Einstein: His Life and Universe

The book offers a glimpse into the life and thoughts of Einstein; not just his science, but also his messy and complicated personal life as well as his well-formed and articulate views on society and politics.

I appreciate the fact that the author does not dwell too much on the science. Attempting to present Einstein's science in a popular book would, in all likelihood, have entailed gross oversimplifications and watering down on the key aspects. Since the author is not a practising scientist himself, he has intelligently avoided this trap, instead focussing more on the story of how these discoveries were made and the impact they had on his life.

I also appreciate how both Einstein's messy personal life, as well has his opinions and activities in the socio-political sphere, have been mostly given the attention they deserve. Especially (though not exclusively) towards the latter half of his life, Einstein was outspoken about his views on politics and society: espousing his view of pacifism, socialism (albeit a gentler form), a unified world government, and a strong distaste for nationalism.

However, if you look carefully, it is evident how the author tries to gloss over some of Einstein's viewpoints, especially where they may contradict with the author's own—this is by main criticism of the book. Such views were either ignored altogether, or varnished over with explanatory remarks. A couple of examples: (i) Einstein was scathingly critical about the US administration during the McCarthy/Red-scare era; and (ii) his support for Zionism was anything but unconditional, and he was a pacifist and against nationalism throughout his life. These ‘inconvenient' aspects of Einstein's views are underplayed in the book.

(audiobook)

What a character. And with flaws, stubbornness which made him the Genius he is (relativity theory) and also the failures he had (unified theory).

His humor and love and ability to play violin, interest in humanity not so connected to individual people, challenges with his relationships, especially with his wifes and kids are really interesting.

A full picture of this tremendously important man.

Great biography and very well narrated by Edward H.

Gave me a lot of insights and mind-blowing physics fact even though it was hard to comprehend the complex physics. I felt the book was excruciatingly long.

Náročnější čtivo než Leonardo da Vinci, ale díky tomu, že měl Isaacson přístup k obrovskému archivu, jsem se dozvěděl spoustu zajímavých věcí z Albertova života, která mě velice zaujala a mnoho z nich i překvapila. Kvůli vědecké části mi však čtení knihy trvalo o něco déle. Ale stálo to za to.

Excellent!!

Thoroughly enjoyed this book.
First of all a great subject. Einstein. What a guy.
Not only do you find out about Einstein the physicist. You'll get a great overview of 20th century physics and Einstein's part in that. And in his later years you'll learn about Einstein the world citizen and defender of social justice and individual freedom. And an interesting overview on anti-Semitism which as a New Zealander I've never personally experienced I found rather peculiar. Anyway, solidly engaging and entertaining. Recommended

This is an excellent biography. I picked it up fully not intending to read more than the first couple chapters. I couldn't put it down. Einstein led a fascinating life and Isaacson is a phenomenal writer. I came away with not only a basic understanding of relativity, but more importantly with an understanding of who Einstein was, his politically charged ideas, how he thought and how his ideas changed the world forever.