Einstein: The Man and His Mind by Gary S. Berger, MD and Michael DiRuggiero

Einstein is one of the most recognizable figures in the world. His brilliant mind eclipsed even the best thinkers of the modern era. This breathtaking book, full of his portraits, handwritten letters, and scientific papers, is like viewing his personal scrapbook. It is a window into his life outside of how the media chose to portray him. There is a thoughtful authenticity to the collection, perhaps because one of the contributors, although not a physicist himself, was still deeply impacted by Einstein. Einstein’s quiet fire for life shines through in his photos and letters to friends. They reveal his relentless drive for peace and sense of humor but never neglect his superhuman intelligence. Outside of his scientific work, he preferred the company of philosophers, artists, and poets, which illustrates his extraordinary creativity and curiosity.

The authors offer clean, concise commentary that is often poetic without being syrupy. The elegant sepia tone of the photos elevates the aesthetic. The book is as visually stunning as it is intellectually stimulating. Crediting the photographers brings the scenes to life while reminding audiences that, like most of these talented photographers, Einstein was a refugee. Already fascinated with Einstein, Berger’s experience visiting the home of Einstein’s friend, Max Herzberger, made him focus specifically on portraits of the scientist. He and DiRuggiero have assembled a truly outstanding collection of materials that paint a unique picture of the man behind one of the most famous faces in modern history. The book is beautiful, whimsical, and thought-provoking all at once. It will delight readers with a wide range of interests, especially those who love history, art, or biographies.

RECOMMENDED by the US Review