In 1665, when an epidemic of the plague forced Cambridge University to close, Isaac Newton, then a young, undistinguished scholar, returned to his childhood home in rural England. Away from his colleagues and professors, Newton embarked on one of the greatest intellectual odysseys in the history of science: he began to formulate the law of universal gravitation, developed the calculus, and made revolutionary discoveries about the nature of light. After his return to Cambridge, Newton's genius was quickly recognized and his reputation forever established. This biography also allows us to see the personal side of Newton, whose life away from science was equally fascinating. Quarrelsome, quirky, and not above using his position to silence critics and further his own career, he was an authentic genius with all too human faults. Oxford Portraits in Science is an on-going series of scientific biographies for young adults. Written by top scholars and writers, each biography examines the personality of its subject as well as the thought process leading to his or her discoveries. These illustrated biographies combine accessible technical information with compelling personal stories to portray the scientists whose work has shaped our understanding of the natural world.

About the Author
Gale E. Christianson was retired from Indiana State University, where he served as Distinguished Professor of the College of Arts and Sciences and Professor of History. He was a Guggenheim Fellow, a Huntington Library Fellow, and the recipient of numerous other grants and awards.

Reviews
In an authoritative yet accessible style, Christianson chronicles both the significant and the seemingly insignificant * yet criticalevents that shaped Newton's early life.The Horn Book Magazine *
An excellent introduction to the life and times of Isaac Newton without difficult discussions of mathematics and classical physics that might bog down the average reader.... If the 25 additional titles in The Oxford Portraits in Science series are as well done as this one, interested book lovers have some excellent reading ahead. * The Science Teacher *
Structured around pivotal moments in Newton's life, the book is an excellent reference for biographical data on the great English scientist; in addition, it affords a fine historical perspective of the scientific revolution. * Science Books & Films *
Filled with historic illustrations, including original notes and drawings by Newton and his contemporaries. * VOYA *
This is not just a great biography * it's one of the best-written science books around for young people. Christianson has sifted through the historical documents and accounts of Newton to paint a convincing and intelligent picture of the complex and at times irascible genius.School Library Journal *
All readers will enjoy the personal life story, and they will feel the excitement of Newton's discoveries of the laws that govern an orderly and knowable universe. * Booklist *
If science teachers expect students to read the biographies of scientists, this book ought to be in their school library.... The biography is engaging, clearly written, and filled with references to scientists such as Bernoulli and Leibniz, who built on Newton's work. * Library Materials Guide *
In an authoritative yet accessible style, Christianson chronicles both the significant and the seemingly insignificant * yet criticalevents that shaped Newton's early life.The Horn Book Magazine *
An excellent introduction to the life and times of Isaac Newton without difficult discussions of mathematics and classical physics that might bog down the average reader.... If the 25 additional titles in The Oxford Portraits in Science series are as well done as this one, interested book lovers have some excellent reading ahead. * The Science Teacher *
Structured around pivotal moments in Newton's life, the book is an excellent reference for biographical data on the great English scientist; in addition, it affords a fine historical perspective of the scientific revolution. * Science Books & Films *
Filled with historic illustrations, including original notes and drawings by Newton and his contemporaries. * VOYA *
This is not just a great biography * it's one of the best-written science books around for young people. Christianson has sifted through the historical documents and accounts of Newton to paint a convincing and intelligent picture of the complex and at times irascible genius.School Library Journal *
All readers will enjoy the personal life story, and they will feel the excitement of Newton's discoveries of the laws that govern an orderly and knowable universe. * Booklist *


Awards
Winner of ^IScience Books & Films^R Best Science Books for Junior and High Schools 1997 Selected for the "1998 Books for the Teen Age" by the New York Public Library.



Book Information
ISBN 9780195092240
Author Gale E. Christianson
Format Hardback
Page Count 160
Imprint Oxford University Press Inc
Publisher Oxford University Press Inc
Weight(grams) 480g
Dimensions(mm) 251mm * 173mm * 17mm