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Albert Einstein: Creator and Rebel
Sketches Einstein's life and achievements against the scientific and political environment of his time
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1972
About the author
Banesh Hoffmann
25 books8 followersBanesh Hoffmann studied mathematics and theoretical physics at the University of Oxford, where he earned his bachelor of arts and went on to earn his doctorate at Princeton University.
While at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, Hoffmann collaborated with Einstein and Leopold Infeld on the classic paper Gravitational Equations and the Problem of Motion. Einstein’s original work on general relativity was based on two ideas. The first was the equation of motion: a particle would follow the shortest path in four-dimensional space-time. The second was how matter affects the geometry of space-time. What Einstein, Infeld, and Hoffmann showed was that the equation of motion followed directly from the field equation that defined the geometry (see main article).
In 1937 Hoffmann joined the mathematics department of Queens College, part of the City University of New York, where he remained till the late 1970s. He retired in the 1960s but continued to teach one course a semester — in the fall a course on quantum mechanics and in the spring one on the special and general theories of relativity.
He was a member of the Baker Street Irregulars and wrote the short story "Sherlock, Shakespeare, and the Bomb," published in Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine in February 1966.
While at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, Hoffmann collaborated with Einstein and Leopold Infeld on the classic paper Gravitational Equations and the Problem of Motion. Einstein’s original work on general relativity was based on two ideas. The first was the equation of motion: a particle would follow the shortest path in four-dimensional space-time. The second was how matter affects the geometry of space-time. What Einstein, Infeld, and Hoffmann showed was that the equation of motion followed directly from the field equation that defined the geometry (see main article).
In 1937 Hoffmann joined the mathematics department of Queens College, part of the City University of New York, where he remained till the late 1970s. He retired in the 1960s but continued to teach one course a semester — in the fall a course on quantum mechanics and in the spring one on the special and general theories of relativity.
He was a member of the Baker Street Irregulars and wrote the short story "Sherlock, Shakespeare, and the Bomb," published in Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine in February 1966.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 12, 2021
As indicated in the subtitle, this book focuses on Einstein’s creativity. He had an amazing amount of intuition about the scientific principles of our world. The book covers his theories – many that were eventually confirmed (or at least generally agreed upon) and a few that were eventually debunked. It is a book for science fans. Those interested in his personal life will find only the basics here, but it does give the reader a glimpse into his temperament, political views, and fears about the ways his discoveries could be (and were) used.
I particularly enjoyed the descriptions of Einstein’s theories in terms that are (fairly) easily understood. I say “fairly” easily since I think it is dependent upon the reader’s familiarity with scientific principles. Topics include the general theory of relativity, special theory of relativity, quantum mechanics, and properties of light, electromagnetism, and gravity. The author uses accessible analogies and eliminates the mathematical proofs. He has a wry sense of humor and occasionally asks the reader to “bear with me – we’ll return to this exciting discovery later.” It is obvious the author is enthusiastic about this material. I looked Hoffmann up later and found that he worked with Einstein personally, and contributor Helen Dukas worked as Einstein’s administrative assistant.
I loved the inclusion of Einstein’s interactions with other notable scientists of the day, and their lively discourses and disagreements about their scientific discoveries. Examples include Niels Bohr, Erwin Schrödinger, Werner Heisenberg, and Max Planck. Einstein predicted the existence of black holes (a term not coined until the 1960s) in 1916. This book was published in 1972 at a time when they were just being proven to exist. Even so, the author’s approach feels fresh, and sheds light on Einstein’s methods, opinions beyond science, and personality quirks.
I particularly enjoyed the descriptions of Einstein’s theories in terms that are (fairly) easily understood. I say “fairly” easily since I think it is dependent upon the reader’s familiarity with scientific principles. Topics include the general theory of relativity, special theory of relativity, quantum mechanics, and properties of light, electromagnetism, and gravity. The author uses accessible analogies and eliminates the mathematical proofs. He has a wry sense of humor and occasionally asks the reader to “bear with me – we’ll return to this exciting discovery later.” It is obvious the author is enthusiastic about this material. I looked Hoffmann up later and found that he worked with Einstein personally, and contributor Helen Dukas worked as Einstein’s administrative assistant.
