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Summary
Summary
On the 100th anniversary of the publishing of the special theory of relativity, this National Geographic photobiography chronicles the life of one of the most brilliant scientists who ever lived. Through compelling text and stirring archival photographs, the author recounts Einstein's life from his privileged childhood in Austria through the crucial years during World War II, and his death 50 years ago in Princeton, New Jersey. Young readers learn about Einstein's remarkable theories that still influence technologies of today and discover the causes he passionately supported such as disarmament and civil liberties.
Author Notes
MARFÉ FERGUSON DELANO is the author of 16 books for National Geographic, including Genius: A Photobiograhy of Albert Einstein, which was an Orbis Pictus Honor Book, and Inventing the Future: A Photobiography of Thomas AlvaEdison. Her latest titles for National Geographic are Helen's Eyes: a Photobiography of Annie Sullivan, Master George's People, Explore My World: Butterflies, Explore My World: Frogs, and Welcome to the World. Delano is a graduate of Duke University.
Reviews (3)
School Library Journal Review
Gr 5-8-While the myriad photographs are fascinating, the bigger draw here is the wonderfully simple explanations of some of Einstein's theories. For example, in clarifying the physicist's quantum theory of light, Delano says, "Simply put, Einstein showed that photons in the light beam knock the electrons out of metal." And, to make the concept of spacetime easier to understand, she asks readers to contemplate spacetime as a trampoline with a bowling ball resting on it. This visual perception helps to make the theory understandable for all students. The black-and-white and sepia photographs follow Einstein from boyhood to old age and show him in a variety of settings: at the blackboard, delivering a speech, taking the oath of U.S. citizenship, in his Princeton home with children who survived the Holocaust, and so on. Many have appeared elsewhere. Cartoon illustrations add to the clarity of the very readable text. Personal thoughts and feelings abound. To make Einstein human to the audience, his mistakes are mentioned, as well as his celebrity. Complete quote sources are appended. An introduction by Evelyn Einstein, the scientist's granddaughter, is included. This entertaining effort displays clarity and intelligence. It has plenty of information for reports and is also a good choice for browsing.-Anne Chapman Callaghan, Racine Public Library, WI (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Horn Book Review
(Intermediate, Middle School) A photograph showing Einstein as mischievous and smiling, superimposed on a handwritten scholarly paper, greets readers on the jacket and establishes the theme in the biography to follow: Einstein was indeed a scientific genius, but his mind also housed warmth, humor, and respect for both individuals and humanity. Marking the one hundredth anniversary of Einstein's most productive year (in 1905, while completing his doctoral thesis, he authored four papers laying the foundation for quantum physics, proving the existence of atoms and molecules, and arguing his theory of relativity), this biography begins with the familiar pattern of chronicling childhood events. Delano then moves into unfamiliar territory, providing a lucid description of Einstein's work that places each theory in a historical context, and concludes with the impact of this work on modern science. The book's design, with its sepia-toned photographs and hand-lettered quotations, creates an attractive if somewhat static package; it is the clear expository text, making the science understandable for young readers, that is notable. Appended with an afterword, a chronology, a list of resources, a page of credits documenting both quote sources and photograph sources, and an index. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.
Kirkus Review
A necessarily brief introduction covers the main points gracefully, with the help of careful design. No 64-page biography can hope for completion, so Delano wisely opts to focus on the man, not on the theorems, although both relativity and the concept of spacetime are explained clearly enough for readers unfamiliar with the concepts. Where this effort really shines, however, is in its humane exploration of Einstein's growth as a thinker and what he did with his fame. From his early childhood, when he was reportedly disappointed that his new baby sister didn't come with wheels, to his difficulties with regimented German educational methods, to his young adulthood spent struggling to focus on science, the genius comes alive as a human being. The foundation laid, the narrative's discussion of Einstein's scientific thinking, his pacifism and growing interest in Judaism and his peregrinations proceeds with ease. The meticulous design, which features archival photographs (frequently set against reproductions of key documents) and quotations from Einstein set in a spiky display type, further acts to bring the subject intimately to life. (notes, bibliography, web sites) (Biography. 10-14) Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.