Genius. Brilliant Thinker. Visionary. Humanitarian. Person of the Century (according to Time magazine 1999). Or even Wild-Haired
Weirdo. Whatever you choose to call him, Albert Einstein was the most important scientist of the 20th Century. His theories revolutionized our human understanding of the universe. E=mc2 is the most famous equation ever. With such a mind-boggling amount of documentation available about the scientist, what makes this particular book stand out? Produced by National Geographic, this
photobiography journeys through Einstein’s life from childhood to adulthood with incredible black-and-white and sepia photographs – some in impressive two-page spreads - that offer the reader a personal view into the world in which Einstein lived. One captures him at the age of 14 posing with his beloved younger sister, Maja. Another photo shows Einstein with classmates from his high school in Aarau, Switzerland. Einstein smiles for the camera while sporting a Hopi Indian headdress during a trip to the Grand Canyon. And perhaps his most famous photo, showing his playful side with his tongue hanging out, is on the back cover. Throughout the book are fabulous quotes from Einstein, printed in extra large script, with sepia photos in the background. “When I was a little boy my father showed me a small compass, and the enormous impression that it made on me certainly played a role in my life.” The author provides simplified explanations of some of Einstein’s complicated theories so that everyday people can understand the concepts. The book leads with a warm introduction by Evelyn Einstein, his granddaughter, and concludes with a helpful chronology of the major events in his life and a list of resources. Overall, this book is a quick read and exceptional resource for those who are curious about the man whose name is synonymous with Genius. In his own words: “
Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited, imagination encircles the world.”