Biographies & Memoirs
Explore the stories of remarkable lives in our Biographies & Memoirs section at Thryft. Discover firsthand accounts of influential figures and captivating memoirs that'll inspire and educate. Our collection is carefully curated to ensure you find the perfect narrative to delve into.
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Graham Farmelo
The Strangest Man: The Hidden Life of Paul Dirac, Quantum Genius
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If you’re intrigued by the human facets behind towering scientific intellects, "The Strangest Man" presents a compelling blend that you’re likely to appreciate. Graham Farmelo delves into the intricacies of Paul Dirac’s personal and professional life, offering a nuanced portrait that contrasts his groundbreaking contributions to physics with his private challenges and unique personality. It's a biography that not only celebrates genius but also humanizes it in the context of its time, making it a thought-provoking read.
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Gribbin John R.
Erwin Schrödinger and the Quantum Revolution
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If the mysteries of quantum mechanics pique your curiosity and human stories behind scientific breakthroughs fascinate you, John Gribbin's portrayal of Erwin Schrödinger is bound to grip you. It's not often that a book combines profound scientific concepts with intimate, personal narratives, making this both an enlightening and deeply human read.
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Ronald William Clark
Einstein: The Life and Times
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This biography of Einstein offers a rare glimpse into the life of one of the greatest minds in history. Through captivating storytelling, Ronald W. Clark brings out the human side of Einstein, showcasing his struggles, emotions, and deeply held beliefs. From his humble beginnings in the Swiss Alps to his complicated personal life and profound contributions to science, this book will inspire and entertain, leaving you with a profound appreciation for the man behind the genius.
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Nick Taylor
Laser: The Inventor, the Noble Laureate, and the Thirty-Year Patent War
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If you're someone with a taste for David vs. Goliath type of battles, 'Laser: The Inventor, the Noble Laureate, and the Thirty-Year Patent War' will draw you in. It's the gritty reality of innovation—showing the struggle to get credit where it's due. Packed with insights into the American patent system, this book isn't just a technical recount; it's about the relentless human spirit behind one of the greatest technological advancements.
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Albert Einstein
Ideas And Opinions
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Ideas and Opinions is an excellent read for those interested in exploring Einstein's eclectic views in science and society. The book covers various aspects of his life, including his scientific accomplishments, religious and political beliefs, cultural and social opinions, and economic views. The book is a unique and compelling insight into the mind of one of the most significant thinkers of the 20th century, and its engaging and thoughtful content is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers.
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Stephen Hawking
Black Holes and Baby Universes : And Other Essays
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NY Times bestseller. 13 extraordinary essays shed new light on the mysteries of the universe & on one of the most brilliant thinkers of our time.In his phenomenal bestseller A Brief History of Time, Stephen Hawking literally transformed the way we think about physics, the universe, reality itself. In these thirteen essays and one remarkable extended interview, the man widely regarded as the most brilliant theoretical physicist since Einstein returns to reveal an amazing array of possibilities for understanding our universe. Building on his earlier work, Hawking discusses imaginary time, how black holes can give birth to baby universes, and scientists’ efforts to find a complete unified theory that would predict everything in the universe. With his characteristic mastery of language, his sense of humor and commitment to plain speaking, Stephen Hawking invites us to know him better—and to share his passion for the voyage of intellect and imagination that has opened new ways to understanding the very nature of the cosmos.
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Richard P. Feynman
Surely You're Joking Mr Feynman : Adventures of a Curious Character as Told to Ralph Leighton
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"Surely You're Joking Mr Feynman" is a book that provides an insight into the adventurous life of one of the world's greatest theoretical physicists - Richard Feynman. The book is a compilation of taped conversations between Feynman and his friend Ralph Leighton and highlights his unquenchable curiosity and eternal skepticism. Recommended for anyone who wants to understand the life and mindset behind one of the greatest minds of the 20th century.
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Tom Clynes
The Boy Who Played with Fusion : Extreme Science, Extreme Parenting and How to Make a Star
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"The Boy Who Played with Fusion" is a unique and awe-inspiring story of a young boy's passion and drive to achieve something extraordinary. It is an incredible read for anyone interested in science, nuclear fusion, or just seeking inspiration to pursue their dreams. The book explores the audacious journey of a young Taylor, and offers valuable insights into the importance of supportive and nurturing parenting. Readers who enjoy true stories of triumph against all odds will find this a fascinating, must-read book.
