Reviews (2)

an instructor and scientist from South Dakota
Although Einstein's basic life history and his theoretical concepts are reviewed moderately well for a child of about twelve, we found the book difficult to read due to the short and very choppy sentence structure. This writing style was very distracting to us as we tried to read this aloud to our children. Parent added dynamics and humor helped retain interest. Photos were only moderately relavent and the illustrations were actually mediocre quality black and white sketches.

You should own this book!
Our 9 year old son brought this book home from the library, and now we're buying it for ourselves and as gifts.This book not only reads easily, and defines difficult words when needed, it gives the reader a look atEinstein's life, as well as explaining his revolutionary theories.We seehow experiences in Einstein's personal life influenced his theories, andhow his theories influenced history.Most important of all, I nowunderstand the theory of relativity! The author does an excellent job ofexplaining Einstein's theories step by step, with simple pictures whenneeded.I have always wondered just how traveling at the speed of lightcould cause time to slow - that idea has never made sense to me, and no onehas ever been able to explain it to me.Oh, how I wish Joyce Goldensterncould teach physics to all.This book is not only a must read, it is amust own for inquisitive adults, children, and parents of inquisitivechildren. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

there are better books on the subject
In my opinion this book is appropriate reading material for perhaps a fifth grader who wants to do a book report. In fact, I read it and returned it.

If one is serious about the disappearance of Ms. Earhart disregard this book and order Amelia Earhart: The Mystery Solved by Elgen M. Long and Marie K. Long. The Long's book goes into much greater detail and makes for better reading.

Amazing! Spectacular! The truest book on Amelia Earhart.
A fantastic, true book that tells about Amelia Earhart

Detailed account of the disappearance of Amelia Earhart
Spring .. 1937. A specially prepared, "State of the Art" Electra L-10e twin engine aircraft. Amelia Earhart and Fred Noonan attempting their flight around the world. A well detailed and documented book, by authors who worked with and know the limitations of the Electra L-10e. The exact route, written in a format easy to understand and follow. Amelia Earhart's disappearance has been researched by many, but Mr. Walter Roessler, Leo Gomez, and Gail Lynne Green have done an excellent job, if you "Really" want to know what happened in 1937. ... Read more

Book Description

"One can do no better than reading Gerald Holton for exploring the scientific mind. These essays are rich with a deep understanding of the scientific enterprise, the personalities of its practitioners, and a passion for communicating the history and culture of science." Alan Lightman, MIT

From the opening pages this book presents an authoritative and accessible guide to the place of science in our culture today. Gerald Holton shows how the work of Einstein and his followers not only transformed science but also changed the non-scientific world, from literature and visual arts to philosophy and psychology. The recently found love letters between Albert Einstein and his first wife, Mileva Maric, are used as a keyhole for studying sympathetically how the young couple tried to fashion for themselves a life based both on their tumultuous passion for each other and their love for science. This provocative volume concludes with a gallery of finely drawn profiles of notable physicists including Robert Oppenheimer, P.W. Bridgman, I.I. Rabi, Richard Feynman, and the philosopher-scientist Michael Polanyi. Library of Science Book Club Selection ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Science from many perspectives
There are many attributes associated with scientists, from the solitary genius (rarely true), to the mad (almost exclusively myth), to the dispassionate observer of nature (only partially true). Each of these attributes is addressed in this book, along with some of basic philosophical principles of science. Holton begins the book by describing the only scientist everyone knows, Albert Einstein. The equivalent of a rock star in the early part of the twentieth century, he had a level of celebrity that no scientist has had since. It is likely that only Archimedes and Newton matched the level of awe the public applied to him.
However, much of the emphasis is on Einstein's love affair with Mileva Maric, where he is displayed as a man of considerable passion, and not just for physics. Einstein comes across as a young man of great confidence, yet having a need for companionship and close personal relationships. Some of the correspondence between Einstein and Mileva is published, and the point is to show that even Einstein was not a solitary genius, although he is often portrayed as such.
The second segment of the book is a series of essays concerning the role of science and the scientist in culture. Even the most scientifically illiterate person is well aware of the significant role that science and the technological offshoots have on civilization. Nevertheless, scientists cannot observe without altering, interpreting and expressing their human roots, so some of the points deal with the fundamentals of what scientists are. Some of the points are quite radical, such as questions concerning the credibility of scientific research and whether there are indeed any truths to be found.
Segment three is a series of short biographies of some of the greatest characters in science in the twentieth century: J. Robert Oppenheimer, Percy W. Bridgman, I. I. Rabi, Richard Feynmann and Michael Polanyi. Certainly the greatest character of them all was Feynmann, whose most amazing characteristic was his insatiable curiosity and willingness to try almost anything. As you read about his many interests, you wonder how he ever found time to do Nobel Prize caliber physics.
The closing segment contains two essays, the first on whether the history of science has a place in the teaching of science and the conclusion is a heavily qualified yes. The role of equipment and in-class experiments is covered in the second. Lectures are valuable, but there is nothing like a demonstration of a physical principle to get the point across. While I remember nothing that was said in my high school classes, I do remember some of the classroom demonstrations, such as static electricity.
Science is performed by humans, so like everything else, it has a culture, has results that can be suspect and alters all that comes in contact with it. Since science comes in contact with everything, even in the most insular of societies, how science and society react to each other is a significant component of civilization. Holton examines this from many different perspectives, from the passionate scientist to those skeptical of the scientific mind. Whether you agree with the statements or not, you will benefit from having read them. ... Read more

Amazon.com

"EARHART TO ITASCA..." is the beginning of the last hauntingmessage broadcast by America's lost aviation heroine on July 2, 1937. No conclusive evidence regarding the fate of Amelia Earhart orher navigator Fred Noonan was immediately discovered.More than 50 yearslater, the search continues, as investigators draw nearer to a conclusionto one of the 20th century's greatest enigmas.What began as Houston businessman T.C. Buddy Brennan's avocation of recoveringJapanesewar planes from the Pacific has evolved into one of the mostplausible and convincing cases regarding Earhart's fate.Brennan's keywitness, Mrs. Nieves Cabrera Blas, a native of Saipan whose family'sfarm adjoined Japanese headquarters on the island during World IIrecalls: "....One day I am working on the farm and I see three Japanese motorcycles.Amelia Earhart is in a little seat on the sideof one motorcycle.She is wearing handcuffs and she is blindfolded. I watch and they take her to this place where there is a hole beendug. They make her kneel in front then they tear the blindfold from herface and throw it into the hole.The soldiers shoot her in the chestand she falls backwards into the grave..."Video tape of actual interviews is available. ... Read more

Book Description

This book takes a subversive look at lesser-known aspects of the famous scientist's intellectual life, the man whom the FBI thought was "too clever not to track." It presents Einstein's denunciation of U.S. use of nuclear bombs in 1945, his socialism and his passionate opposition to war as a profound advocate of radical humanism.

"What I like most about Albert Einstein is that he was a troublemaker." -- Fred Jerome, author of The Einstein File

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"We were born into an unjust system. We are not prepared to grow old in it." -- Bernadette Devlin

Rebel Lives books feature writings both by and about individuals who have played significant roles in humanity's ongoing fight for a better world. The series shows the not-so-well-recognized political views of some well-known figures and introduces some not-so-famous rebels. Strongly representative of race, class and gender, these books are smaller format, inexpensive, accessible and provocative.

Reviews (1)

This is the most informative Einstein book I've read.
I did a report in web site form on Einstein for my englishclass, and this was definitely my most cited source. Of all the books I read for this report, this one made themost sense and had the most relavant information pertinent to my report.Not only was it informative, it was also the most interesting. ... Read more

Book Description

The Einstein revealed in these writings is witty, keenly perceptive, and deeply concerned for humanity. Einstein believed in the possibility of a peaceful world and in the high mission of science to serve human well-being. As we near the end of a century in which science has come to seem more and more remote from human values, Einstein's perspective is indispensable. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

The World As I See It
It still amazes me to think that this book exists at all, and for one very good reason: no one ever mentioned to me that Albert Einstein was a quasi-philosopher-turned-political-activist. I grew up hearing about 'Einstein the Scientist' but knew nothing of the man who spoke out about global disarmament, pacifism, and even the reconstruction of Palestine in spite of persecution at home (think Germany, 1933) and abroad. It wasn't until I stumbled upon a few quotes of his that I realized his mind worked beyond even the limits of science, and it wasn't until I stumbled across an e-book titled "The World As I See It" by Albert Einstein that I realized there were publications in his name beyond his Scientific Journals. When I saw a real copy in one of my favourite used-book shops, of course I had to buy it.

The book is really an incomplete collection of Einstein's articles and writings put together "to give a picture of a man," we are told by the editor, as "his character and opinions are being exhibited to the world in an utterly distorted form...to forestall this fate is the real object of this book." If nothing else, this collection gives a clear picture of the things that Einstein was concerned about, which speaks volumes more about his character than a biography could. Topics within the text vary greatly, though inevitably touch upon religion, personal philosophy (yes, those are two separate categories to me), and world politics.

