Einstein

Albert Einstein's universal appeal is only partially explained by his brilliant work in physics, as Andrew Robinson demonstrates in this authoritative, accessible, illustrated biography. This new edition, published to recognise the centenary of the publication of Einstein's General Theory of Relativity, includes an important new afterword by Professor Diana Kormos Buchwald, the Director of the Einstein Papers Project at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). The main narrative is augmented by 12 essays by well-known scientists and scholars, including three Nobel Laureates. The book presents clearly the beautiful simplicity at the heart of Einstein's greatest discoveries, and explains how his ideas have continued to influence scientific developments such as the theory of the big bang, lasers and 'theories of everything'. Einstein's life and activities outside of science are also considered, including his encounters with famous contemporaries such as Chaplin, Roosevelt and Tagore, his love of music and his troubled family life. It recognises that his striking originality was expressed in many ways, from his political and humanitarian campaigns against nuclear weapons, anti-Semitism, McCarthyism and social injustice, to his unconventional personal appearance. Published in association with the Albert Einstein Archives at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, the book draws upon this exceptional resource of Einstein's private papers and personal photographs.