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Banesh Hoffman, Helen Dukas
Albert Einstein, The Human Side - New Glimpses From His Archives
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Modesty, humor, compassion, and wisdom are the traits most evident in these personal papers, most of them never before published, from the Einstein archives. The illustrious physicist wrote as thoughtfully to an Ohio fifth-grader, distressed by her discovery that scientists classify humans as animals, as to a Colorado banker, who asked whether he believed in a personal God. Witty rhymes, and exchange about fine music with Queen Elizabeth of Belgium, and expressions of his devotion to Zionism are but some of the highlights found in this rare, warm enriching book.
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Tom Clynes
The Boy Who Played with Fusion : Extreme Science, Extreme Parenting and How to Make a Star
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By the age of nine, Taylor had mastered the science of rocket propulsion.At eleven, his grandmother's cancer diagnosis inspired him to seek new ways to produce medical isotopes.And by fourteen, Taylor had built a reactor which produces temperatures hotter than the sun, becoming the youngest person in history to achieve nuclear fusion.How did Taylor manage all this? And how did his parents find the courage to give their son the support and freedom he needed to succeed? Here is an astonishing story of audacity, perseverance and passion -- and a boy whose world seems to have no limits.
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Albert Einstein
The World As I See It
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In a group of essays, letters, and speeches, Einstein relates his views on politics, religion, morality, and the place of science in the modern world
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Ad Aczel
Fermat's Last Theorem - Unlocking The Secret Of An Ancient Mathematical Problem
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This book is a must-read for anyone fascinated by mathematical mysteries and the pursuit of knowledge. With a captivating narrative, it takes you on a journey through history, revealing the miraculous solution to a problem that stumped mathematicians for centuries. Engaging and informative, it sheds light on the dedication and perseverance required to uncover ancient secrets, inspiring readers to believe in the power of human intellect and the beauty of mathematical exploration. Get ready to be awestruck by the brilliance of Fermat's Last Theorem.
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Richard P. Feynman
The Pleasure of Finding Things Out : The Best Short Works of Richard P. Feynman
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The Pleasure of Finding Things Out is a must-read for anyone interested in science and the world of ideas. Feynman's unique style of explaining complex concepts in simple terms makes this book accessible to a wide range of readers. The collection of interviews, speeches, lectures, and articles provides a fascinating insight into the mind of one of the greatest scientists of the 20th century. So, if you want to discover the joy of scientific exploration and learn about the life of a remarkable scientist, this book is for you!
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William Rankin
Introducing Newton : A Graphic Guide
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"For readers interested in the history of science, mathematics, and physics, Introducing Newton is a captivating read that explores the life and accomplishments of one of the most intellectual and innovative minds in history. Through a unique graphic format, readers can easily delve into Newton's incredible discoveries, as well as his mystical and alchemical interests that often went overlooked. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in the evolution of scientific discoveries and the legacy of one of its most influential figures."
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William Rankin
Introducing Newton : A Graphic Guide
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Brilliantly written and illustrated by William Rankin, Introducing Newton explains the extraordinary ideas of a man who sifted through the accumulated knowledge of centuries, tossed out mistaken beliefs, and single-handedly made enormous advances in mathematics, mechanics, and optics.
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Simon Singh, John Lynch
Fermat's Enigma - The Epic Quest To Solve The World's Greatest Mathematical Problem
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This book is a fascinating journey that delves into the mysterious world of mathematics and the quest to solve one of its greatest puzzles. Through the captivating storytelling of Simon Singh, readers are taken on a rollercoaster ride of excitement, heartbreak, and triumph. Prepare to be amazed, as Fermat's Enigma unveils the secrets behind an unsolved mathematical problem that baffled the greatest minds for over three centuries. Get ready to embark on an epic adventure that will forever change your perception of numbers and the power of human determination. Happy reading!
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Jess M. Brallier, Who H.Q., Robert Andrew Parker
Who Was Albert Einstein?
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Recommendation: Who Was Albert Einstein? is perfect for curious minds who want to learn about one of the greatest scientific minds of all time, exploring his life in an engaging and fun way. This book highlights the unique features of Albert Einstein's life, including his struggles as a student and his genius mind that changed the world.
