The Unexpected Einstein: The Real Man Behind the Icon

by Denis Brian

The Unexpected Einstein tackles many unexpected and rarely covered aspects of Albert Einstein’s life, thoughts, and personality. This fast-paced and informed account strips away the myths, rumors, and outright lies that continue to circulate about Einstein to offer readers a uniquely intimate portrait of the living, breathing man. Brian draws upon an impressive array of original sources including recently discovered documents and interviews—many previously unpublished—with Einstein’s relatives, colleagues, lovers, enemies, lifelong friends, and relative strangers. In their own words, these men and women share their memories of the "father of modern physics" and offer insight into his character. The profoundly complex man who emerges from these pages may be best understood in his own "I live and feel puzzled, and all the time I try to understand."

272 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 24, 2005

Reviews

[John Lindemuth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and I love the writing of Denis Brian. The book is an evenhanded treatment of Einstein and his somewhat hidden yet volatile life. Like other Einstein biographies I have read it depicts an all too human man who happen to be be a towering genius. I feel the life of Einstein is a life of common flaws and exceptional abilities that mirrors the life Everyman. His resounding characteristic that Brian so adroitly depicts is humility. Loved it!

[Randal Gritzner · Rating 4 out of 5]

The amount of research that went into this book boggles my mind. I grew up learning about Einstein’s genius, and he was a significant part of my becoming a Science/Physics teacher at the High School level. I find many parts of his life incredibly admirable, and Denis Brian’s description is equally enjoyable. It’s almost like I met Albert myself.

[Harrison Rip · Rating 3 out of 5]

not nearly as good as his other book about Albert

[Julie Akeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book, and it made it clear that Einstein wasn't learning disabled, ie not a dyslexic but seeing how he is socially I see a bit of Aspbergian tendencies, mild autism, like me. Love the quote I have hanging near my front door. "Imagination is more important than knowledge, Knowledge is limited, Imagination circles the world." J Edgar Hoover had a crazy amount of paperwork on this guy, believing he was a German spy out to get the Americans and he was working on a Death Ray, the 'tips' were coming from Nazis that were on the USA payroll and their job was to tear down Einstein, WTF? Sorry but REALLY?? This has been the ONLY book on Einstein I have read and it's pretty good, I'm keeping this one.