Einstein's Brainchild: Relativity Made Relatively Easy!

by Barry Parker

Book Overview

Physicist and popular science writer Barry Parker speaks to the broadest possible audience in bringing Einstein's theories to life. Given the fervent renewed appreciation for the contributions Albert Einstein has bestowed on humanity, Parker thinks it only right to dedicate a book to explaining in the clearest possible terms the meaning and beauty of Einstein's theories.While tracing the story of Einstein's life, Parker seizes on the crucial groundbreaking theories that Einstein envisioned. Not since Isaac Newton had anyone conceived the universe in such a revolutionary, startling new way. Through Parker's eloquence, eye for detail, and clever use of Einsteinian cartoons and vivid illustrations, he enables the reader to see and appreciate for perhaps the first time the full meaning and scope of Einstein's Special Theory of Relativity and General Theory of Relativity.Parker then guides the reader to the next step in Einstein's revelations: the possibility of time travel. In exploring the fascinating implications of Einstein's thought, Parker treats us to the experience of discovering a black hole, traversing curved spacetime, and greeting our much younger twin who has just returned from a long and arduous spaceflight.Parker's incomparable gift for language captures Einstein's uniqueness, singular brilliance, and stunning theories. The clarity of the writing coupled with the many illustrations will drive home the point why so many consider Einstein to be the greatest scientist who ever lived andTimemagazine named Albert Einstein "Person of the Century."

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1573928577
• ISBN13: 9781573928571
• Release Date: September 2000
• Publisher: Prometheus Books
• Length: 280 Pages
• Weight: 1.33 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.2" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Good primer

This book gives a great intro to Einstein, that's understandable and lends to the appreciation as to what a great thinker Einstein truly was. Other great books along this same vein are E=MC2, and Fermats Enigma, the latter gets a bit deeps towards the end but the beginning chapters really flesh out number theory in a historical context that really freshens the mathematic atmosphere. Will aspiring mathematics majors appreciate Einstein's Brainchild? If you involve yourself with the process of introduction and discourse, they probably would! Enjoy!

Nice book!

This book is great! It answers every question you've ever had about the universe, plus tons more. Not only does it tell you about Einstein's theories, it tells you about his life, friends, competitors, everything! I have learned so much from this book! Don't think it is written for children, because it is most certainly not. I got confused sometimes, but not too much. I recommend this to anyone with an interest in space or anything to do with it, it is really quite fascinating, especially because I want to be an astrological physicist when I'm older!

Blends cartoons and illustrations with a lively discourse

Relativity is made easier in Einstein's Brainchild which brings Albert Einstein's theories to life with bright, involving writing. This traces both the story of his life and the theories he envisioned, blending cartoons and illustrations with a lively discourse on the meaning of Einstein's insights, applicable to the modern world. Highly recommended.