Einstein

His Life and Universe

By: Walter Isaacson

Narrated by: Edward Herrmann

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

"[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)

Good overview and listen

Good overall review of Einstein’s life. Captured the main points of science, politics and personal life.

excellent

I fully recommend the abridged version. The story is concise, yet it's highly cohesive and powerful.

The content of this book is evenly split between the science and personality of Einstein.

Awesome narration.

Not Bad

This book gets very technical sometimes which makes it hard to follow. I wanted to know more about Einstein as a person not his science.

This is the abridged version!

This is the abridged version! It's only about 1/3 of the total book. Before you buy it... double check that you want abridged... and not unabridged!

Great biography of the Genius

Issacson has written a masterpiece of the Genius, who’s life teaches us humility, humbleness and being respectful to all of humanity.

Didn't know that.

A little dry but interesting information on a genius. Would reccomend.

excellent

This bio is a must read for all fans of Einstein,
all interested in physics, science, history of science, and in Einstein's theories.
Although this is the abridged version (7 vs 21 hours) you don't feel there's much left out, so much detail is contained in this book.
It covers all aspects of Einstein's life, personal as well as scientific and describes to some detail the steps of thought Einstein was going thru to develop his theories.
It should be easily understood by the non-physicist and bring insights also to the "expert".
I truly enjoyed the read and maybe some time go for the unabridged one :)

A Fasinating Perspective of Einstein's Life

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recommend this book to a friend. You don't have to be a science buff to follow the many concepts covered throughout the book, however some knowledge helps to shed light on understanding of the many topics discussed. I was shocked to find out about Einstein's aloofness toward his family.This was a great book! It was easy to listen too and follow.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Einstein?

Of course... when he had his break through moment E=mc2

Great book; glad I did the abridged version.

I’ve been wanting to get into the life and works of the great Albert Einstein. I was debating between the full and abridged version, and I feel like I chose wisely. Other reviewers complain about how much detail was given to the physics... but I was interested in this from the onset, so it was a perfect amount for me. I don’t have hardly any physics ‘training’ in my background, but I’ve been wanting to have some understanding of Einstein’s concepts. Also, the book was a good amount of his personal life and insight.

Warts and all

This is a great book about Einstein's life and work. I thought the author explained his contributions very clearly. Neither did he sugar coat Einstein's personal life - definitely not a saint, I felt sorry for his wife.