The Complete Idiot's Guide to Understanding Einstein

If you're looking for an introductory level overview of physics, from the earliest thinkers to modern theories that seem stranger than fiction, look no further. Although I read it cover to cover, I still read chapters and segments from time to time. The author writes in a manner that is easy to follow and very interesting. Highly recommended.

I wish I had read this book earlier. Although I did relatively well in math and science in college, they don't come naturally to me. Mostly because I did not find them relevant to me. This book makes it relevant to me. Starting with the origin of physics, the author spends many chapters to explain how ideas and theories have been developed and evolved to pave the road for quantum mechanics. This book is about understanding Einstein and more, it's about understanding the world we live in. Throughout the book there is a sense of wonder expressed toward our universe that is both mysterious and orderly. It's an inspiring and informative book to anyone who has just started his/her scientific and spiritual pursuit.

This work is excellent, whether you are reading it as supplemental for high school or college or because of an actual interest in Einstein. As a high school chemistry and physics teacher, I was searching for a something to help me explain "special relativity". What I found was a book that would help me teach a wide array of topics, from Kepler and Newton's laws to electromagnetic energy. There are three aspects of the book that I find most useful. First, being a "complete idiot's guide" means that it is written without being overly scientific. It allows the reader to understand these sometimes difficult topics without having a doctoral degree AND provides interest. Secondly, the integration of the history makes for a multidisciplinary approach similar to what I aim for in my teaching. If science and math are not your "true loves", then the historical and anecdotal notes will reach you. Thirdly, I especially think that the author's ultimately succeeds at his attempt to call for not just tolerance but understanding...whether it be for different theories or different cultures. There is only one "bone" to pick. In the section on chemical bonding, the author fails to mention that Mendeleev's periodic table is not the one that we use today. Mendeleev organized his table based on increasing atomic mass, which is mentioned in the book. However, our table is based on increasing atomic number, thanks to Henry Moseley (who is not mentioned). This fact is often overlooked. Yet, as a chemistry major, I must fight for Moseley's right to be recognized for this vital contribution. But one omission does not detract from the overall superiority of the book. This book is a "must have" for all physical science teachers!

--This book, written in simple language is not only a guide to understanding Einstein, but Physics in general. It takes you through a brief history of rational thinking beginning with the Greeks and all the way to Quantum ideas.For someone who has not majored in Physics,(I am CS) this book is a real gift. The book travels in time moving from one idea to the other gradually building the momentum to take us into the modern scientific understanding of Physics.Some of the ideas and discoveries of Einstein are so wonderfully explained,I especially loved the part when the authors describe how Einstein was overjoyed when he came up with a description of Gravity under Special Relativity.After a long gap of several years, when I wanted to read something related to Science, I happened to pick up this book. It got me started again. So much so, that I have moved on to David Deutsh and Leon Lederman. Maybe someday I will even go back to college for a degree in Physics.If you don't know much about Physics but want some thread to begin, this book definitely is one!

I thought this book was an excellent introduction to a wide range of difficult concepts. The author makes complicated ideas easy to understand. I strongly recommend the book to people interested in both Einstein's life and the amazing theories that grew from his work. People who like this book would also like Cliff Pickover's book "Time: A Traveler's Guide."