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Average Customer Rating:

Einstein, Genius & Nice Guy

Customer Rating:

Walter Isaacson has created a unique and wholely respectful insight into the life of one of the great scientific figures of the 20th century. As with any biography that is true to the subject and not retrospectively judgemental, Mr. Isaacson paints a very human picture of a man held in awe by most and misunderstood by many. This is a first rate book. I've taken one star off, as the scientific detail could even be shorter. Mr.Isaacson, keep writing please !

Fascinating biography

Customer Rating:

Having just finished the recent biographies of Stanley and the young Stalin, this one had a lot to live up to, and whilst not containing the elements of derring do that those two books had, this is nonetheless a fascinating and enthralling story. Many new facts have recently emerged about Einstein's life and Mr Isaacson has woven them into a story that is easy to get through and grips throughout, which will hopefully encourage those who may not be so keen on science books to give this a chance. It is fair to say that Einstein was a "bit of s lad" at times, and belies his "mad scientist" image - he really should have got a hairdresser to sort his mane out! I heard the author speaking on NPR radio and was keen to emphasise that this is a personal story more than a scientific tome, and indeed the science contained herein is excellently described without overwhelming the little grey cells. The book also serves as a history of the scientific politics both pre, during and post world war two which is an added bonus to be honest. If you are at all interested in famous lives, science and or history then this book should appeal to you.