The Life of Isaac Newton

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. 'Altogether, this book should be considered an indispensable acquisition for any intelligent reader's bookshelf ...' Webb Society Quarterly Journal '... provides a masterly, well-documented summary of contemporary views of all the many facets of Newton's astoundingly wide-ranging career ... and will be essential reading for aspiring Newtonian scholars.' Marie Boas Hall, Nature '... Westfall has organised his enormous task beautifully and done our most elusive worthy proud.' M. Ratcliffe, The Times '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 ScientistAcknowledgements; 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.