Two new Einstein biographies reviewed

In chapter 1, Science, we discuss Albert Einstein and his scientific works. His research illustrates the relationship between theory and experimentation (Einstein being primarily a theorist).

The books reviewed in the New York Times offer fresh insight into how Einstein formulated his theories. They also shed light on his personal life.

One of the points we raise in chapter 1 is the human element in scientific theorizing and in empirical data collection. Scientists are more similar to their fellow humans than they are different. The two biographies reviewed show Einstein's scientific side and his human side.

The books are:

Isaacson, W. (2007). Einstein: His life and universe. New York: Simon & Schuster. (First chapter)

Neffe, J. (2007). Einstein: A biography. (S. Frisch, Trans.). New York: Farrar, Straus, & Giroux. (Original work published 2005) (First chapter)