His argument with Gottfried Leibniz over who invented calculus was well-known, but he had long feuds with many other leading lights of his day, like Robert Hooke of the Royal Society. Sir Isaac was not just not very sociable he was rather secretive, downright disagreeable, and jealous. Newton’s life, however, is not something they cover in science class. It was interesting to hear his perspective on who influenced his thinking: who he admired, such as Archimedes and Galileo, and who he considered somewhat over-rated, such as Aristotle. As one of those who did stay awake in science class, I did not need the explanation of his main contributions to science, although I believe they were fairly clearly explained.

In Conversations with Newton the reader gets an introduction to Newton’s life and his work as told by the man himself in fictional conversation with author Michael White. Many also know that Newton was not a very sociable person and never married, but fewer know about his very extensive interest in alchemy and the occult tradition. No matter how bad they were in science class, everyone knows about Sir Isaac Newton and his laws of gravity, and those who stayed awake a bit longer certainly remember his three laws of motion, his work in optics, and his invention of calculus (assuming Leibniz did not get there first).

I was surprised and delighted by how good it was and I can recommend it very warmly.Ī painless introduction to Newton’s life and work Michael White doesn’t shy away from Newton’s arrogant, quarrelsome and vindictive personality - but thankfully avoids the sort of vacuous “psychoanalysis” which Frank Manuel indulged in.Īnyone seeking a brief but accurate and readable account of Newton’s extraordinary achievements and lasting influence, plus a good feel for the man himself should enjoy this very much. I thought the sections on how Newton viewed his alchemical studies and his religious research and analysis as an important part of his thinking about the physical world were especially interesting, but it’s all very well done. The “conversations” which follow were also very good, reading like genuine conversation and giving an insight into both the man and his work. The book is commendably brief and begins with a summary of Newton’s life and achievements, which I thought was excellent. It is the third I’ve tried in this series (after Galileo and Einstein) and it is definitely the best so far.

I thought this was a really good potted biography of Isaac Newton.

Isaac Newton by Michael White