Gale E. Christianson

Loren Eiseley challenges us to this day with his uneasy interpretation of humanity's place in the world. The haunting melancholy that pervades much of Eiseley's work grew out of a loveless childhood in which he spent much time alone in the natural world. His mother was mentally ill and his father, a singularly unsuccessful traveling salesman, spent little time at home. Perhaps in an effort to compensate, Eiseley drove himself relentlessly to succeed. Gale E. Christian-son's biography offers an unexpurgated evaluation of a man whose difficult past helped shape the brilliant essays that continue to dazzle new audiences. - from the publisher… (more)

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.… (more)