Of particular interest to me was those articles written in pre-WWII Germany as they absolutely reek of the political turmoil of the times, which remind me greatly of the political bantering surrounding a post-9/11 United States. Specifically, there are a series of letters exchanged between Herr Einstein and the Prussian Academy of Sciences in which Einstein is accused of "atrocity-mongering" after resigning from the Academy due to the Prussian Government's inequities against individual freedom. The Academy essentially twists Einstein's actions and words in an effort to slander his good name, and each retort quid pro quo paints the formulaic picture of an irrational "authority" attacking those who speak out against them. After re-reading the articles just now, I can't help but be reminded of the Bush Administration's attacks on the Dixie Chicks after the attacks on the World Trade Center.

I would like to address each of the ideas presented within this book, but would rather save that for a proper essay as each deserves more merit than a few brief scribbles in a book review. I will say this though: Albert Einstein's theories on disarmament, world peace and global unification seem as attainable as they are idealistic when coming from the pen of such an honest, genuine, intelligent man. He speaks with complete understanding and acceptance of himself, others and the politics in between when touching upon subjects ranging between Good and Evil to The Meaning of Life to Peace, Fascism, Culture and Prosperity, and I found myself with little choice but to listen whole-heartedly and agree with the brilliance captured within these few pages.

I recommend this book to everyone (and I *rarely* recommend books) and believe it should be a mandatory-study in high school for its sheer breadth of scope in understanding the globe we call Earth as it is today, and as it should be tomorrow.

A Rip-Off
Readers should be aware that this edition of "The World As I See It" is, in fact, an abridged version of the original publication. Without bothering to mention this on the title page, it has dropped the entire fifth section on "Scientific Questions," including such classic popular expositions of Einstein's basic philosophy as "Geometry and Experience" and "Principles of Research." Editing a book of Einstein's writings which deliberately excludes all mention of science is like publishing a biography of Mozart - without any reference to music.

It is, I think, significant of the dumbing down of American publishing that the German edition of the same book ("Mein Weltbild," published by Ullman) has continuously added new material on politics, fascism, Judaism, peace and science over the years! Readers who want to know what Einstein was really like should obtain a used copy of the original full version.

To know Einstein's thoughts, the rest are details
To know Einstein's thoughts is to understand the nature of one of histories finest minds. Beyond all else, Albert Einstein was a man, a man of deep social & moral conscience. As I read this book, I was struck by the thought of George Santayana, "Those who do not study the past are condemned to repeat it." To be able to travel back nearly 100 years and view the world throught the mind and spirit of Einstein is a pleasure indeed. I found myself at odds with some of what Einstein thought. However, what a great experience it was to explore those thoughts and how many still appear true today. Albert Einstein once said "Imagination is more important than knowledge". The man knew what he was talking about.

Great Humble Mind, Greatest Scientist
The book reveals, the thoughts of the great mind known as Albert Einstein. His social life was as enlightening, as his intellectual mind. He had god given gift of opening god's secrets, and he did it beautifully, and humbly. I have read this book many times, and feel divine about thinking about Albert Eintein.

A great book to read, especially if intrested in Einstein
This book was a really interesting to read because I've never read any letters Albert had written, and it tells about events in his life you wouldn't ordinarily know. The only problem for me was the book didn't quite grab my attention in some parts very well. But other than that I loved the cover and the book, I would definitely recommend it. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Should Be Required High School, College Reading
This should be required reading in high schools and universities.The description of battles is not the primary focus.The book is about the political and military personalities, the political and economic considerations, the benefits and problems of press coverage, risk management, planning and preparation, limitations of material and transportation, the justification of risking lives, military vs. social issues, the impossibility of knowing everything and always being right, individual efforts (from generals to troops), the consequences of weather, seasonal considerations, the importance of unified command, team building, and morale.Morale is critical, requiring many factors and constant effort.

It is the fleshed out, rounded picture of war and people that makes it interesting.Of course, he is an politically astute, or he would not have been able to do the job; so, he doesn't really give the dirt on people even while indicating problems.

He fully understands the critical issues of logistics and the productive capacity of a nation at war.(For an even deeper understanding of this, and how it fails under dictatorships from ancient Sparta and Rome to modern Germany and Japan, see the chapter, "The Energy Circuit in Wartime," in Paterson's "The God of the Machine.")

Given the various failures and miscalculations of large operations, the reader can easily imagine that given the attitudes of modern press coverage of Iraq by shallow minded news anchors and politicians, neither Eisenhower, nor Bradly, nor Montgomery, nor Patton would have been able to keep their jobs.

One lesson: It takes months, even years to properly plan and prepare for major military operations, depending on the strength of the enemy.In this case, from the need to design and build new types of landing craft to the need for feeding the civilians of Europe.

