Newton and the counterfeiter
the unknown detective career of the world's greatest scientist
by Thomas Levenson · first published 2009
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Already famous throughout Europe for his theories of planetary motion and gravity, Isaac Newton decided to take on the job of running the Royal Mint. This is a compelling book about crime, science and money, and transforms our image of Britain's greatest scientist.
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Newton and the Counterfeiter https://www.royalmint.com/shop/books/Newton-and-the-Counterf... Excellent book about Isaac Newton's role in solving the great recoinage crisis.
on “Ask HN: Books about people who did hard things” ↗For a non-fiction account, "Newton and the Counterfeiter", by Tom Levenson.
on “Why I Never Hire Brilliant Men (1924)” ↗Sometimes you can get a good piece of non-fiction that's done very well. For instance, I recently read Newton and the Counterfeiter and found it excellent. In this case fact was far more interesting than any fictional account could've been. Furthermore, I was personally more interested in the outcome since the events actually happened.…
on “The Way I Work: Jason Fried of 37Signals” ↗Somewhat off-topic, but some time ago I read Thomas Levenson's "Newton and the Counterfeiter", and by the end, my sympathies were with the counterfeiters. ===Mild spoiler alert=== Isaac Newton was offered the position of Master of His Majesty's Mint more-or-less as a sinecure, not really expected…
on “Ancient counterfeiters and their fake coins” ↗