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)

A good introduction

A good introduction to that famous formula and related concepts. After listening to this, if you want more science for the layman you want to listen to the excellent "The Fabric of the Cosmos".

Very Well Done

"Audio Publishers, Please Take Note!" First, I agree with others that this book is an excellent introduction to aspects of modern physics. Instead of beginning with relativity, it uses very interesting historical episodes to place Einstein's famous formula within the larger history of the science of energy and mass, which makes a lot of sense. But I am writing mainly to note the reading, which should be a model for other publishers. Far too many Audible books are read by professionals at top speed or with histrionic overacting. This casually paced, natural reading is a tremendous aid in comprehension. Today's "media professionals" simply do not trust the written word and feel they must "add value" with dramatic antics, youthful over-enthusiasm, and the highest possible number words per second. Like restaurants that insist on cranking up the music they are terrified that someone might get bored. Some topics require a bit of chewy comprehension and this reading sets an ideal standard for such.

Great history

I thought this book would be more technical but I loved, LOVED the history. This kinda builds up to the theory and then beyond. GET IT!

E does = MC2

What did you love best about E=mc2?

What I really enjoyed about this book having read it previously in hardbound, is how the author explored the history of each aspect of the equation. For example how Faraday discovers energy, to the ability to discover the speed of light, even somthing as simple as the way we use equal signs today.

A totally enlightening read.

Any additional comments?

Read this book you will be pleasantly surprised.

Cashman and Bodanis score!

Narrator Dan Cashman chalks up another win as one of the finest in the field. Team Dan up with a good writer like Bodanis and you have an enjoyable and educational experience. This is what audiobooks are all about.

The genre known as "pop" science often gets unfair treatment by professionals. Members of the scientific community forget it is OK to be entertained while learning. This audio program will not earn you a doctorate in physics but will stimulate your mind more than John Stossel ever could.

Excellent!

A great book, with great pacing and great structure. Truly worth a listen.

Entertaining too!

As entertaining as it is enlightening. A thoroughly enjoyable experience, and well-read by the narrator. I now have a greater understanding of the bomb, nuclear power, fusion vs fission, and insights into the people who brought forth the new physics.

Almost Understand It-Sort Of

If Einstein had only discovered that E=M, I would be happy. But how did he make the fantastic leap of understanding that required the square of light speed? And why? Mr. Bodanis does a nice job of linking the scientists and their key discoveries that laid the foundation of Einstien's incredible equation. I think I finally, almost, sort-of, begin to understand it ... maybe. The fun is in the discovery.

Great book. Wanted more science, less history.

Bodanis has surely succeeded in fulfilling the challenge presented in the book's opening chapter, teaching Cameron Diaz (and the reader) what E=MC2 really means.

As an avid science reader I am often lost to the words of science writers who fail to translate their concepts clearly or confuse the reader with their lack of metaphor and context. This book was a gem. While I agree with the assessment about the book focusing on A-Bomb development a little too much (frankly, this IS the outcome of the equation and to snub the massive slaughter with a quick reference would be unthinkable), I wasn't aware of any religion bashing....but then again I don't actively look for opportunities to defend the flying spagetti monster either.

Highly recommended!

A confectionary blend of science & narrative

Would you listen to E=mc2 again? Why?

Yes. Because it's a great story and it really managed to get across the extremely difficult concept of relativity to me pretty well--or so I hope. Not being a physicist, my baseline is an incomplete understanding gathered from other pop sources.

What was one of the most memorable moments of E=mc2?

The extremely detailed description--literally it goes into a "molecular level detail"--of the atom bomb detonating over Hiroshima.

Which scene was your favorite?

Definitely one of my favorite parts of the book was the description of relativity's effect on scientific conceptions of reality.