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Einstein  By  cover art

Einstein

By: Walter Isaacson
Narrated by: Edward Herrmann
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Editorial reviews

Why we think it's Essential: Isaacson is the modern master of the biography, so it was only natural that he turn his pen to Einstein. And more than any biography of the past, Isaacson's account unravels the life behind the brain and provides a full picture of the man who embodied the scientific spirit of the 20th century. Edward Herrmann is stirring and moves effortlessly from humorous anecdotes to scientific theories. — Chris Doheny

Publisher's summary

Winner of the 2008 Audie Award for Biography/Memoir

How did Einstein's mind work? What made him a genius? Isaacson's biography shows how his scientific imagination sprang from the rebellious nature of his personality. His fascinating story is a testament to the connection between creativity and freedom.

Based on the newly released personal letters of Albert Einstein, Walter Isaacson explores how an imaginative, impertinent patent clerk, a struggling father in a difficult marriage who couldn't get a teaching job or a doctorate, became the mind reader of the creator of the cosmos, the locksmith of the mysteries of the atom and the universe. His success came from questioning conventional wisdom and marveling at mysteries that struck others as mundane. This led him to embrace a morality and politics based on respect for free minds, free spirits, and free individuals.

These traits are just as vital for this new century of globalization, in which our success will depend on our creativity, as they were for the beginning of the last century, when Einstein helped usher in the modern age.

It's all relative: listen to more about Albert Einstein.
©2007 Walter Isaacson. All rights reserved (P)2007 Simon and Schuster Inc. All rights reserved.

Critic reviews

  • Audie Award Winner, Biography/Memoir, 2008

"[A] lucid account." (Publishers Weekly)
"Isaacson has admirably succeeded in weaving together the complex threads of Einstein's personal and scientific life to paint a superb portrait." (Arthur I. Miller, author of Einstein, Picasso)
"Isaacson has written a crisp, engaging, and refreshing biography, one that beautifully masters the historical literature and offers many new insights into Einstein's work and life." (Diana Kormos Buchwald, General Editor of the Collected Papers of Albert Einstein)

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What listeners say about Einstein

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A must read

A well written book that elegantly depicts Einstein as the genius scientist that the world has ever seen, as well as a pacifists, rebellious and misunderstood human being. Well researched book about the most important events in his life including some surprises.

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love this biography

Issacson nails it here. Great research, interpretations, and facts, what is most impressive is at the heart of this man's life-the curious mind. Great.

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Very Thought Provoking!

If more people read or listened to this book the world would be a better place. A view from a brilliant person shared in a special way.

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humanized the subject

worts and scars, Einstein was a human. a good human. The author turned him into someone I could have a feeling for.

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Wonderful!

This is absolutely the Best audible book I have listened to up to now. A most fascinating and informative biography. Einstein was a genius and also an excellent human!! Listen your spirit will be grateful.

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Impressed

I had read the biography of Steve Jobs which I really enjoyed. I also found this book a good read. I was impressed how the author could adapt his writing style to two distinct personalities.

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Fascinating and timely bio

Beautifully written. Excellently performed. Riveting life story. I strongly recommend. Will read more by this author.

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Riveting and inspiring

Edward Herman’s reading is perfect, can’t imagine another narrator doing this book.I highly recommend this book. Amazing.

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Outstanding Man and Book

One of my favorite biographies of all time. Einstein is now in my top 3 people in history. What a glorious man and glorious life!

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Everything I didn’t know about Einstein or beyond E=MC squared

Just amazing. A very warm telling of the life and times of Einstein. Even if you think you know the story there is much to learn and reflect upon in this book

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