Einstein

Albert Einstein, like no other scientist before or after him, managed to become a celebrity on par with the biggest movie stars and athletes--despite the fact that most nonscientists have no idea why his work was so important. This new biography helps explain the phenomenon by bringing out Einstein the human being, as well as the great physicist. Edward Herrmann, who also reads the unabridged recording, gets everything right in this briefer edition. The abridgment is occasionally choppy--perhaps unavoidably so--but nonetheless covers many interesting periods in the genius's life. Herrmann reads slowly and deliberately when explaining a principle of relativity, then switches to a more breezy style when relating biographical events. Like Einstein's own, it's a winning formula. D.B. (c) AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine


Edward Herrmann narrates the most complete biography of Einstein to date with his trademark thoughtful pacing and clarity. Isaacson's biography is equally thoughtful, offering a well-balanced portrayal of several facets of Einstein's life. As a theoretical physicist, Einstein has been so thoroughly chronicled that new insights are rare. Isaacson, however, offers new personal information and gives more attention to Einstein as a public figure than have previous biographies. The results, aided by Herrmann, who reads in a pleasant, straightforward manner, are fascinating. Herrmann sounds utterly engaged by Einstein. Listeners, too, will succumb. R.E.K. (c) AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine