David Bodanis

Author

David Bodanis is an accomplished American author, speaker, and business advisor known for his bestselling nonfiction works. He gained significant recognition with his book E=mc²: A Biography of the World's Most Famous Equation, which has been translated into 26 languages and has sold over a million copies.1 3

Background and Education

Bodanis was born in Chicago, Illinois, and pursued an undergraduate education in mathematics, physics, and economics at the University of Chicago, graduating in 1977.1 He spent a decade living in France before establishing himself in London, where he has continued his career as a writer and speaker.1 2

Notable Works

Bodanis's literary career began with The Secret House: 24 Hours in the Strange & Wonderful World in Which We Spend Our Nights and Days (1986), which reached number five on The New York Times Best Seller list.1 His subsequent works include:

E=mc²: A Biography of the World's Most Famous Equation (2001): This book explores the history and significance of Einstein's equation, leading to a documentary adaptation and a ballet.1 3
Electric Universe: How Electricity Switched on the Modern World (2006): This work won the Royal Society Prize for Best Science Book of the Year.1
Passionate Minds: Emilie du Châtelet, Voltaire, and the Great Love Affair (2006): This book highlights the intellectual partnership between du Châtelet and Voltaire and was featured as BBC Radio 4’s Book of the Week.1 3
Einstein’s Greatest Mistake: The Life of a Flawed Genius (2016): This book delves into Einstein's life and his scientific challenges.2 3
The Art of Fairness: The Power of Decency in a World Turned Mean (2020): His latest work examines how decency can lead to success in various fields.2 3

Professional Engagements

In addition to writing, Bodanis has extensive experience in teaching and corporate consulting. He created a course called "The Intellectual Tool-Kit" at Oxford University, which became semi-mandatory for new postgraduate students in social sciences.3 His consulting work includes collaborations with organizations such as Royal Dutch Shell and the World Economic Forum, focusing on scenario planning and future economic modeling.3

Bodanis is also known for his engaging speaking engagements, where he discusses topics related to creativity, fairness in business, and navigating uncertain futures.3

Overall, David Bodanis has made significant contributions to popular science literature while also influencing corporate practices through his insights into human behavior and decision-making.