Rating: 5/5
Review:
Very good indeed
I thought this was a really good potted biography of Isaac Newton.
It is the third I’ve tried in this series (after Galileo and
Einstein) and it is definitely the best so far.
The book is
commendably brief and begins with a summary of Newton’s life and
achievements, which I thought was excellent. The “conversations”
which follow were also very good, reading like genuine conversation
and giving an insight into both the man and his work. I thought the
sections on how Newton viewed his alchemical studies and his
religious research and analysis as an important part of his thinking
about the physical world were especially interesting, but it’s all
very well done. Michael White doesn’t shy away from Newton’s
arrogant, quarrelsome and vindictive personality - but thankfully
avoids the sort of vacuous “psychoanalysis” which Frank Manuel
indulged in.
Anyone seeking a
brief but accurate and readable account of Newton’s extraordinary
achievements and lasting influence, plus a good feel for the man
himself should enjoy this very much. I was surprised and delighted
by how good it was and I can recommend it very warmly.
(My thanks to
Watkins publishing for an ARC via NetGalley.)
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