Einstein

His Life and Universe

By: Walter Isaacson

Narrated by: Edward Herrmann

Length: 21 hrs and 30 mins

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)

Focus on science not as much on social science

It when into a lot of detail in regards to his theories which can be overwhelming. I liked the parts regarding his personal history, but I was expecting more " social" history like when he met w the Indian poet and that pivotal meeting and his interactions w the movers and shakers of his era

Einstein was much more than most know.

Where does Einstein rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Top 3

What did you like best about this story?

His humanitarian efforts and objection of conformity.

What does Edward Herrmann bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Edward makes all the difference.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Inspiring!

Any additional comments?

A must read if one wants to understand the history of human kind.

everything you thought you didn't know.

great personal insight beyond just the theoretical physicist... and fairly simplified explanations of his very complex theories.

A very personal portrait

I was not expecting to become so intimately involved with Mr Einstein. I am far from a scientist or scholar so the fact that I even vaguely understood the thermos presented is a testament to the authors narrative. The real strength in this book is the exploration or maybe relationship is a better word with the subject. As I reached the end of the book albeit the end of Einstein’s life I began to find myself dreading that moment when he would pass on. It was as if I were loosing an old friend or relative. I found this big very enjoyable and it brought to life a name I have heard so often but knew nothing about. I recommend this book whole heartily.

masterful depiction of the life of a genius

read this one after reading Jobs bio, very impressive and engrossing story, a lot of new information, Einstein, as everyone, had many virtues and fallings, and troubled personal life.

Einstein and His Theories Explained.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Einstein?

The explanations of Einstein's theories were probably the clearest explanations I've ever heard. Isaacson did a fantastic job at explaining them for the layperson.

Any additional comments?

This portrayal of Einstein was highly detailed, yet still thoroughly enjoyable.

Well worth the read.

Pleasant and captivating. You will find things out about him you never dreamed of. I thought he was more of a hermit!

Interesting story of a historical figure and his genius and flaws.

The story is much more focused on the man than the science. It was interesting to learn more about a great historical figure and his human side. You don’t need to be concerned about understanding the science to enjoy the book. However, If you are interested in the science you will find yourself stopping at points to ponder his theories. It’s about 24 hours long in 3 parts which meant that I listened to this over about 3 months of longer car trips.

beautiful story of a brilliant life

Thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook about the brilliant and curious man; the narrator spoke the words with great compassion.

One of the Best biographies!

Einsten was exciting character. He was charming, humble and SMART... way Smarter than the rest of us.
That's why there are so many biographies about him.
But Walter Isaacson's managed to stand out because his a great writer that can really involve you in the text.
He also had some new material that no other biograhpy had.
The Narration is also very good.
I definitely recommend the audiobook.