School textbooks teach without much explanation of why they teach. The current ideas are cut off from the history behind them. Context turns what you read into more meaningful information, and that is what Mitch Stokes has done with Isaac Newton. He walks you through the day-to-day life of a great man with the help of letters and comments from those who knew him.

Stokes has managed to impress me with how well he portrays the intellect of Isaac Newton. His book contains enough references to keep me busy with research for the next few years while he simplifies the details so that they can be understood by a casual reader.

If not for the need of sleep, I would have read all 168 pages in one sitting. In accordance with reality, I had to read it in two sittings. The book gave several occasions to laugh at the antics of the characters on the pages, and they remind me very much of the eccentricities of some of my friends. On a couple of occasions it turned out that I agreed more with Newton’s opponents than with him, but it was very interesting to see the sorts of exchanges that took place. 

I did receive this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own and I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s rules and regulations. Go get your own opinions.