GENIUS

A necessarily brief introduction covers the main points gracefully, with the help of careful design. No 64-page biography can hope for completion, so Delano wisely opts to focus on the man, not on the theorems, although both relativity and the concept of spacetime are explained clearly enough for readers unfamiliar with the concepts. Where this effort really shines, however, is in its humane exploration of Einstein’s growth as a thinker and what he did with his fame. From his early childhood, when he was reportedly disappointed that his new baby sister didn’t come with wheels, to his difficulties with regimented German educational methods, to his young adulthood spent struggling to focus on science, the genius comes alive as a human being. The foundation laid, the narrative’s discussion of Einstein’s scientific thinking, his pacifism and growing interest in Judaism and his peregrinations proceeds with ease. The meticulous design, which features archival photographs (frequently set against reproductions of key documents) and quotations from Einstein set in a spiky display type, further acts to bring the subject intimately to life. (notes, bibliography, web sites) (Biography. 10-14)