Rating: 
Summary: In Simple and clear Language
Review: --
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!
Rating: 
Summary: Be Careful-- Know What You're Getting!
Review: For years I've struggled with understanding relativity theory, and thought what I needed was something that would explain it to me in the simplest possible terms. What better than this book, I thought. This book does a lot more than explain Einstein's theories, which is a flaw, not a strength. It is about 10% explaining the theories, 50% history of the study of Physics and 40% non-scientific biography of Einstien. And yes, there is a liberal amount of the author's own politically correct editorializing, such as (pg 245) "many of the worst crimes are motivated by repressed sexual tendencies. Society needs to apply a bigger picture here, don't you think?" and (pg 270) "In the free market system, profitability often outweighs damage to human life". Einstien dies on Pg 291, but the book limps on for another 50 pages. If you want a history of physics IN GENERAL, you'll be more satisfied than if you're (like me) just trying to get your arms around Einstein's theories.
Rating:
Summary: One of the Best Books on Einstein
Review: Having studied much of Einstein's life and theories, I would have to say that this is probably one of the best introductions to his theories and life. While humorous and lighthearted, it also provides the reader with an overview of the history and development of physics. Being an introductory book, there is a surprising level of insight and clear explanation of his theories as well as those of quantum mechanics. The author also introduces the reader to the ramifications of some of these theories by covering the necessary role our perception plays by exploring some basic ideas found in psychology and philosophy. You'll also get a brief, but enjoyable look at some of the Eastern points of view. So if you want Einstein, but a little more mixed in as well, this book is highly recommended. Enjoy!
Rating:
Summary: Excellent layman's guide to A.E. and general astrophysics
Review: I already knew a great deal about the universe on both a macro and micro scale from physics books such as Sagan, Hawking and Kaku, but I was blown away at how complete and clear this so-called "idiot's" guide is. In reality, only about half to two-thirds of the book is about Einstein, his life and discoveries, while the rest fills in the blanks for earlier research such as Galileo and Newton, and such later discoveries such as the big bang and particle physics. This book doesn't tend to make annoying jokes or dumb it down like the others in the series, although I was bothered by a few passages that I wasn't sure were true due to the interest of light-hearted writing. (Did the 18th century church official really answer the question "what was god doing before he created adam and eve" with "building hell for people like you with stupid questions?" I doubt it, but it was presented as if he did.) Overall this is a great book for kids and other people who love to read but don't want to get confused by the heavy technical jargon and presupposed knowledge of those "serious" physics books.
Rating: 
Summary: This "Idiot's Guide" book is not for idiots!
Review: I read this book after already having begun my layman's study of relativity theory and quantum physics with other books and materials. However, I found this book to be much more informative and well-written than I expected it to be. The presentation of the history of science leading up to Einstein was very thorough. The discussion of his theories of relativity is an excellent place to begin one's study of special and general relativity. Moreover, the book also provides a decent biography of Einstein, as well as an introduction to quantum physics. Those who are interested in further exploration of modern physics might want to read Hawking's "A Brief History of Time". I would also highly recommend Banesh Hoffman's "Relativity and Its Roots", which provides a more thorough and detailed yet highly readable explanation of Einstein's theories.
Rating:
Summary: This "Idiot's Guide" book is not for idiots!
Review: I read this book after already having begun my layman's study of relativity theory and quantum physics with other books and materials. However, I found this book to be much more informative and well-written than I expected it to be. The presentation of the history of science leading up to Einstein was very thorough. The discussion of his theories of relativity is an excellent place to begin one's study of special and general relativity. Moreover, the book also provides a decent biography of Einstein, as well as an introduction to quantum physics. Those who are interested in further exploration of modern physics might want to read Hawking's "A Brief History of Time". I would also highly recommend Banesh Hoffman's "Relativity and Its Roots", which provides a more thorough and detailed yet highly readable explanation of Einstein's theories.
Rating:
Summary: Relativity explained and so much more!
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: Very good read.
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: Very good read.
Review: 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.
Rating: 
Summary: "Physics for Poets"
Review: Overall a good read. This book is about so much more than just Einstein and his theories. About the first 100 pages or so is an introduction to physics--everything from the mechanics of light to gravity and uniform acceleration. It's presented an a relatively (no pun intended) easy-to-understand fashion. A small portion of the book is biographical in nature, dealing with Einstein's personal and professional life. Even more, of course, is devoted to the development of his brilliant theories, especially the Special and General Theories of Relativity. Beyond that, there's a lot of information on quantum physics. In my opinion, up to that point, most of the book is written such that the average reader could understand most of it. Of course, once you get to quantum physics, one might question whether ANYONE could really understand that topic! I would have given this book 4 or maybe even 5 stars, if the author hadn't wasted his (and my!) time with overly-lengthy discussions into "modern psychology" (e.g., Freud, Kant, etc.) and "Eastern mysticism " (e.g., Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, etc.). While he tries to make a connection between these topics and his discussion of quantum physics, I didn't think it was useful.
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