E=mc2

A Biography of the World's Most Famous Equation

By: David Bodanis

Narrated by: Dan Cashman

Length: 6 hrs and 49 mins

Publisher's summary

Generations have grown up knowing that the equation E=mc2 changed the shape of our world, but never understanding what it actually means and why it was so significant. Here, Bodanis writes the "biography" of this great discovery and turns a seemingly impenetrable theory into a dramatic and accessible human achievement. Bodanis begins by introducing the science and scientists forming the backdrop to Einstein's discovery. Having demystified the equation, he explains its science and brings it to life; making clear the astonishing array of discoveries and consequences it made possible and its impact on our daily lives. At last, the masses can understand that Einstein did nothing less than open the door to the inner structure of the universe.

©2000 David Bodanis
(P)2002 Random House, Inc.

Critic reviews

“Bodanis’ account is exhilarating.... This book filled me, once again, with delight at what numbers, together with a free-ranging intellect, can achieve. E=mc² is to be treasured because, in its small compass, it reveals so much of what makes science tick...a few more books like this and perhaps our policy makers will remember what science is about.” (The Globe and Mail)

Great book!

I was amazed at how interesting the author could make this topic. Because you are reading this, you are interested in the subject; listen to this book...period! You'll not regret it.

Great book ... a pleasure to listen to!

Excellent narration. Great content. This audiobook is a great, short and very well written. Interesting topic.

Enjoyed the concept and gain understanding.

Where does E=mc2 rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I explained something very puzzling very well.

Who was your favorite character and why?

It doesn't really have characters.

Which scene was your favorite?

It's not that kind of book, but I guess, describing the enormity of the speed of light squared.

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

It would probably be a documentary, not really that kind of book.

Any additional comments?

Your survey's asking the wrong sort of questions for the type of book that I'm reviewing.

Facinating

This book truly lives up to its stated goal to explain what this famous equation means. The author explains each aspect in an easily understood manner and I enjoyed the illustrations and scientific history behind what led to these great discoveries. If you enjoy science but do not want to be overwhelmed, this is a great read!

now i understand

For those that can easily recognize E=mc2 as the theory of relativity, but never took high school physics, this book is for you.
Step by step, building brick upon brick, you develop an understanding of exactly what this powerful equation really means.

...Intriguing topic, and splendid author....

This presentation was pleasant and engaging. I'd like to know even more! E=MC^2 is a wonderful exposé concerning personalities involved in developing our fundamental understanding of energy. Certainly, our current level of knowledge is not the end of the matter.

Great book, not so great read

What made the experience of listening to E=mc2 the most enjoyable?

Its a fascinating topic, and the concept is great.

What did you like best about this story?

I now, more or less, get what E=MC2 really means

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

I didn't like his voice or his intonation. Pit, because its great material. Deserved someone better.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Not really that kind of book

This is a great book.

Third time listening in 16 years and I know I will listen to it again.

Great theoretical physics for laymen

My favorite book about effects and meaning of Einstein's equation. The big epiphany for me was: why MC SQUARED? Wasn't the speed of light fast enough already? The book explained that. And the millisecond-by-millisecond description of the Hiroshima bomb explosion was unforgettable.

Read Electric Universe instead

This would definitely be a good buy if you this is your first pulp science book, or if you have absolutely no idea what the letters in E=mc2 stand for. If you know absolutely anything about science, skip this one in favor of a more advanced book.