2/28/22

I have dipped into this book for decades, starting when I was an undergraduate in college and wanted to know more about Newton's biblical studies and his alchemy. As I aged I got into understanding some physics too, so there's that. This is a readable, full, extensive biography of Isaac Newton. It explains his physics, but doesn't go into excruciating detail. Same with his other studies. It describes his life, times, friends, and enemies well. A good biography all around. I must now read Gleick's to compare the two. ( )

For me very much an eye-opening work not only about the man but also the era and many of his contemporary scientists, associates and enemies. Very well done. ( )

1934 In the Presence of the Creator: Isaac Newton and His Times, by Gale E. Christianson (read 4 Jul 1985) This is a 1984 biography written by a history professor at Indiana State. Newton was born 25 Dec 1642 and died 20 Mar 1727. He was a genius but really did little spectacular in the later years of his life. This book details much that I do not understand and also much that is not too interesting. But it is quite well-written, and the fact that it did not seem compellingly interesting to me is due to my deficiencies. The author makes quite a point of Newton being an Arian. Newton was also virulently anti-Catholic and ungenerous and reluctant to publish. A book it was worthwhile to read. ( )