Kristine Larsen begins her biography of Stephen Hawking with a central question: how has a theoretical physicist known for "esoteric mathematics" and "the secret language of general relativity" become a cultural icon and the most recognizable scientist in the world? While the author still grapples with the same question by the end of this brief volume, Stephen Hawking: A Biography provides a capably concise view of the enigmatic genius, packing a remarkable amount of material into a few chapters. However, the book's very brevity denies the reader a true appreciation for Hawking's accomplishments, genius, and inner life. Hawking's popular science book A Brief History of Time was criticized for its pedantry and impenetrability; quite the opposite charge could be leveled at Larsen's biography of the man. This is light reading that doesn't do quite enough justice to its heady subject. Read more...