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David Bodanis
E=mc 2 (Hb) : A Biography of the Worlds Most Famous Equation
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E = mc2. Just about everyone has at least heard of Albert Einstein's formulation of 1905, which came into the world as something of an afterthought, but far fewer can explain his insightful linkage of energy to mass. David Bodanis offers an easily grasped gloss on the mass, he writes, "is simply the ultimate type of condensed or concentrated energy," whereas energy "is what billows out as an alternate form of mass under the right circumstances." Just what those circumstances are occupies much of Bodanis's book, which pays homage to Einstein and, just as important, to predecessors such as Maxwell, Faraday, and Lavoisier, who are less well known than Einstein today. Balancing writerly energy and scholarly weight, Bodanis offers a primer in modern physics and cosmology, explaining that the universe today is an expression of mass that will, in some vastly distant future, one day slide back to the energy side of the equation, replacing the "dominion of matter" with "a great stillness"--a vision that is at once lovely and profoundly frightening. Without sliding into easy psychobiography, Bodanis explores other circumstances as namely, Einstein's background and character, which combined with a sterling intelligence to afford him an idiosyncratic view of the way things work--and a view that would change the world.-- Gregory McNamee
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Frieda Wishinsky
DK Biography: Albert Einstein : A Photographic Story of a Life
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DK's acclaimed DK Biography series tackles one of history's most colorful figures in DK Biography: Albert Einstein. Perfect for book reports or summer reading, the DK Biography series brings a new clarity and narrative voice to history's most colorful figures. Supports the Common Core State Standards.
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George Mulfinger, Julia Mulfinger Orozco, Henry M. Morris
Christian Men Of Science - Eleven Men Who Changed The World
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In this day of the atheistic or agnostic stereotype that is attached to the man of science, it is refreshing to study the lives of eleven great scientists who professed Christ as their Lord and Savior and used what they learned to benefit others and glorify God. In the short biographies in Christian Men of Science , we are presented with a distilled version of each man’s scientific accomplishments and the evidences of his Christian faith. These testimonies demonstrate that true scientists can be genuine Christians, and that faith in God and the authority of the Bible is not a sign of inferior intellect. Christian Men of Science includes biographies of Johannes Kepler, Robert Boyle, David Brewster, Michael Faraday, Samuel Morse, Matthew Fontaine Maury, James Clerk Maxwell, Lord Kelvin, Howard Kelley, Henry Morris, and Walt Brown.
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Philip Steele
World History Biographies: Galileo : The Genius Who Charted the Universe
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Galileo made the first effective use of the refracting telescope to discover important new facts about astronomy. His observations led him to support Copernicus's claim that Earth and the other planets circled the sun. This conflicted with the teachings of the Catholic Church, and brought Galileo before the judges of the Inquisition. He spent his final years under house arrest.Galileo's genius lay in the way he approached scientific problems. He reduced problems to simple terms on the basis of experience and common-sense logic. Then he analyzed and resolved the problems according to simple mathematical descriptions, thus opening the way for the development of modern mathematical physics.National Geographic supports K-12 educators with ELA Common Core Resources.Visit www.natgeoed.org/commoncore for more information.
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James Gleick
Isaac Newton
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Isaac Newton was born in a stone farmhouse in 1642, fatherless and unwanted by his mother. When he died in London in 1727 he was so renowned he was given a state funeral—an unheard-of honor for a subject whose achievements were in the realm of the intellect. During the years he was an irascible presence at Trinity College, Cambridge, Newton imagined properties of nature and gave them names—mass, gravity, velocity—things our science now takes for granted. Inspired by Aristotle, spurred on by Galileo’s discoveries and the philosophy of Descartes, Newton grasped the intangible and dared to take its measure, a leap of the mind unparalleled in his generation.James Gleick, the author of Chaos and Genius, and one of the most acclaimed science writers of his generation, brings the reader into Newton’s reclusive life and provides startlingly clear explanations of the concepts that changed forever our perception of bodies, rest, and motion. Ideas so basic to the twenty-first century we literally take them for granted.
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Frieda Wishinsky
DK Biography: Albert Einstein : A Photographic Story of a Life
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This book is a good read for anyone who wants to develop an understanding of Albert Einstein's life, his milestones, and his contribution to society. The book presents his theories and ideas in a simple way, making it a great resource for students and anyone interested in science.