Ike's Manifesto
Very good book for someone seeking the view of the War in Europe from Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces, essentially the CEO of the war in the west.Not a ghostwritten account, and at times it's difficult to keep straight the one-star and two-star generals, as Ike mentions the name, what he did, and whether he was British, Canadian, or American. A professionial writer (although this is still a very readable book) would add a physical desription, and when the name comes up again, that writer would refer to him as "the British general."

I read Churchill's "Second World War" before this, and it's interesting to see Churchill's various rebuttals to criticisms by Ike of the Prime Minister. (There weren't that many of them).

One almost comical account was Churchill's insistance that he visit the Normandy beaches--on D-Day! Luckily, King George stepped in and resolved the situation and kept the 69 year-old Prime Minister in London on June 6.

Ike does a pretty good job of keeping the Zeus-like egos of Montgomery, Patton and DeGaulle in check, too.

In my opinion, Eisenhower doesn't get as much credit as he deserves, as just getting a force of the size of the Allied Expeditionary Force supplied with ammnuniton, fuel, food and the like was a monumental task.

Ike 'sPROFILES IN COURAGE
While I can certainly appreciate the political problems Dwight David Eisenhower had to deal with while executing the liberation of Europe, I find this, his own description of D-DAY to VE-DAY quite wanting in the historical perspective.

There is little doubt that being between FDR, Marshall and Churchill was quite a daunting assignment. What is most intriguing about Ike's account of the lengths The US War Department went to help Bataan is just how many pages Ike devotes to apologizing for virtually abandoning it. Is there a new study on why the US Defense Department abandoned Bataan here?
Are the facts as Ike spelled them out, a coverup?

Much of this book has been repeatedly cited in the numerous WWII
European war studies that have come out since its initial publication. Ike's prose is elegant and witty. It is a good read if you are interested in Ike's opinions on his military staff and his personal war experiences. But as a study on the European and African theatres of WWII it lacks scholarship.

But, if you were going to run as a candidate for President of the United States(or was being drafted by the Republicans and Democrats at the time), this is sure a nice book to base a Presidential campaign on.

Another Crusade
General Eisenhower, contrary to press reports and revisionist historians, was a man of great intelligence, strength, and discipline. He wrote this book in 1948 without ghost-writers, and his wit and wisdom are stunning. Everyone needs to read this to understand the issues that face us in Iraq and elsewhere today. The general explains how the real work of the military is developing strategy, drawing up plans, building relationships with governments and civilians, and quickly implementing and changing the plans as required. Only criticism is his tencency to dismiss the inappropriate behavior of Patton, but keep in mind that Patton was already dead when this book was written and Eisenhower would not criticize those who were not positioned to defend themselves. He is critical of others, especially Montgomery for his foolish proposal of launching a blitz on Berlin to bring the war to an early end. Another lesson for our time is the treachery of the French troops both in Vichy and Algeria, who fight the Allied invasion and put personal objectives above military and political goals. Unbelievable candor throughout such as when Eisenhower reports that an obviously overwhelmed Truman offers to help Eisenhower in any way that he can, including supporting him for the Presidency in 1948. Important career lesson: Eisenhower did not receive any significant promotions in the 20 years after WWI and was doing staff work under McArthur for 5 years, building up the Filipino military, yet became the highest rank allied commander, through hard work, dedication, and leadership.

Really Great Book. Up to par with the late Stephen Ambrose.
Eisenhower, contrary to many beliefs, was one of the greatest conquerors of all time. He was a warrior and a national leader. Books about him, like the Ambrose ones, are very interesting and present a good view of the war, yet I have always believed that seeing the war through the eyes of the warrior is the best way. Personally, I don't believe that Ike wanted this book to show emotion, it was meant as a book on the broad picture of the war in Europe. He did a fabulous job of presenting it from the perspective, as he did a fabulous job making decisions during the course of the war. This book is as good, if not better, than Ambrose's works. ... Read more

Book Description

This digital document, covering the life and work of Dwight D(avid) Eisenhower, is an entry from Contemporary Authors, a reference volume published by Thomson Gale. The length of the entry is 2490 words. The page length listed above is based on a typical 300-word page. Although the exact content of each entry from this volume can vary, typical entries include the following information:

• Place and date of birth and death (if deceased)
• Family members
• Education
• Professional associations and honors
• Employment
• Writings, including books and periodicals
• A description of the author's work
• References to further readings about the author

Reviews (1)

Required reading for serious students of English & History
This work is important for anyone interested in History or Literature of the English Renaissance. The author takes a fascinating, in-depth look at the cultural succession of the popular image of the Virgin Mary by the popular image of Queen Elizabeth I. The depth of her scholarship is evident in the work, and yet it is presented in a style that is easy to follow. I look forward to reading her forthcoming work on the genre of Romance in the Renaissance. ... Read more