I loved the inclusion of Einstein’s interactions with other notable scientists of the day, and their lively discourses and disagreements about their scientific discoveries. Examples include Niels Bohr, Erwin Schrödinger, Werner Heisenberg, and Max Planck. Einstein predicted the existence of black holes (a term not coined until the 1960s) in 1916. This book was published in 1972 at a time when they were just being proven to exist. Even so, the author’s approach feels fresh, and sheds light on Einstein’s methods, opinions beyond science, and personality quirks.
January 21, 2022
Physicist Max Born on Einstein - “Einstein would be one of the greatest theoretical physicists of all time even if he had not written a single line on relativity.” (pg 7)
Marie Curie on Einstein - “I was able to appreciate the clarity of his mind, the breadth of his information, and the profundity of his knowledge… One has every right to build the greatest hopes on him and to see in him one of the leading theoreticians of the future.” (pg 98)
Physicist Henri Poincaré on Einstein - “What we must particularly admire in him is the facility with which he adapts himself to new concepts and that he knows how to draw from them every conclusion.” (pg 99)
Einstein on Einstein - “To punish me for my contempt of authority, fate has made me an authority myself.” (pg 24)
This is a fantastic biography written for a wide demographic; just be aware that the science herein may be minimal but it is still rather formidable. There is just enough physics here to convey the staggering enormity of Einstein’s intellect but, even though the author tried to step-down quantum mechanics to my level (a level that is somewhere between cro-magnon and pond turtle), I still had to stop occasionally and rub Aspercreme on my temples.
“Nobody in [American] football should be called a genius. A genius is a guy like Norman Einstein.” ~Joe Theisman
Marie Curie on Einstein - “I was able to appreciate the clarity of his mind, the breadth of his information, and the profundity of his knowledge… One has every right to build the greatest hopes on him and to see in him one of the leading theoreticians of the future.” (pg 98)
Physicist Henri Poincaré on Einstein - “What we must particularly admire in him is the facility with which he adapts himself to new concepts and that he knows how to draw from them every conclusion.” (pg 99)
Einstein on Einstein - “To punish me for my contempt of authority, fate has made me an authority myself.” (pg 24)
This is a fantastic biography written for a wide demographic; just be aware that the science herein may be minimal but it is still rather formidable. There is just enough physics here to convey the staggering enormity of Einstein’s intellect but, even though the author tried to step-down quantum mechanics to my level (a level that is somewhere between cro-magnon and pond turtle), I still had to stop occasionally and rub Aspercreme on my temples.
“Nobody in [American] football should be called a genius. A genius is a guy like Norman Einstein.” ~Joe Theisman
August 12, 2015
This is my first biography of one of the greatest scientists that ever lived, Albert Einstein. It revealed to me, not just the science in the man but also, the human being in him. I found his humility and rebelliousness both very endearing. His relentless dedication and passion to his work was inspirational and admirable.
This is a more or less scientific/intellectual book. If you're interested in knowing more about Einstein's personal life i.e., family, relationships, etc. then it will definitely disappoint you. It is meant to give the reader insight into the way in which he thought and developed his ground breaking theories. It does however reveal a personal side of him vis-à-vis his humility, political stances and also his somewhat tortured nature. The book also contains letters exchanged with his colleagues and contemporaries, some personal and some not.
The most interesting and nail biting portion of the book, for me, was the sequence of events, both scientific and political, that leads up to the Nagasaki and Hiroshima atomic explosions.
What made this book a not-so-enjoyable read was the fact that I was unable to fully understand the scientific explanations and concepts given of his theories such as the special theory of relativity, the general theory of relativity and so on (due to my current lack of expertise in the subject, don't get me wrong). Consequently I was unable to grasp their beauty as well. And that was the only reason I had to bring down my rating to three stars. Nevertheless I did enjoy the deep plunges into his character and nature, though relatively little, that this book provides.
So provided you've got a good hold on concepts in physics, you have atleast a liking, if not a passion, for physics and you're interested in getting to know Einstein a little better, then I would recommend this book. Unfortunately I only just got started with my degree in physics and that left me wishing that I had picked this book much later than I did.
March 17, 2024
Muy pero que muy interesante. Sabía un poco de Einstein como todo el mundo, pero en este libro te muestran además de todos sus logros científicos cómo era como persona.
October 22, 2020
I doubt I could have gotten through the print edition, but the audiobook was engaging enough to keep going despite the fact so much of the science is over my head. It was a worthwhile read to learn more about Einstein and his era of scientistics and how he came to live in America.