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Denis Brian
Einstein - A Life
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This book is a great read for those fascinated by the life of the famous physicist, allowing readers to gain insight into the complexities of his genius and the historical context that shaped him. The author does an impressive job narrating the key events in his life, which are peppered with interesting details that make it a compelling read.
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Denis Brian
Einstein : A Life
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"Einstein: A Life" offers a refreshing glimpse into the personal and professional life of the enigmatic genius. Through exclusive interviews and access to the Einstein archives, author Denis Brian paints a multidimensional portrait of the man behind the scientist. From his romantic escapades to his compassion for children, readers will gain insight into Einstein's complexities beyond just his scientific discoveries. This biography is a must-read for anyone curious about the brilliant, yet flawed, man who changed the course of history.
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Richard Panchyk, Buzz Aldrin
Galileo for Kids : His Life and Ideas, 25 Activities
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Galileo for Kids: His Life and Ideas, 25 Activities is a great read for children who are interested in science, especially astronomy and physics. The book provides an informative yet engaging account of Galileo's life and work, inspiring young readers to explore the world of science. With fun and interactive experiments like making a pendulum and observing the moon, children can try out some of Galileo's theories for themselves. Overall, this book is a wonderful introduction to scientific inquiry and a great way to cultivate young readers' interest in the subject.
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Paul Arthur Schilpp
Albert Einstein - Philosopher-Scientist
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This book is an excellent choice for those who wish to understand the philosophical underpinnings of Einstein's scientific insights. It provides a comprehensive analysis of Einstein's thoughts on science, religion, politics, and morality. The book contains essays by leading scholars in the fields of physics and philosophy, making it peerless in its depth and breadth of analysis. If you are interested in understanding the genius of one of the greatest scientific minds in the history of humanity, this is the book for you.
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David Bodanis
E=mc2 : A Biography of the World's Most Famous Equation
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E=mc². Just about everyone has at least heard of Albert Einstein's formulation of 1905, which came into the world as something of an afterthought. But far fewer can explain his insightful linkage of energy to mass. David Bodanis offers an easily grasped gloss on the equation. Mass, he writes, "is simply the ultimate type of condensed or concentrated energy," whereas energy "is what billows out as an alternate form of mass under the right circumstances." Just what those circumstances are occupies much of Bodanis's book, which pays homage to Einstein and, just as important, to predecessors such as Maxwell, Faraday, and Lavoisier, who are not as well known as Einstein today. Balancing writerly energy and scholarly weight, Bodanis offers a primer in modern physics and cosmology, explaining that the universe today is an expression of mass that will, in some vastly distant future, one day slide back to the energy side of the equation, replacing the "dominion of matter" with "a great stillness"--a vision that is at once lovely and profoundly frightening. Without sliding into easy psychobiography, Bodanis explores other circumstances as well; namely, Einstein's background and character, which combined with a sterling intelligence to afford him an idiosyncratic view of the way things work--a view that would change the world. --Gregory McNamee
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Bingham Derick Bingham
Michael Faraday : Spiritual Dynamo
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Michael Faraday was a British chemist and physicist who contributed significantly to the study of electromagnetism and electrochemistry.
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Ronald William Clark
Einstein - The Life And Times
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This biography of Einstein not only delves into the genius mind that shaped modern physics but also uncovers the personal struggles and complexities of the man behind the theories. From his formative years in the Swiss Alps to his moral dilemmas, this book paints a vivid portrait of a remarkable individual who reshaped our understanding of the universe. A must-read for anyone seeking insight into the life and mind of an extraordinary genius.
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Hippo/Scholastic, Philip Reeve
Dead Famous: Albert Einstein and His Inflatable Universe
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This book would be an interesting read for history buffs and science enthusiasts alike. It delves into the life of one of the most brilliant minds in history, and sheds light on lesser-known aspects of his life, such as his run-ins with the Nazis and FBI. The book also dives into how his brain was removed after death, making it an intriguing read for those interested in the bizarre and macabre.
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Biographies and memoirs offer unparalleled insights into the lives and minds of individuals who've shaped our world. Be it political icons, celebrities, or unsung heroes, Thryft brings you a rich assortment of stories that reveal extraordinary experiences and life lessons. Embark on a journey through time as you explore the personal tales that have influenced history and culture.
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