Isaac Newton, The Asshole Who Reinvented the Universe [Hardcover]

Sir Isaac Newton is something of a paradoxical figure. On the one hand, he was an undeniable genius, and his huge influence on our understanding of the universe continues to this day. On the other hand, he was a thoroughly unpleasant individual, who unnecessarily made enemies and who also devoted huge amounts of time to researching what we would now see as absurd ideas on alchemy and on the contents of the Bible. This excellent and very readable book explores all these aspects of the man in an informative and entertaining way. Highly recommended.David K. Love, Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society and author of Kepler and the Universe?A refreshingly disrespectful historical portrait of an exceptional genius. And yet always characterized by huge expertise and admiration. A very educational and fun read!P.M. Magazin (Germany)?In Einsteins study in Berlin hung a picture of Newton, for Einstein knew very well whose shoulders he was standing on when he worked on the general theory of relativity; it was Newton who had invented the concepts (mass, space, time, momentum, force) and the mathematical tools that made the exploration of our universe possible. Yes, one might say, he invented theoretical physics. Florian Freistetter has succeeded admirably in explaining the significance of the universal law of gravitation, as well as Newtons discoveries in optics ajnd mathematics, and he does so without the use of a single equation. He also reminds the reader that alchemy and theology occupied Newtons mind as much as did physicsa not uncommon mix at the dawn of the scientific age. Though Newton is chided for his lack of social graces in his dealings with rival investigators, competitiveness remains the very essence of science.Josef Eisinger, physicist, author of Einstein on the Road and editor/translator of Einstein at Home?Freistetter casts new light on Newtons character and behavior in terms of how it mightor might notfit into todays scientific establishmentl£3