Isaac Newton: Organizing the Universe (Renaissance Scientists)

Boerst, William J.

ISBN 10: 193179801X ISBN 13: 9781931798013

Publisher: Morgan Reynolds Pub, 2003

Synopsis

Presents the life and work of the famous seventeenth-century British physicist.

About this title

From School Library Journal

Grade 8 Up-Behind the genius that produced Newton's three laws of motion was an introverted, touchy man who resisted the publication of most of his works. This biography reveals how the scientist's curiosity and incredible mathematical aptitude drove him to his amazing discoveries. Boerst describes Newton's life from his premature birth through an isolated adulthood dominated by study and experimentation to his death at the age of 84. The author deftly explores his subject's accomplishments in relation to the scientific community and notable historical events of the time and includes information concerning his religious views. Boerst's admiration for Newton is made evident by his sympathy for the physicist when he faced criticism from rivals. Although some of the mathematical discussions may be too complicated for some students to follow, the flowing narrative will likely carry most readers past the technical sections. The full-color reproductions consist of stuffy portraits of significant people and timeworn scientific sketches that evoke the 17th century and may remind readers of the illustrations found in textbooks. Still, this well-written book makes an excellent choice for teens exploring scientists or just looking for a good biography.-Jenna Miller, Alachua County Library District, Gainesville, FL
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

Gr. 6-10. Boerst, whose Renaissance Scientists series titles include books on Brahe, Copernicus, and Kepler, now adds a fine biography of Newton. Though Newton acknowledged his debt to his predecessors, his own intellectual achievements opened whole new vistas in the study of mathematics and science and marked a turning away from "natural philosophy" toward a more modern approach. In addition to an informative presentation of Newton's adult life, his university and government careers, and his intellectual accomplishments, Boerst offers a vivid portrayal of Newton's difficult childhood and adolescence. Sidebars carry information on topics such as Unitarianism, Newton's laws of motion, and centripetal force. Excellent color reproductions of period paintings, and drawings and documents appear throughout the book, and a time line, source notes for quotations, and a bibliography are appended. Carolyn Phelan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

About this edition

• Publisher: Morgan Reynolds Pub
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 193179801X
• ISBN 13: 9781931798013
• Binding: Library Binding
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 128