December 13, 2020
قصة حياة لواحد من أعظم العقول فى القرن الواحد العشرين، حتى عبقريته لم تشفع له و تعرض للاضطهاد و الهجرة فقط لكونه يهودى!
March 19, 2022
Almost everyone has heard of Einstein. Many know he was considered a genius, some may know he was a physicist. But most, including me, don't know much more. This book, written by one of Einstein's physics' colleagues and his longtime secretary Helen Dukas, helps bridge the gap between the icon and the person; revealing much about a man who was a reluctant celebrity, a sensation in his own time.
Einstein was a private man who didn't talk much about himself. Hoffman and Dukas weave the narrative of his life through his research, appropriate as his work not only changed physics, but his seminal works were central to many of his friendships and some of the rivalries he had throughout his life. The explanations about Einstein's physics research may be rather tough going for some, although Hoffman tries to keep the explanations accessible to non-science audiences.
Born in 1879 German, Einstein developed pacifist leanings as he became a young man. This caused him to renounce his German citizenship in favor of becoming Swiss as he was uncomfortable with the militaristic qualities of German society. He lived in Germany during WWI and became increasingly harassed by the far right in the late 1920s to 30s, causing him to accept a position at Princeton and move to the United States.
He was a Jew raised without any jewish traditions or religious beliefs of any kind. But he grew to feel a kinship with fellow Jews and became a fierce advocate for the establishment of Israel. Given his pacifist roots it may surprise some that he advocated that the U.S. develop a nuclear bomb as he was afraid the Germans would create one first.
Humble and funny, Einstein loved music and was a skilled violinist. Loyal to his friends and family, he lived a quiet life in later years, able to walk around his Princeton, CT neighborhood without anyone raising a fuss. After his death he was cremated and his ashes at his request disposed of quietly so that his resting place would not become a shrine.
A remarkable person, you will feel glad you took the time to read this book and got to know him a bit better.
Einstein was a private man who didn't talk much about himself. Hoffman and Dukas weave the narrative of his life through his research, appropriate as his work not only changed physics, but his seminal works were central to many of his friendships and some of the rivalries he had throughout his life. The explanations about Einstein's physics research may be rather tough going for some, although Hoffman tries to keep the explanations accessible to non-science audiences.
Born in 1879 German, Einstein developed pacifist leanings as he became a young man. This caused him to renounce his German citizenship in favor of becoming Swiss as he was uncomfortable with the militaristic qualities of German society. He lived in Germany during WWI and became increasingly harassed by the far right in the late 1920s to 30s, causing him to accept a position at Princeton and move to the United States.
He was a Jew raised without any jewish traditions or religious beliefs of any kind. But he grew to feel a kinship with fellow Jews and became a fierce advocate for the establishment of Israel. Given his pacifist roots it may surprise some that he advocated that the U.S. develop a nuclear bomb as he was afraid the Germans would create one first.
Humble and funny, Einstein loved music and was a skilled violinist. Loyal to his friends and family, he lived a quiet life in later years, able to walk around his Princeton, CT neighborhood without anyone raising a fuss. After his death he was cremated and his ashes at his request disposed of quietly so that his resting place would not become a shrine.
A remarkable person, you will feel glad you took the time to read this book and got to know him a bit better.
October 30, 2021
Hoffmann and Dukas approach Einstein largely through his study of physics, and detail in dense but readable prose the course of his professional life. Although this may seem tedious it is not. Through their approach we see how Einstein entered and moved within the physics community, later transcending it and becoming an international celebrity of sorts. The reader gets to know the players in physics at the time, as well as the competing theories advanced and retooled as they take each others work into account. We also grow to know a bit of Einstein the human, a man who loved to play the violin, a pacifist who advocated for development of the atomic bomb, a person still searching for answers to how the universe worked to the end. One of the best parts of the hardcover edition are all the photos and illustrations, which greatly enhances the reader's understanding the world Albert Einstein lived in. I consider this well worth the time to read whether interested in physics or not.
April 6, 2021
While Hoffmann took a scattered and disjointed approach to telling Einstein’s story, jumping in time and place and often organizing it by his scientific endeavors, he does a great job capturing the essence of the man and his discoveries.
