The Einstein Reader

This book covers Einstein's writings from 1934 to 1950. It was originally published as "Out of My Later Years". There are no editorial comments to put some of the pieces into their proper context, but for the most part this is not necessary as most of the background is well known to a modern reader. It is divided into several sections, namely: Convictions and Beliefs, Science (which contains a few pieces, written for a general audience, that discusses his scientific work), Public Affairs, Science and Life, Personalities, and My People. The Public Affairs section discusses his ideas concerning capitalism, socialism and world government and probably evokes as much hostility today as when these pieces were written. (In all fairness, it should be remembered that they were written during the great depression or shortly thereafter and are colored by this seminal event. Also, a modern reader has the benefit of hindsight, which makes some of his ideas seem quaint today.) This is a much more extensive collection than the collection titled "The World As I See It", which only covers his writings from 1922-1933. The "Einstein Reader" shows the public Einstein - a man called upon to give his opinion on many different subjects. The book shows his humanity and his political and economic ideas, many of which have been shown by history to be well-meaning, but somewhat naïve. This is a good book for someone who wishes to read Einstein's writings first hand, but may not be of as good a book for those with only a casual interest in Einstein's life and writings. I liked the book and I am giving it five stars because the compilation is quite interesting. However, I am also giving the caveat that it may be five stars only for those with a deep interest in Einstein and his ideas. I would rate it as four stars for a wider audience, one with a more casual interest in Einstein.

The Einstein Reader is a fabulous read if you want to get a layperson's inside view of a genius' mind. He wrote (mostly) on a level any educated person could understand about his vision of utopia or world peace. He wrote about his faith. Even his explanations of E=MC2 was somewhat understandable to a non-physicist. I thought his idealism and humanity was extremely inspiring for someone who could have been arrogant. After all, most people when they think genius, think Einstein. He was a real person too.