It is much less well-known, however, that Newton had a second life as a public figure (a ‘celebrity’, in modern speak) in late 17 th and early 18th-century London. Sir Isaac Newton (1643–1727) is best known for his theory of gravity and laws of motion work he carried out as an introverted and eccentric (according to some of his students) professor in Cambridge. ‘Life After Gravity: Isaac Newton’s London Career’ by Patricia Fara (Oxford University Press, £25, ISBN 9780198841029) is a highly unorthodox and groundbreaking book, penned by a distinguished science historian, that removes the dusty veil of historic fable from the face of one the most famous scientists of all time.

The great physicist Albert Einstein, despite his assumed internationalist views and long-lasting refugee status was, as proved by his own diaries, rather naive, careless and at times even rude in his attitudes to different races and nations. Stalin, with all his unpleasant dictatorial streaks, was widely admired for his reportedly modest and near-Spartan lifestyle, while in reality (according to some witnesses) basking in extreme wealth and luxury. A public persona created first by gossip and rumours, then later by the media and PR, and a real self that is often substantially different, if not outright contradictory. Above all, this four thousand year history challenges scientific supremacy, arguing controversially that science is successful not because it is always right - but because people have said that it is right.Celebrities’ lives – like coins - have always been dual-faceted. She also ranges internationally, illustrating the importance of scientific projects based around the world, from China to the Islamic empire, as well as the more familiar tale of science in Europe, from Copernicus to Charles Darwin and beyond.

Fara sweeps through the centuries, from ancient Babylon right up to the latest hi-tech experiments in genetics and particle physics, illuminating the financial interests, imperial ambitions, and publishing enterprises that have made science the powerful global phenomenon that it is today. Rather than glorifying scientists as idealized heroes, she tells true stories about real people - men (and some women) who needed to earn their living, who made mistakes, and who trampled down their rivals in their quest for success. Instead of focussing on difficult experiments and abstract theories, Patricia Fara shows how science has always belonged to the practical world of war, politics, and business. Book excerpt: Science: A Four Thousand Year History rewrites science's past. This book was released on with total page 424 pages. Download or read book Science written by Patricia Fara and published by OUP Oxford.

Science by Patricia Fara