Newton

By Patricia Fara,

Book cover of Newton: The Making of Genius

Book description

Isaac Newton has become an intellectual avatar for our modern age, the man who, as even children know, was inspired to codify nature's laws by watching an apple fall from a tree. Yet Newton devoted much of his energy to deciphering the mysteries of alchemy, theology, and ancient chronology. How…

Shepherd is reader supported. When you buy books, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Why read it?

1 author picked Newton as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

When I was asked to review this book, my first instinct was to decline. Newton (1642-1727) was a towering genius but a dull fellow, with no interest in other human beings. He often published anonymously for fear that, he explained: "Public esteem, were I able to acquire and maintain it … would perhaps increase my acquaintance, the thing which I chiefly study to decline." How can a biographer make such a person interesting?

The author dodges very nimbly around this problem, giving us an account, not so much of the man as of his reputation and influence. Perhaps this means…

From John's list on mathematical biographies.

Want books like Newton?

Our community of 10,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Newton.

Browse books like Newton

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in scientists, Isaac Newton, and math?

10,000+ authors have recommended their favorite books and what they love about them. Browse their picks for the best books about scientists, Isaac Newton, and math.

Scientists Explore 46 books about scientists
Isaac Newton Explore 13 books about Isaac Newton
Math Explore 248 books about math