Einstein: A Hundred Years of Relativity - Softcover

Andrew Robinson

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0955304695 ISBN 13: 9780955304699

Publisher: Palazzo Editions Ltd, 2010

Synopsis

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.

About this title

About the Author

Andrew Robinsonis the author of some 25 books, written for both general and academic readers, covering three main areas: science and the history of science; archaeology, scripts and decipherment; and the history and culture of India. From 1994-2006, he was literary editor of The Times Higher Education Supplement in London, and is currently a regular writer for newspapers, magazines and journals, including BBC Focus, The Lancet and Nature. A King's Scholar of Eton College, he holds degrees from Oxford University (in science) and the School of Oriental and African Studies, London, and has been a visiting fellow of Wolfson College, Cambridge. Contributors: Philip Anderson, Arthur C. Clarke, I. Bernard Cohen, Freeman Dyson, Philip Glass, Stephen Hawking, Max Jammer, Diana Kormos Buchwald, Joao Magueijo, Joseph Rotblat, Robert Schulmann and Steven Weinberg.

Review

"A peerless introduction to the man, his life, and his scientific theories. . . . [T]his is by far the best book about Einstein that I have ever come across."--Patrick Moore, BBC Sky at Night magazine

"Most appealing. . . . [C]ontains material on all aspects of Einstein's scientific work and private life . . . It is filled with a myriad of familiar and not-so-familiar images."--Physics World

"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

"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

"Andrew Robinson's main biographical narrative is enhanced by 12 essays by eminent scientists, scholars and artists that put Einstein's life and work in perspective."--Bill Condie, Cosmos Magazine

"The commentaries are excellent, extremely helpful, and a very welcome addition to the literature on Einstein’s theories of relativity. . . . With its plentiful photographs and iconic, whimsical images, Robinson’s work has great aesthetic appeal. The book offers a general introduction to Einstein in which his scientific achievements and his vivid personality are clearly conveyed. . . . A fitting tribute to the man and his work, on the 100th anniversary of Einstein’s general theory of relativity."--Metascience

"An extremely charming presentation of many aspects of the public and private figure of Albert Einstein and of his scientific work."--Roberto Lalli, Isis

About this edition

• Publisher: Palazzo Editions Ltd
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 0955304695
• ISBN 13: 9780955304699
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 256