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)

Fun and informative

Bodanis presents the equation in a clever and interesting way. As a biography, it's fascinating, and not just crazy Al, the whole cast of characters and events leading up to and emanating from it's wild discoveries.

loved it

very interesting story, i enjoyed the breakdown of the equation and the final chapters explaining what the formula led to.

Excellent intro to relativity

This is an excellent intro to anyone interested in the history of understanding energy, matter, and the speed of light.

Excellent book for us non-scientists

This is a great book for understanding not only the significance of E=MC2, but also in understanding the discoveries in the areas of energy, mass and the speed of light that led up to the development of the theory of relativity. Very interesting stuff! I would also agree with one of the other reviewers that the stories about the race to make the atomic bomb were quite facinating. Never realized how close the Nazis were to beating us to the punch. Great Audiobook!

Excellent!

An excellent investigation into the world's most famous equation and, more importantly, the people who surround it. David Bodanis and narrator do an excellent job of keeping one's interest. If you like science and the stories of scientists listen to this book! I highly recommend Bodanis' other work, Electric Universe, as well.

Informative, educational but not entertaining

The many tangents of this 'biography' were quite enlightening. The people contributing to the discoveries, the proof, the dis-proofs were fasinating. The politics alone made for interesting reading and insight I had not previously imaged. I had also hoped for the book to be entertaining but that was not to be. Certainly it had not promised that but still I was disappointed somehow. If one goes into this text with little understanding of physics and math structure, one will probably not derive too much from it. Conversely, if one possesses a fair understanding of these concepts, the text will fall short. That is the nature of the beast I suspect. Still, I would recommend it and suggest one expect only a little and be pleasantly uplifted.

great

loved it very educational. should be about of everyday school curriculum. it was outstanding. period.

Good Book...

Written Rather Well...

( though the author occasionally fixates/deviates on theme )


& Read Rather Skillfully...


Overall it was an enlightening/entertaining experience!


Well Worth the Credit*

Twice

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this fascinating nonfictional account. In fact, I listened to it 2 times in one week.

E=mc2

Moderately interesting, this book provides a general explanation of relativity which isn't bad nor is it very original. The book then becomes a superficial history of the development of the A-bomb laden with some revisionist opinions. Overall, the book lacks focus and readers can find better material on each of its several subjects.