| Publication Overview "The eternal mystery of the world is its comprehensibility... The fact that it is comprehensible is a miracle."
ALBERT EINSTEIN, 1936
- The definitive illustrated study of one of the greatest icons of the twentieth century.
- Published in association with the Albert Einstein Archives at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
- Commemorating the centenary of Einstein's annus mirabilis of 1905.
In 1905, an unknown 26-year-old patent clerk in Switzerland formulated two of the most revolutionary scientific concepts of the twentieth century, relativity and quantum theory, and unveiled the most famous equation in science, E=mc2. Albert Einstein's work in that miraculous year overthrew the prevailing Newtonian worldview, and forever altered our understanding of space, time,
energy, matter, and light.
Einstein's universal appeal is only partially explained by his brilliant work in physics, as Andrew Robinson shows in this authoritative, accessible illustrated biography. The book presents clearly the beautiful simplicity at the heart of Einstein's greatest discoveries, and explains how his ideas have continued to influence scientific developments. It also discusses his life and activities outside of science, including encounters with famous contemporaries, his love of music, and his troubled family life.
The main narrative is augmented by eleven essays written by scientists and scholars, and Einstein's own voice is present throughout in the form of extracts from his writings and speeches, including his own account of his intellectual development.
This book is published in association with the Albert Einstein Archives at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and draws upon this exceptional resource of Einstein's private papers and personal photographs.
'Andrew Robinson gives a splendid introduction to Einstein's theories, and the biographical chapters have been meticulously researched. There are short sections from writers such as Arthur C. Clarke, the illustrations are excellent, and there is a good index. All in all, this is by far the best book about Einstein that I have ever come across.' Patrick Moore, BBC Sky at Night magazine
'Of all the books about Einstein that have passed through the Physics World office during the last 12 months, Einstein: A Hundred Years of Relativity is by far and away the most appealing? The book contains material on all aspects of Einstein?s scientific work and private life, including 11 highly readable essays? It is filled with a myriad of familiar and not-so-familiar images.' Physics World
'As Freeman Dyson writes in the Preface, Einstein's life was full of paradoxes, and this lovely coffee table book, with essays by Stephen Hawking, Philip Anderson, Steven Weinberg and others, reveals them all.' New Scientist
'Contains contributions not only from noted physicists such as Stephen Hawking, Steven Weinberg and Philip Anderson but also Robert Schulmann, editor of Einstein's papers, and Philip Glass, composer of the opera Einstein on the Beach? Anderson provides a welcome dash of cold water.' Financial Times magazine
'A thoroughly grounded biography of Einstein? This book appeals to anyone interested in the universe, science or physics? This is one of the best books on Einstein to be found.' School Librarian |
