Genius:A Photobiography of Albert Einstein by M.F.Delano

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Delano, M.F. 2005. GENIUS: A PHOTOBIOGRAPHY OF ALBERT EINSTEIN. Washington, D.C.: National Geographic. ISBN 0792295447.


2. PLOT SUMMARY
Through a series of photographs as well as informational text, this book walks the reader through the life of Albert Einstein from his birth in 1879 to his death in 1955.

3. IMPRESSIONS

My father is a doctor and is fascinated with Einstein and DaVinci and Steven Hawking, etc. He would be so proud of me that I read this book...and I liked it! He has tried to get me to read about some of his giants for years, but the books were dull and the writing was worse. Finally, a book I can understand and enjoy on this subject!

I feel that I now have a grasp of who Einstein was and his importance in world history. Sure, I got a bit from textbooks and discussion, but Delano's book really brings him to life. I received just enough information that I can carry on an intelligent conversation on the subject, but not too much information that I lost interest. She does not delve too deeply in any one aspect of Einstein's life, but gives core knowledge. If every biography was written this way, I would read so many more.

For the most part, I enjoyed the photographs that were included. I had seen some, but others were new to me. Also, at first, I enjoyed the way she overlayed pictures over news clippings or other photographs or music scores. After about the tenth one, however, I felt it was a bit of overkill.

At the end, Delano includes not only a chronology of Einstein's life, but also a page of resources if the reader wants to further investigate the genius of this man. A good touch for the 21st century learner, there are also web sites posted.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS from http://www.amazon.com/Genius-Photobiography-Albert-Einstein-Photobiographies/dp/1426302940/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1225456155&sr=1-1

* Starred review in BOOKLIST: "There are plenty of books about Einstein, but this one combines a solid text with a particularly attractive format. Delano moves briskly through Einstein's life, clearing up misconceptions along the way (he was not a bad student as some have claimed). She does not delve too deeply into his relationships or motives, but she brings him to life so that readers come to care about Einstein as a person, not simply see him as a genius. Delano offers just enough information about Einstein's theories to give a sense of his work, keeping in mind that his ideas go over the heads of most people. What is particularly impressive, however, is the format. Oversize and filled with well-selected photographs, the book is very handsome. Many of the photos and quotes are placed against aged-looking paper, with Einstein's writings and formulas just visible on its surface. The background color meshes perfectly with the sepia tone of many of the photos. Quotes are sourced, and appended material includes a chronology and list of resources. Because this year marks the 100th anniversary of the theory of relativity, we'll see many books about Einstein. This one is sure to be among the best."

* Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "While the myriad photographs are fascinating, the bigger draw here is the wonderfully simple explanations of some of Einstein's theories. For example, in clarifying the physicist's quantum theory of light, Delano says, "Simply put, Einstein showed that photons in the light beam knock the electrons out of metal." And, to make the concept of spacetime easier to understand, she asks readers to contemplate spacetime as a trampoline with a bowling ball resting on it. This visual perception helps to make the theory understandable for all students. The black-and-white and sepia photographs follow Einstein from boyhood to old age and show him in a variety of settings: at the blackboard, delivering a speech, taking the oath of U.S. citizenship, in his Princeton home with children who survived the Holocaust, and so on. Many have appeared elsewhere. Cartoon illustrations add to the clarity of the very readable text. Personal thoughts and feelings abound. To make Einstein human to the audience, his mistakes are mentioned, as well as his celebrity. Complete quote sources are appended. An introduction by Evelyn Einstein, the scientist's granddaughter, is included. This entertaining effort displays clarity and intelligence. It has plenty of information for reports and is also a good choice for browsing."

Amazon.com (2008). http://www.amazon.com/