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IN THE 1970s, sociologist David Bloor suggested 鈥� to reactions of perhaps equal horror and delight 鈥� that science is an inherently social activity. He believed we should recognise that, beneath the stereotypical white coats, scientists really are normal people too.

Thanks in part to insightful biographies of scientists, the world of research has been shown to be as full of competition, gossip and revelation as any other human endeavour. In the same spirit, Einstein on the Road provides a window into the great man鈥檚 life.

More than any other scientist, Einstein had his life scrutinised, but this book, based on his detailed travel diaries, affords more personal glimpses. So we learn about his fondness for forging friendships while playing Mozart, his absolute disdain for press conferences and ignorant journalists, and his take on his superstardom, which once saw him saunter down a Hollywood red carpet with Charlie Chaplin.

鈥淓instein鈥檚 superstardom saw him saunter down a Hollywood red carpet with Charlie Chaplin鈥�

Most touching are the anecdotes that reveal Einstein鈥檚 eccentric nature. Josef Eisinger recounts how, during a stormy crossing of the Atlantic that had most passengers taking to their sickbeds, Einstein dealt with more important concerns. He found some bathroom scales, noted how his weight varied as the waves swept up and down, then calculated the wave height required to produce the effect.

Sadly, such charming tales are the exception. It turns out that Einstein was, like most scientists, a normal person 鈥� a little too normal for this book to be gripping from start to finish. It remains, however, a touching insight into his travels, and is essential for Einstein devotees.