This is the closest I have gotten to Albert Einstein, truly understanding not only his brilliance but his morality and his love for fellow man.
Even as a science teacher, much of the specifics were over my head and I imagine other readers will find the same. But you can skim over parts like that and still learn an awful lot.
I recommend for anybody wanting to know more about Albert Einstein!
This is the closest I have gotten to Albert Einstein, truly understanding not only his brilliance but his morality and his love for fellow man.
Even as a science teacher, much of the specifics were over my head and I imagine other readers will find the same. But you can skim over parts like that and still learn an awful lot.
I recommend for anybody wanting to know more about Albert Einstein!
September 7, 2017
A fantastic biography of the greatest physicist of all time. It captured Einstein's passion, humor, and sense of artistry well. It is more of an intellectual biography than a biography in the sense of, this, then this, then that.
The only weakness is that since it was written in the seventies, the author was unable to say what impact Einstein's work is having now, and that's something I'd be interested in knowing.
The only weakness is that since it was written in the seventies, the author was unable to say what impact Einstein's work is having now, and that's something I'd be interested in knowing.
December 13, 2017
El libro adicional a ser una parte de la biografía de una gran mente científica es una explicación de muchos de los grande descubrimientos físicos de la época, mecánica cuántica, teoría de la relatividad, definición de ondas y partículas, naturaeza de la luz, tamaña del universo; por tanto la lectura del libro no es para principantes en esta materia porque sino las páginas serán eternas.
January 24, 2018
I wanted a biography about Einstein so that I could understand his life. This book not only covered his life, but attempted to explain his scientific contributions. I was unable to understand much of the science, but I know more than I did before reading this book. I also understand his life path. I listened to this book through Hoopla.
April 29, 2023
Plus que l'histoire du phénoménal Einstein, c'est aussi l'histoire de la science et le tout début de la physique quantique qui est comptée. Un livre passionnant, que m'avait conseillé un astrophysicien qui a choisi son métier suite à cette lecture.
La traduction française est excellente.
Attention, demande un niveau de science minimum (Terminale D/S) pour comprendre certains passages.
La traduction française est excellente.
Attention, demande un niveau de science minimum (Terminale D/S) pour comprendre certains passages.
March 18, 2018
More physics that I've ever taken in my life, but a nice insight into Einstein's formulas and life.
June 15, 2018
I enjoyed reading the personal aspects of his life. Although I was a bit lost on the science. I don’t fault the book. I have a little knowledge of physics.
December 20, 2023
Er wordt naar mijn mening te weinig rekening gehouden met de chronologie. De schrijver springt voortdurend voor- en achteruit in de tijd waardoor het boek chaotisch overkomt.
May 15, 2011
To put it bluntly, this is not one of the best biographies on Einstein out there.
Sure, there were some amusing stories and facts about Einstein included (just as biographies strive to portray), but they do not live up to the acclaimed "creator/rebel" part. It was somewhat disappointing.
The only thing I can think of that held my attention for more than a few seconds were the photos. There were some remarkable photos of Einstein and of the great physicists of his era. One photo in particular kept me amazed at the number of great minds it contained; it included Einstein himself, Planck, Bohr, Madame Curie, Heisenberg, Pauli, de Broglie, Compton... and other names that just about cover the establishers of the academic syllabus taught in my final year of undergraduate physics. Looking at their synchronized gazes was very humbling.
So, there was something of interest in the book after all. However, I don't think that a collection of "photos" justifies reading a "book of words". But, that's just my opinion:)
Sure, there were some amusing stories and facts about Einstein included (just as biographies strive to portray), but they do not live up to the acclaimed "creator/rebel" part. It was somewhat disappointing.
The only thing I can think of that held my attention for more than a few seconds were the photos. There were some remarkable photos of Einstein and of the great physicists of his era. One photo in particular kept me amazed at the number of great minds it contained; it included Einstein himself, Planck, Bohr, Madame Curie, Heisenberg, Pauli, de Broglie, Compton... and other names that just about cover the establishers of the academic syllabus taught in my final year of undergraduate physics. Looking at their synchronized gazes was very humbling.
