This recent biography of the uber-famous, iconic, celebri-genius is one of many, but is widely considered by Einstein enthusiasts as the best one out there. Weighing in at just over 700 pages, it's probably a little long for more casual readers, but it's well worth the time for anyone willing to invest a month or two into conversing with the most brilliant mind of the 20th century. Walter Isaacson is a talented writer, and he tells and organizes the story of Einstein's life in the most engaging way possible. I was particularly impressed with how well Isaacson is able to explain the significance of Einstein's work. The first half of the book can serve as an excellent introduction to the general concepts behind ideas like non-Euclidean geometry and special relativity. (As for general relativity, that's a little more complex, and even Isaacson is short on words, except to tell funny stories about the struggles Einstein had in attempting to communicate the idea in a way that the general public could understand).
While the first half of the book focuses on Einstein the scientist, the second half is all about Einstein the philosopher/philanthropist/mega-celebrity. I had a brief conversation recently with one of the curators at the Lafayette Science Museum, and he said he found this second half of the book much more interesting, which is funny because I was much more intrigued by the first half. He made a good point though, which is that Einstein was a much more likeable person during the latter half of his life. Many of the decisions he made in his personal life were certainly questionable, and sometimes outright bizarre.
Whether you're looking for a good summary of Einstein's contributions to science, or simply some great reading about one of the most fascinating characters of recent history, pick up this book. But be forewarned: you may learn some discouraging things about this frequently-idolized man. Regardless, I love books that make worthy contributions to the fight against the ignorance of all things science that often seems so pervasive in our country. Einsteins ideas are extremely important, and not just to scientists. Educate yourself, and read a great story at the same time.
