An Equation That Changed the World: Newton, Einstein, and the Theory of Relativity
Fritzsch could not give the modern reader a more memorable introduction to the personalities and science of Isaac Newton and Albert Einstein unless somehow he could find the keys to H. G. Wells' time machine. As it is, the strength of the author's imagination proves quite sufficient to carry us into the dream of a modern physicist engaged in an extended conversation with his brilliant predecessors. Borrowing a format Galileo used four centuries ago to win acceptance for the Copernican theory, the author uses his imagined conversation with Newton and Einstein to open up the wonders of modern science, even for readers daunted by higher mathematics. Though the author gives ample reign to his imagination, the dialogue draws extensively on the words and writings of Newton and Einstein. The Alice-in-Wonderland weirdness of subatomic and light-speed phenomena receive the most attention. (When evenNewton can't figure it all out, readers can feel more comfortable with their own limitations.) In our age of atomic power and nuclear weaponry, when science defines burning political issues, not merely technical formulas, the writer who can give the world a deeper understanding of scientific thought deserves high praise. Many readers will applaud Fritzsch for this lively but profoundly insightful book.Bryce Christensen--This text refers to theHardcoveredition.