Einstein

by Peter D. Smith, P.D. Smith

Albert Einstein re-wrote the textbooks of science in 1905: physics since has been little more than a series of footnotes to the theories of a 26-year-old patent-office clerk. Einstein's science and emotional life come together in this vivid portrait of a rebellious and contradictory figure, a pacifist whose legendary equation E=mc2 opened scientists' eyes to the terrible power within every atom.

Genres: Biography, Science, Nonfiction

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

See P.D. Smith.

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.

Reviews

[Raj · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a short biography of Albert Einstein, of whom I'm somewhat of an admirer. I found the bits about Einstein the man particularly interesting: he found it difficult to relate to women, and he had several affairs while he was married. He also had an illegitimate daughter with the woman who would become his first wife, but all correspondence relating to this was suppressed until recently (after his son, Hans Albert, died). Although some of this has been released, much of it still remains hidden, so very little about this daughter, Lisearl, is known.

[Ian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excellent starter bio of Einstein that does not romanticize the man but introduces us to his foibles as well as brilliance with an exceptional use of primary materials. Great modern bio to start your acquaintance with the "real" Einstein, who in many ways differs greatly from the mythic figure we've been taught to admire.

[Karin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just wanted an introduction to Einstein- to see if I wanted to delve into a bigger biography- I think the answer was yes. I was so impressed- there was a lot I did not know about him- a really well written "summary" of his life and science without being too technical.

[TrumanCoyote · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gives a pretty full portrait in a rather small space: of his irreverence, wacky sense of humor (and fairly convoluted love life).