Einstein: His Life and Universe

by Walter Isaacson
Einstein: His Life and Universe cover
Good Books rating 4.5
Biography and Memoir
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Paperback • £9.99–£10.99
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Technical
  • ID: 136
  • Added: 2025-09-03
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9780743264747
  • Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  • Published: 2008-05-13
  • Formats: 74
  • Reviews: 4
Reviews
Kirkus Reviews · Kirkus Reviews · 2025-09-03
comprehensive 4.50

An exemplary and comprehensive biography that is both sympathetic and unsparing, portraying Einstein as a brilliant thinker and a complex, rebellious humanist.

Kirkus Reviews praises the book for its thoroughness and readability, successfully explaining complex scientific ideas while also delving into Einstein’s multifaceted personality including his rebelliousness and human flaws. The biography balances Einstein’s monumental scientific contributions with his personal life, making him accessible and real, not just a distant genius. It is described as a definitive work that captures the spirit of Einstein’s life and legacy.

Quick quotes

    An exemplary biography, at once sympathetic and unsparing.

    Isaacson lucidly explains the finer points of Einstein’s theories.

    Einstein was sufficiently sure of his own genius and the needs it entailed that he refused to be tied down by the ordinary rules applied to husbands and fathers.

Man of La Book · Man of La Book · 2025-09-03
thoughtful 4.25

The biography offers a highly readable account focused more on Einstein the man than the science, using personal letters and anecdotes to reveal his complex character.

This review emphasizes that the book is less about explaining Einstein's scientific theories in depth and more about presenting the man behind the myth through personal stories and letters. The reviewer found the exploration of Einstein's religious views particularly enlightening, presenting a perspective where science and religion complement each other, which adds a thoughtful dimension to understanding Einstein's beliefs and personality.

Quick quotes

    The personal letters, quick wit and even tyrannical impulses let the reader understand this complex man as a man...

    If you understand some of the physics then it will be a nice review, if you don’t then you won’t understand it after finishing reading either.

    Science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind.

Goodreads · Laurel416 · 2025-09-03
engaging 4.75

The book is meticulously researched and beautifully written, offering an engrossing and vivid portrait of Einstein that goes beyond his scientific genius to include his personal life and struggles.

Laurel416 found the biography both deeply informative and engaging, despite the occasional difficulty with the detailed physics explanations. The reviewer appreciated the balance between Einstein's scientific achievements and his personal quirks, relationships, and philosophies, making the figure of Einstein relatable and inspiring. The book's thorough research and readable style kept the reviewer captivated, with moments they found hard to put the book down.

Quick quotes

    This book is meticulously researched, beautifully written...

    Isaacson creates a vivid and engaging portrait of who Einstein was as a whole...

    Read this book and fall in love with this extraordinarily inspiring mensch!

WordDreams · 2014-09-12
inspiring 4.50

The book is a valuable story for everyone, offering lessons on living an extraordinary life. It requires persistence to get through the lengthy narrative.

WordDreams finds that this biography is more than just a story about Einstein; it's a guide on how to live an extraordinary life. The review emphasizes the book's length and complexity, suggesting that readers need to be persistent to fully appreciate it. Despite the challenges, the book is seen as a rewarding read that offers valuable insights into Einstein's life and the lessons we can learn from it. The review highlights the book's ability to engage readers and provide a deeper understanding of one of history's most remarkable individuals.

Quick quotes

    A worthy story for all, as much biography as lessons in how to live an extraordinary life

    You'll have to engage your own tenacity as the book is a raucous 675 pages

    The book is a valuable story for everyone, offering lessons on living an extraordinary life

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