The Life of Isaac Newton

A concise biography of Isaac Newton, one of the greatest scientists in history.

Richard S. Westfall (Author)

9781107569850, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 29 September 2015

345 pages, 15 b/w illus.
21.6 x 13.8 x 1.5 cm, 0.48 kg

'That this is the best biography of Newton is easily and truthfully said … surely no one is going to repeat Westfall's immense and shrewdly conducted task in this century at least.' New Scientist

Isaac Newton was indisputably one of the greatest scientists in history. His achievements in mathematics and physics marked the culmination of the movement that brought modern science into being. Richard Westfall's biography captures in engaging detail both his private life and scientific career, presenting a complex picture of Newton the man, and as scientist, philosopher, theologian, alchemist, public figure, President of the Royal Society, and Warden of the Royal Mint. An abridged version of his magisterial study Never at Rest (Cambridge, 1980), this concise biography makes Westfall's highly acclaimed portrait of Newton newly accessible to general readers.

Acknowledgements
A note about dates
1. A sober, silent, thinking lad
2. The solitary scholar
3. Anni Mirabilis
4. Lucasian professor
5. Publication and crisis
6. Rebellion
7. Years of silence
8. Principia
9. Revolution
10. The Mint
11. President of the Royal Society
12. The priority dispute
13. Years of decline
Biographical essay
Index.

Subject Areas: Physics [PH], Popular science [PDZ], History of science [PDX]