It is 13 years since A Brief History of Time became an unexpected
bestseller. It sold millions and was translated into 40 languages,
while being described as a book people bought but did not read.
This new book is only partly an update; each chapter stands alone
to a great extent while reporting on some of the most active fields
of research. Its stated aim is to present a snapshot of the picture
of reality as we currently understand it; a picture that changes as
new scientific method allows further investigation. Is this book
more accessible than its predecessor? The answer is yes and no.
Make no mistake, dealing with relativity and the shape of time,
black holes, supersymmetry, string theory and a universe with 11
dimensions - it is certainly challenging. It demands you read it
slowly and avoid distractions. And, yes, there is good and powerful
explanation here. It is beautifully produced and illustrated (the
illustrations fill it out - the text alone would run to barely 100
pages). There are digressions to give more detail about matters
peripheral to the main text, for example about people like John
Wheeler who coined the name 'black hole'. The text consists of good
basic description of core concepts such as the expansion of the
universe, and tantalising material on even more complex issues, the
brevity of which will leave the enthusiast frustrated and wanting
more, others bewildered. The book seems like the result of a
publisher's meeting determined to make it more truly accessible and
throwing in every device possible to make it so except lengthier
explanation. There are more quips than before, again apparently
included to lighten the load ('This microwave radiation is not much
good for defrosting frozen pizza, but...'). Nevertheless, the book
is worthwhile. Enthusiasts for the subject will want to know what
this icon of science has to say. Others will find its descriptions
mindboggling, which is as it should be, but also a beautiful and
fascinating introduction to how the world works. If so then they
will find that one effect of A Brief History of Time's success was
to encourage a proliferation of good science books. There are
longer, more detailed and ultimately more satisfying books about
the universe for those keen to explore further. None may guarantee
you understand completely - part of the fascination here is that
no-one understands all this - but they will take you further and
stagger your imagination as they do so. (Kirkus UK)
One of the most influential thinkers of our time, Stephen Hawking is an intellectual icon, known not only for the adventurousness of his ideas but for the clarity and wit with which he expresses them. His phenomenal multi-million-copy bestseller A Brief History of Time introduced the fascinating world of theoretical physics to readers all over the world. Now, in a major new lavishly illustrated book, Hawking turns to the major breakthroughs that have occurred in the years since the release of his acclaimed first book. He brings to us the cutting edge of theoretical physics, where truth is often stranger than fiction, and explains in layman’s terms the principles that control our universe.
Like many in the international scientific community, Professor Hawking is seeking to uncover the grail of science – the elusive Theory of Everything that lies at the heart of the cosmos. In The Universe in a Nutshell, he guides us on his search to uncover the secrets of the universe - from supergravity to supersymmetry, from quantum theory to M-theory, from holography to duality. In this most exciting intellectual adventure he seeks ‘to combine Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity and Richard Feynman’s idea of multiple histories into one complete unified theory that will describe everything that happens in the universe’. He takes us to the wild frontiers of science where superstring theory and p-branes may hold the final clue to the puzzle.
The Universe in a Nutshell is essential reading for all those who want to understand the universe in which we live.
ISBN: 0593 048156
Back Flap
STEPHEN HAWKING is the Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at the University of Cambridge, and is regarded as one of the most brilliant theoretical physicists since Einstein.
Illustrator/designer/credit
Back Board
Acclaim for A Brief History of Time
‘This book marries a child’s wonder to a genius’s intellect. We journey into Hawking’s universe, while marvelling at his mind.’ Sunday Times
‘One of the most brilliant scientific minds since Einstein.’ Daily Express
‘He can explain the complexities of cosmological physics with an engaging combination of clarity and wit . . . He is a brain of extraordinary power.’ Observer
‘It is the publishing sensation of the last decade.’ Spectator
‘His mind seems to soar ever more brilliantly across the vastness of space and time to unlock the secrets of the universe.’ Time Magazine
‘Hawking clearly possesses a natural teacher’s gifts – easy, good-natured humor and an ability to illustrate highly complex propositions with analogies plucked from daily life.’ New York Times
‘Genius unique, tragic and triumphant . . . Hawking takes us through the evolution of modern thinking on cosmology, from Aristotle and Copernicus, through Galileo and Newton, to Einstein and, indeed, Hawking himself.’ Sydney Morning Herald
General
Is the information for this product incomplete, wrong or inappropriate?
Let us know about it.
Does this product have an incorrect or missing image?
Send us a new image.
Is this product missing categories?
Add more categories.
Review This Product
No reviews yet - be the first to create one!
Welcome to Loot.co.za!
Sign in / Register |Wishlists & Gift Vouchers |Help | Advanced search
