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 show more an unexpurgated evaluation of a man whose difficult past helped shape the brilliant essays that continue to dazzle new audiences. - from the publisher show less

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 show more Gleick's to compare the two. show less

I learned a lot about Newton that I didn't know. I also enjoyed the background information about England during his lifetime. I probably would have given it a higher rating if I had liked him more. I know that is not fair - you are supposed to rate the book! But he was such an egotistical person that I was somewhat discouraged. Still, his genius is amazing, so the book was worth reading, especially if you want to understand how the greatest discoveries in physics and math were reported show more during his lifetime - very different than the peer-review system we have now. show less

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 show more 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. show less