brettDbass
24th July 2007, 08:34 AM
A novel approach to non-fiction writing, this book has a simple aim, exactly what is stated on the cover - A Biography Of The World's Most Famous Eqauation (E=MC2).
Sadly, there are many obviously apparent errors in the explanations of the equation, it's applications and it's consequences. If you are already well versed in the science and mathematics of relativity do not expect to be further enlightened by this book, merely confused by the contradictions with your current knowledge (at best), or highly frustrated that it will be misinforming people who may have a burgeoning genuine interest (at worst).
For those (like the reviewer) who approached the book looking for details and background about the origins of the equation and it's development, there is more substance to be enjoyed. However, the book rambles, meanders and loses it's way increasingly as it goes on. By the end, you have learned a lot about, for example, the love life of Einstein but feel to have lost touch with why you began reading it - if you have the stamina/stubbornness make it to the end.
Bodanis is clearly a good writer when he applies himself, and the earlier sections of the book are engaging as well as informative. Sadly, by the end the reader is left with a feeling that Bodanis began to lose interest in the subject himself during the writing process, and as the final page turns one has a sense of having been dragged down by the dour tone despite Bodanis' best efforts to the contrary.
All in all, there is some interesting content and I might recommend this book if you have an interest in the personal relations of Einstein. The plates are clear, well presented and interesting. I would neither recommend this book to anyone wanting to learn about relativity, nor to those looking for more information on the work that led to the development of the equation - errors in these areas make this book easily bettered by the vast majority of the other, slightly more textbook-ish titles on the wider topic.
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Sadly, there are many obviously apparent errors in the explanations of the equation, it's applications and it's consequences. If you are already well versed in the science and mathematics of relativity do not expect to be further enlightened by this book, merely confused by the contradictions with your current knowledge (at best), or highly frustrated that it will be misinforming people who may have a burgeoning genuine interest (at worst).
For those (like the reviewer) who approached the book looking for details and background about the origins of the equation and it's development, there is more substance to be enjoyed. However, the book rambles, meanders and loses it's way increasingly as it goes on. By the end, you have learned a lot about, for example, the love life of Einstein but feel to have lost touch with why you began reading it - if you have the stamina/stubbornness make it to the end.
Bodanis is clearly a good writer when he applies himself, and the earlier sections of the book are engaging as well as informative. Sadly, by the end the reader is left with a feeling that Bodanis began to lose interest in the subject himself during the writing process, and as the final page turns one has a sense of having been dragged down by the dour tone despite Bodanis' best efforts to the contrary.
All in all, there is some interesting content and I might recommend this book if you have an interest in the personal relations of Einstein. The plates are clear, well presented and interesting. I would neither recommend this book to anyone wanting to learn about relativity, nor to those looking for more information on the work that led to the development of the equation - errors in these areas make this book easily bettered by the vast majority of the other, slightly more textbook-ish titles on the wider topic.
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