Einstein: A Hundred Years of Relativity

"Albert Einstein's universal appeal is only partially explained by his brilliant work in physics, as Andrew Robinson shows in this authoritative, accessible, illustrated biography. 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 big bang, lasers and "theories of everything". It also discusses his life and activities outside of science, including encounters with famous contemporaries such as Chaplin, Roosevelt, and Tagore, his love of music, and his troubled family life. His striking originality was expressed in many ways, from his political and humanitarian campaigns against nuclear weapons, anti-Semitism, McCarthyism, and social injustices, to his unconventional personal appearance." The main narrative is augmented by eleven essays written by scientists and scholars, and Einstein's own voice is present throughout in the form of extracts from his writings and speeches, including his own account of his intellectual development.