great purchase. I just didn't fit the demographic.
So my two star rating reflects the fact that it was of little use for my own purposes. If you have a ten year old who's interested in the esoteric views of one of the world's great scientists (and the man who laid the foundations for modern empirical science) it would be a great purchase. I just didn't fit the demographic.
April 7, 2018
I don't love history and I don't love physical science so when I loved this book it took me by surprise. Losure's storytelling approach kept my interest while still maintaining my respect in her care for accuracy. Her in-depth research provided humorous anecdotes (like when Isaac's homemade fireworks caused a stir) that brought the character of Isaac Newton to life. By focusing on Isaac's experiences as a child and young man, this author introduces the reader to the home environment, personal traits, and questions Newton asked that set him up to make discoveries which later revolutionized scientific understanding. By presenting the world as Isaac might have seen it, Losure tempts the reader with tantalizing physical science questions instead of overwhelming the reader with an information dump.
February 12, 2018
Isaac Newton was born on Christmas Day in the year 1642; "so small that no one expected him to live." They also did not expect this quiet, quirky boy to become one of the world’s greatest scientists whose discoveries about light and how objects move through space would unlock the mysteries of the universe. It is amazing to think that modern technology capable of sending rockets to the moon and beyond was discovered by Isaac almost 400 years ago, at time when transportation was limited to horse and wagons. This is a fascinating personal look at the life of the young genius Isaac Newton through his personal journal, illustrations and eye-witness accounts. This is definitely not your parents boring biography book!
Best for grades 5 & up
Best for grades 5 & up
September 9, 2021
Sometimes I read a book simply because it presents itself. That’s precisely how I started this brief biography of Newton aimed at mid-grade readers. I was pleasantly surprised. Not the book was not just easy to read, it also shed interesting light on Newton’s character, particularly through an examination of his childhood and youth. Newton’s own listing of his sins was particularly illuminating.
I’d certainly recommend this book for young readers, especially those with an interest in both science and history.
For myself, I’m now interested in seeking out a more detailed biography aimed at adult readers. This book has been the perfect introduction.
I’d certainly recommend this book for young readers, especially those with an interest in both science and history.
For myself, I’m now interested in seeking out a more detailed biography aimed at adult readers. This book has been the perfect introduction.
July 31, 2017
When we think of Isaac Newton, we all think of that apple falling on his head that inspires him to think of gravity. This author show us there's a whole lot more to Isaac Newton! Using really cool early documents from etchings on the walls of his childhood bedroom to lists of sins written in secret code, she creates a picture of a creative, determined genius. As the title suggests, she also focuses on his fascination with alchemy, a science that has morphed into chemistry today, but which is well explained in this biography.
February 21, 2018
Everyone knows who Issac Newton is. His scientific theories are still used today. What you might not know is his interest in alchemy. During his lifetime alchemy was still considered a science and Newton was fascinated by it his entire life. Of course he was also fascinated in other branches of science and mathematics. This is a really fascinating look at young Isaac and how his interest in science came about and how it shaped his life. Like many great minds, Newton was a bit socially awkward and tended to keep to himself. However, he was meticulous in his observations and thinking. As one of the greatest minds in the world, it is fascinating to see that so many of his notes still exist today so many centuries later.
February 19, 2018
Isaac Newton was a very unusual man. Losure does a good job of following his childhood with some surmises as to what influenced his life. She also highlights some of the scientific beliefs of the 16th and 17th centuries which will astound the young readers. An avid middle school reader with a penchant for science will find this an engrossing book. Adult readers will appreciate much of the history and learn a bit more about this reclusive man as well. The end notes and bibliography will be helpful to the interested reader.
April 8, 2018
As a retired elementary school librarian I have often told my friends that you can learn a lot from a kids book and this wonderful biography of Isaac Newton bears this out. Bought as a birthday present for my soon to be 10 year old grandson (who chose to research Isaac Newton for his school’s biography fair), this covers his life and explains his research in a very approachable way. Wonderfully illustrated with drawings, portraits and facsimiles of Newton’s writings, this is a book worth reading.
September 22, 2019
I really enjoyed the tone of this book, in it's friendly assumption that the reader is also interested not only in Isaac role in history, but also in what he was like as a person and what was different about being a person so long ago and what was the same. I liked how it showed itself drawing inferences about his personality from the evidence he left behind -- notes he wrote to himself, references to him in legal documents or other people's letters.
I wanted a bit more color, and sometimes it was hard to tell where information was coming from to judge it's reliability.
I wanted a bit more color, and sometimes it was hard to tell where information was coming from to judge it's reliability.
October 14, 2020
Sir Isaac Newton's various accomplishments are all contained in this brief biography (and explained splendidly), but the hook for this biography is not Newton's known accomplishments, but his lifelong dabbling in alchemy. This I did not know. Also, his experiments in attempting to turn mercury into gold prematurely turned his hair white, though it didn't kill him.
Also of interest is newly discovered material where Newton lists his sins, both as a child and an adult. Not bad for a middle-school shot at a biography of the great physicist and mathematician.
Also of interest is newly discovered material where Newton lists his sins, both as a child and an adult. Not bad for a middle-school shot at a biography of the great physicist and mathematician.
December 10, 2021
This book is the perfect example of an excellent non-fiction work for middle grade students. It takes a historical figure (in this case, Isaac Newton) and presents his story in a fact base, accessible and easy to understand manner. By focusing on Newton's interest in alchemy and then bringing in his interest and studies in mathematics, physics and optics, the reader learns about Newton's early life and his lasting contributions to world knowledge. using illustrations, annotations, and sources cited, this work is very highly recommended.
February 6, 2017
Isaac the Alchemist tells the story of Isaac Newton's childhood. He lived apart from his family for most of his early years, and managed to educate himself about science, mathematics, and alchemy through the very few books on those subjects and through the apothecary that he resided with during that period. The book has the feel of a biography for kids written before 1985 -- much more thorough than any today, and told like a story rather than an accumulation of facts.
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