So, there was something of interest in the book after all. However, I don't think that a collection of "photos" justifies reading a "book of words". But, that's just my opinion:)
March 22, 2016
It wasn't your typical biography where you expect the author to tell you only about the subject's life and achievements but it was more than that; many scientists and physicists and philosophers where mentioned some even I never heard of. Reading about Einstein's life as a child and a teenager, going through some tough times in highschool which led him to quit it for a while than he changed school, and had to live on his own...etc. This made him seem like a normal boy but what distinguiched Einstein is his curiosity, bis passion for physics. He belonged to the right crowd and I guess hé was lucky for that; his uncle gave his a book about geometry when he was only a kid "he taught him about pythagorean theorem before even studying geometry". Einstein truly made it to the top thanks to the environment he was brought into and this got me wondering, what if nobody paied attention to him? what if his uncle never gave him thar book? what if he believed that teacher when he said to him "you'll never get anywhere."? I guess we can only imagine what could've happened.
June 30, 2014
Like hearing the story of early quantum physics from your grandpa. The author remembers the details as human events, rather than a researcher furthering their theory about an icon. Favorite lessons were personal, that Einstein didn't write an autobiography, because he thought an obituary was more respectable... what he thought and worked on is what mattered most. The prediction of particles before they could be seen, the intuition rather than logic behind his biggest theories, the modeling of an atom before it was even broadly accepted, all accessible. No math either, making this a truly public telling.
July 3, 2009
overall this book was "eh." with the title creator and rebel i was hoping for more about his politics and aspects of his life away from physics. but that wasnt so.
however, the descriptions of his physics were easy to read. i only had to skip about ten pages of them, the rest i could comprehend the language employed.
read it if you are really into einstein (it has a bunch of nice images) or if you just have it around. there are probably better books about him and his life if you are purchasing one.
however, the descriptions of his physics were easy to read. i only had to skip about ten pages of them, the rest i could comprehend the language employed.
read it if you are really into einstein (it has a bunch of nice images) or if you just have it around. there are probably better books about him and his life if you are purchasing one.
July 29, 2013
La más excelente y agradable obra sobre el científico, motiva al lector a saber siempre más. Se queda un poco en la parte personal pero es muy didáctico al explicar los principios físicos y matemáticos que motivaron la gran revolución del siglo XX.
August 12, 2013
One of the best biographies I've read. While reading this book, you begin to understand the deep intelligence, simplicity and humility of Albert Einstein, and come away with a sense of wonder.
April 19, 2010
The biographical parts are really interesting, a thoughtful peek at Einstein's life and mind. Too bad most of the middle of the book is scientific stuff way over my head.
November 23, 2014
Focuses on both the man and his science, equally.
August 11, 2021
The only reason for the 2 stars is more science than I could understand.
June 4, 2013
Strong text and engaging personal revelation. Very clean and well crafted bio.
January 23, 2018
The author provides a vividly romantic biography of Einstein. Einstein's thought processes are treated as naturally beautiful poetry, to mimic how the author and Einstein think about the physical theories Einstein worked on. There is a childlike sense of looking at how pretty, extraordinary, or remarkable a theory is. At times this is off-putting for me, but in general it fits the theme of the book. The book starts talking about Einstein as a child thinking about the physical phenomena around him. That thread continues throughout the book.
The actual physics is described at the highest level so expect this to just whet your appetite. Now I want to delve into gravitational theory even though I don't know anything about it. This is the biggest benefit of the book. It makes you want to be a physicist, or at least a scientist.
The descriptions of Einstein's contemporaries are very good. There is no sense of a "bad person." Rather, there are a lot of very smart, very flustered, very inquisitive people. They have a gift of intellect and pair with a deep seated desire to find out what makes nature tick. Those feelings start going to the reader when you read the book. That's not just Einstein. It's also Dirac and Bohr and Planck and Leibniz and even Newton.
Sometimes I didn't like the language, but I still loved the book.
The actual physics is described at the highest level so expect this to just whet your appetite. Now I want to delve into gravitational theory even though I don't know anything about it. This is the biggest benefit of the book. It makes you want to be a physicist, or at least a scientist.
The descriptions of Einstein's contemporaries are very good. There is no sense of a "bad person." Rather, there are a lot of very smart, very flustered, very inquisitive people. They have a gift of intellect and pair with a deep seated desire to find out what makes nature tick. Those feelings start going to the reader when you read the book. That's not just Einstein. It's also Dirac and Bohr and Planck and Leibniz and even Newton.
Sometimes I didn't like the language, but I still loved the book.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews