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 Product Description
Stephen Hawking, one of the most brilliant theoretical physicists in history, wrote the modern classic A Brief History of Time to help non-scientists understand fundamental questions of physics and our existence: where did the universe come from? How and why did it begin? Will it come to an end, and if so, how? Hawking attempts to deal with these questions (and where we might look for answers) using a minimum of technical jargon. Among the topics gracefully covered are gravity, black holes, the Big Bang, the nature of time and physicists' search for a grand unifying theory. This is deep science; the concepts are so vast (or so tiny) that they cause mental vertigo while reading, and one can't help but marvel at Hawking's ability to synthesize this difficult subject for people not used to thinking about things like alternate dimensions. The journey is certainly worth taking for as Hawking says, the reward of understanding the universe may be a glimpse of "the mind of God". --Therese Littleton, Amazon.com
Customer Reviews
A big bang indeed, 06 Aug 2008
This book blew my brains out.
It's one thing to know a subject, but it's an altogether different thing to teach it and convey it to the layman.
Remarkably clear description of what is beyond all our understanding, 10 Jul 2008
There's something quite unique about this book - for all the hype it has as the book which stands out as a theoretical physicist trying to explain in layman terms what the universe is... it actuallly is!
In this, Hawking provides a bit of a history of our understanding of the universe and the Big Bang. Some of the content I expected but I was intrigued to read about the idea that before the Big Bang time didn't exist... it sounds rather fundamental to our lives really! I was also a little surprised to see how Hawking dealt with the view of creationists and in particular the way he tried to allow for the concept of a god being compatible with the notion of Big Bang.
While I found some of the book difficult to follow, overall I definitely felt I gained an albeit brief understanding into the views of the community of physicists to the origin of our universe.
There is a touch of arrogance to the writing, but then if you're one of the brightest people to have lived in our lifetime I guess that's justified!
Definitely recommended if you have the slightest interest in understanding what Big Bang is!
A book that leaves you in awe, 15 May 2008
A book that sold millions of copies and one wonders how many people read it and of those, how many actually understood it all. I have a scientific education (chemistry), but I frankly admit I did not get it all. It is difficult to explain what is in the book, but is in essence about where we came from and what we are heading to with regard to the universe, time, space and matter. The book is very well written, with a sense of humor and trying to explain the nearly inexplicable to the layman; I could follow large chunks of the text, but sometimes it is just too difficult to comprehend. This made me think: is Stephen Hawking's disadvantage (being locked up in his own body) also his disadvantage? He probably has more time than most people to turn into himself and contemplate on such extremely complex items as black holes, wormholes and the (in)finity of the universe. A book that leaves you in awe.
interesting .... , 12 May 2008
A very good book. Hawking wrote this book for the common reader with little or no knowledge of Physics. This make this book different and interesting. He gives the view of different scientists about the creation of this universe and the scientific explanation of the events in the history of time which made the universe look like as it is now. He also give the view of researchers about the predictions of how the Universe may come to an end it it really started the was we think it did.
Overall a really good book to read. Though there are still a lot of questions he left unanswered in the book but this only adds to the beauty of this book. It forces you to think and to make your own conclusions. I gave 4 stars to this book for two reasons. First it is written by a scientist and there are still some places in the book where he could not stop himself from explaining things in a pure scientific manner which give the book an air of a scientific research paper at times, which is not interesting for me at all, and will not be of any interest to anyone with limited knowledge of Physics. Second thing is that the book is a little old and research in the areas described in this book is now far ahead then the time this book was written. This makes this book a little old and some of the theories presented in the book are now proved wrong or improved by the later researchers.
However this does not really mean that the book is outdated and should not be read anymore. This is still a very good book and it bridges the gap between the hard core physics and the common people. Also I am not aware of any good book on the same topic which is written by a scientist for the common people and this makes it unique in this class.
Awesome, 27 Dec 2007
I would highly reccomend this book, it is an absolute must for anybody interested in space or physics. The way Stephen puts relatively hard theories into simple understanding reading for the not so well abled physicians is amazing! As well as combining his words with well illustrated diagrams makes it an easier read. I am only in my first year of studying physics at A-level but i feel like I know alot more about the Universe and Sub-atomical particles which has really boosted my confidence.
I really do reccomend this book to any keen physician of any age and intellegence level. Happy Readings =]
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Customer Reviews
A big bang indeed, 06 Aug 2008
This book blew my brains out.
It's one thing to know a subject, but it's an altogether different thing to teach it and convey it to the layman.
Remarkably clear description of what is beyond all our understanding, 10 Jul 2008
There's something quite unique about this book - for all the hype it has as the book which stands out as a theoretical physicist trying to explain in layman terms what the universe is... it actuallly is!
In this, Hawking provides a bit of a history of our understanding of the universe and the Big Bang. Some of the content I expected but I was intrigued to read about the idea that before the Big Bang time didn't exist... it sounds rather fundamental to our lives really! I was also a little surprised to see how Hawking dealt with the view of creationists and in particular the way he tried to allow for the concept of a god being compatible with the notion of Big Bang.
While I found some of the book difficult to follow, overall I definitely felt I gained an albeit brief understanding into the views of the community of physicists to the origin of our universe.
There is a touch of arrogance to the writing, but then if you're one of the brightest people to have lived in our lifetime I guess that's justified!
Definitely recommended if you have the slightest interest in understanding what Big Bang is!
A book that leaves you in awe, 15 May 2008
A book that sold millions of copies and one wonders how many people read it and of those, how many actually understood it all. I have a scientific education (chemistry), but I frankly admit I did not get it all. It is difficult to explain what is in the book, but is in essence about where we came from and what we are heading to with regard to the universe, time, space and matter. The book is very well written, with a sense of humor and trying to explain the nearly inexplicable to the layman; I could follow large chunks of the text, but sometimes it is just too difficult to comprehend. This made me think: is Stephen Hawking's disadvantage (being locked up in his own body) also his disadvantage? He probably has more time than most people to turn into himself and contemplate on such extremely complex items as black holes, wormholes and the (in)finity of the universe. A book that leaves you in awe.
interesting .... , 12 May 2008
A very good book. Hawking wrote this book for the common reader with little or no knowledge of Physics. This make this book different and interesting. He gives the view of different scientists about the creation of this universe and the scientific explanation of the events in the history of time which made the universe look like as it is now. He also give the view of researchers about the predictions of how the Universe may come to an end it it really started the was we think it did.
Overall a really good book to read. Though there are still a lot of questions he left unanswered in the book but this only adds to the beauty of this book. It forces you to think and to make your own conclusions. I gave 4 stars to this book for two reasons. First it is written by a scientist and there are still some places in the book where he could not stop himself from explaining things in a pure scientific manner which give the book an air of a scientific research paper at times, which is not interesting for me at all, and will not be of any interest to anyone with limited knowledge of Physics. Second thing is that the book is a little old and research in the areas described in this book is now far ahead then the time this book was written. This makes this book a little old and some of the theories presented in the book are now proved wrong or improved by the later researchers.
However this does not really mean that the book is outdated and should not be read anymore. This is still a very good book and it bridges the gap between the hard core physics and the common people. Also I am not aware of any good book on the same topic which is written by a scientist for the common people and this makes it unique in this class.
Awesome, 27 Dec 2007
I would highly reccomend this book, it is an absolute must for anybody interested in space or physics. The way Stephen puts relatively hard theories into simple understanding reading for the not so well abled physicians is amazing! As well as combining his words with well illustrated diagrams makes it an easier read. I am only in my first year of studying physics at A-level but i feel like I know alot more about the Universe and Sub-atomical particles which has really boosted my confidence.
I really do reccomend this book to any keen physician of any age and intellegence level. Happy Readings =]
An excellent non-specialist account, 06 Oct 2008
This is a first-rate book. If you're looking for an account of the current state of Quantum Mechanics and Relativity which is accessible to a non-scientist and takes you from the basics through to most recent developments, this is for you. It is easy to read, but doesn't fudge issues or patronise and has real intellectual weight beneath a thoroughly good-humoured surface. Marcus Chown has been one of our best scientific writers in journals like New Scientist for many years and has already written several really good books. This is well up to standard and I recommend it without reservation. A cracker.
The most complex topic in the easiest way to read, 02 Oct 2008
After sometime of looking for a reading about quantum theory and relativity and after trying to read few books, I can tell now: I understand quantum theory and relativity. Previously, I tried some books but always the reading was so in the sky. This book lands all these complex concepts through simple examples giving you a clear view of the wonders that are hidden from our daily lives but keep our world running together.
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Product Description
To write a book to explain in simple, non-mathematical terms what superstring theory is is not a simple task. In The Elegant Universe Brian Greene, a physicist who works in the area, does a very good job. Superstrings are a theory of particle physics that lays claim to being the ultimate "Theory of Everything", merging Einstein's relativity and quantum mechanics into an understanding of the physics of the very small and very large in the Universe. Hence to understand superstrings relativity, quantum mechanics have to be explained as well. In this Brian Greene does a very good job, giving one of the best explanations of relativity I have read in the process. Superstring theory is still very much in its infancy and The Elegant Universe does not claim that all the problems have been solved, in fact a point is made of pointing out all the present deficiencies of the theory. Probably not a book for the very beginner but anyone who has read popular accounts of particle physics and relativity should gain a lot from reading this book. In places not an easy read, not for style reasons(which was generally very easy) but simply for the difficulty of some of the concepts involved. Superstring theory may or may not be the theory of everything but this book will certainly tell you what we think we know so far. Definitely recommended but don't expect to read it in a weekend. --Simon Goodwin
Customer Reviews
A big bang indeed, 06 Aug 2008
This book blew my brains out.
It's one thing to know a subject, but it's an altogether different thing to teach it and convey it to the layman.
Remarkably clear description of what is beyond all our understanding, 10 Jul 2008
There's something quite unique about this book - for all the hype it has as the book which stands out as a theoretical physicist trying to explain in layman terms what the universe is... it actuallly is!
In this, Hawking provides a bit of a history of our understanding of the universe and the Big Bang. Some of the content I expected but I was intrigued to read about the idea that before the Big Bang time didn't exist... it sounds rather fundamental to our lives really! I was also a little surprised to see how Hawking dealt with the view of creationists and in particular the way he tried to allow for the concept of a god being compatible with the notion of Big Bang.
While I found some of the book difficult to follow, overall I definitely felt I gained an albeit brief understanding into the views of the community of physicists to the origin of our universe.
There is a touch of arrogance to the writing, but then if you're one of the brightest people to have lived in our lifetime I guess that's justified!
Definitely recommended if you have the slightest interest in understanding what Big Bang is!
A book that leaves you in awe, 15 May 2008
A book that sold millions of copies and one wonders how many people read it and of those, how many actually understood it all. I have a scientific education (chemistry), but I frankly admit I did not get it all. It is difficult to explain what is in the book, but is in essence about where we came from and what we are heading to with regard to the universe, time, space and matter. The book is very well written, with a sense of humor and trying to explain the nearly inexplicable to the layman; I could follow large chunks of the text, but sometimes it is just too difficult to comprehend. This made me think: is Stephen Hawking's disadvantage (being locked up in his own body) also his disadvantage? He probably has more time than most people to turn into himself and contemplate on such extremely complex items as black holes, wormholes and the (in)finity of the universe. A book that leaves you in awe.
interesting .... , 12 May 2008
A very good book. Hawking wrote this book for the common reader with little or no knowledge of Physics. This make this book different and interesting. He gives the view of different scientists about the creation of this universe and the scientific explanation of the events in the history of time which made the universe look like as it is now. He also give the view of researchers about the predictions of how the Universe may come to an end it it really started the was we think it did.
Overall a really good book to read. Though there are still a lot of questions he left unanswered in the book but this only adds to the beauty of this book. It forces you to think and to make your own conclusions. I gave 4 stars to this book for two reasons. First it is written by a scientist and there are still some places in the book where he could not stop himself from explaining things in a pure scientific manner which give the book an air of a scientific research paper at times, which is not interesting for me at all, and will not be of any interest to anyone with limited knowledge of Physics. Second thing is that the book is a little old and research in the areas described in this book is now far ahead then the time this book was written. This makes this book a little old and some of the theories presented in the book are now proved wrong or improved by the later researchers.
However this does not really mean that the book is outdated and should not be read anymore. This is still a very good book and it bridges the gap between the hard core physics and the common people. Also I am not aware of any good book on the same topic which is written by a scientist for the common people and this makes it unique in this class.
Awesome, 27 Dec 2007
I would highly reccomend this book, it is an absolute must for anybody interested in space or physics. The way Stephen puts relatively hard theories into simple understanding reading for the not so well abled physicians is amazing! As well as combining his words with well illustrated diagrams makes it an easier read. I am only in my first year of studying physics at A-level but i feel like I know alot more about the Universe and Sub-atomical particles which has really boosted my confidence.
I really do reccomend this book to any keen physician of any age and intellegence level. Happy Readings =]
An excellent non-specialist account, 06 Oct 2008
This is a first-rate book. If you're looking for an account of the current state of Quantum Mechanics and Relativity which is accessible to a non-scientist and takes you from the basics through to most recent developments, this is for you. It is easy to read, but doesn't fudge issues or patronise and has real intellectual weight beneath a thoroughly good-humoured surface. Marcus Chown has been one of our best scientific writers in journals like New Scientist for many years and has already written several really good books. This is well up to standard and I recommend it without reservation. A cracker.
The most complex topic in the easiest way to read, 02 Oct 2008
After sometime of looking for a reading about quantum theory and relativity and after trying to read few books, I can tell now: I understand quantum theory and relativity. Previously, I tried some books but always the reading was so in the sky. This book lands all these complex concepts through simple examples giving you a clear view of the wonders that are hidden from our daily lives but keep our world running together.
A ripping yarn!, 12 Sep 2008
This book makes me wish I'd carried on studying. Greene has a gift for putting accross a very exoteric subject in accessible language. He avoids hand-waving and bogging you down in technical terms. I couldn't put this book down... which is saying something for a popular science book.
Not a "light" read, 18 Jun 2008
Brian Greene has a talent for conveying complex ideas in a way that is easy to understand. He is constantly using word pictures (and sometimes actual pictures) to explain relativity, quantum theory, and other topics that are utterly fascinating but are sometimes difficult to get your brain around. Elegant Universe is not a light read, but for those looking to get a moderate understanding of the subject matter I highly recommend it.
Too much personal history. Disappointed promise., 18 Apr 2008
I took this book with me on holiday with great hopes. It started well with the tables of complete and regular features of fondamental particles exercising my imagination and being very satisfying to show how a few particles could engender all the complexity of the elementary particles, then the atoms, etc.... Many of the other reviews here show the other good and strong points, as well as some of the weaknesses of this book. I will not go through them again.
I did find the " internal personal history " of the author and his colleagues over long and of some, but not much relevance to the subject. At the end of the book, I was left unsatisfied by the promise of the beginning with the neat tables of fundamental particles, I felt we knew nothing of how each, and which, different frequency of the vibrating strings engendered a specific fondamental particle.
An Introduction to SuperstringTheory/M Theory, 15 Nov 2007
This book offers an enjoyable ride through a lovely landscape of Superstring theory/M theory. The author is an active researcher and a popular writer in this field who is also known for his presentation on PBS's NOVA about quantum cosmology. Since the postulation of special theory of relativity, Einstein and subsequent physicists have struggled to explain the four natural forces of the most basic components of matter; the electromagnetic force; the strong and weak nuclear forces; and the gravitational force by one unified field theory (a.k.a., theory of everything: Superstring/M Theory). This theory must unify the forces of the cosmos, and forces of microcosm thereby explaining the creation of heaven and earth. The author covers significant amount of material in simple clearly written non-technical and non-mathematical form. The book is described in four parts; first two parts introduces theory of relativity and quantum mechanics and the unholy marriage of the two that results in the complexity of understanding the forces of the cosmos and subatomic forces. The latter two parts describes Superstring theory that evolves into more focused M theory to explain all physical forces of nature. This theory suffers from lack of experimental evidence, but rests solely on mathematical calculations. Hence it was subjected to heavy criticism during early years of the theory by leading physicists. However it has emerged as a winner as the theory grew out of academic obscurity to leading contender in quantum cosmology. The book has interesting tales about the leaders of the field such as Ed Witten who is strongly favored as the true successor of Albert Einstein. The author's enthusiasm and excitement about his involvement in this field is evident abundantly, when he discovers that fabric of space tears and repairs itself. This book is lot more informative and enjoyable than Michio Kaku's Hyperspace (see my review of this book). At the end of the book, notes to each chapter, Glossary of scientific terms, and suggested books for further reading offers stepping stones to more enthusiastic readers for furthering their knowledge. The author has done an excellent job of writing this book, and I encourage you to buy it: But he could have considered writing a chapter on mathematical methodology and some basic approaches to calculations that probably would have made this book one of the top few in this field.
Full of wonder, 14 Jun 2007
I read my brother's copy of this after he'd had his head stuck in it for about a month. I knew that anything which could keep him quiet for so long had to be good, and it is. Like Hawking's "A Brief History of Time" there are no equations to slow things down or put off the mathematically challenged (well, there are some in the helpful and insightful notes, but not in the main text). It begins with an overview of classical physics, explaining everything you need to keep up with the author once he delves into quantum and, beyond that, into string theory.
I did find myself having to read and reread parts of this - particularly from about half-way onwards - because it covers so much ground and it wasn't all sinking in, but it's well worth persevering with and Greene does a great job at explaining some of theoretical physics' concepts in a non-technical and enlightening way.
If you feel jaded about the world and have lost that sense of wonder, read this and be amazed all over again.
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Customer Reviews
A big bang indeed, 06 Aug 2008
This book blew my brains out.
It's one thing to know a subject, but it's an altogether different thing to teach it and convey it to the layman.
Remarkably clear description of what is beyond all our understanding, 10 Jul 2008
There's something quite unique about this book - for all the hype it has as the book which stands out as a theoretical physicist trying to explain in layman terms what the universe is... it actuallly is!
In this, Hawking provides a bit of a history of our understanding of the universe and the Big Bang. Some of the content I expected but I was intrigued to read about the idea that before the Big Bang time didn't exist... it sounds rather fundamental to our lives really! I was also a little surprised to see how Hawking dealt with the view of creationists and in particular the way he tried to allow for the concept of a god being compatible with the notion of Big Bang.
While I found some of the book difficult to follow, overall I definitely felt I gained an albeit brief understanding into the views of the community of physicists to the origin of our universe.
There is a touch of arrogance to the writing, but then if you're one of the brightest people to have lived in our lifetime I guess that's justified!
Definitely recommended if you have the slightest interest in understanding what Big Bang is!
A book that leaves you in awe, 15 May 2008
A book that sold millions of copies and one wonders how many people read it and of those, how many actually understood it all. I have a scientific education (chemistry), but I frankly admit I did not get it all. It is difficult to explain what is in the book, but is in essence about where we came from and what we are heading to with regard to the universe, time, space and matter. The book is very well written, with a sense of humor and trying to explain the nearly inexplicable to the layman; I could follow large chunks of the text, but sometimes it is just too difficult to comprehend. This made me think: is Stephen Hawking's disadvantage (being locked up in his own body) also his disadvantage? He probably has more time than most people to turn into himself and contemplate on such extremely complex items as black holes, wormholes and the (in)finity of the universe. A book that leaves you in awe.
interesting .... , 12 May 2008
A very good book. Hawking wrote this book for the common reader with little or no knowledge of Physics. This make this book different and interesting. He gives the view of different scientists about the creation of this universe and the scientific explanation of the events in the history of time which made the universe look like as it is now. He also give the view of researchers about the predictions of how the Universe may come to an end it it really started the was we think it did.
Overall a really good book to read. Though there are still a lot of questions he left unanswered in the book but this only adds to the beauty of this book. It forces you to think and to make your own conclusions. I gave 4 stars to this book for two reasons. First it is written by a scientist and there are still some places in the book where he could not stop himself from explaining things in a pure scientific manner which give the book an air of a scientific research paper at times, which is not interesting for me at all, and will not be of any interest to anyone with limited knowledge of Physics. Second thing is that the book is a little old and research in the areas described in this book is now far ahead then the time this book was written. This makes this book a little old and some of the theories presented in the book are now proved wrong or improved by the later researchers.
However this does not really mean that the book is outdated and should not be read anymore. This is still a very good book and it bridges the gap between the hard core physics and the common people. Also I am not aware of any good book on the same topic which is written by a scientist for the common people and this makes it unique in this class.
Awesome, 27 Dec 2007
I would highly reccomend this book, it is an absolute must for anybody interested in space or physics. The way Stephen puts relatively hard theories into simple understanding reading for the not so well abled physicians is amazing! As well as combining his words with well illustrated diagrams makes it an easier read. I am only in my first year of studying physics at A-level but i feel like I know alot more about the Universe and Sub-atomical particles which has really boosted my confidence.
I really do reccomend this book to any keen physician of any age and intellegence level. Happy Readings =]
An excellent non-specialist account, 06 Oct 2008
This is a first-rate book. If you're looking for an account of the current state of Quantum Mechanics and Relativity which is accessible to a non-scientist and takes you from the basics through to most recent developments, this is for you. It is easy to read, but doesn't fudge issues or patronise and has real intellectual weight beneath a thoroughly good-humoured surface. Marcus Chown has been one of our best scientific writers in journals like New Scientist for many years and has already written several really good books. This is well up to standard and I recommend it without reservation. A cracker.
The most complex topic in the easiest way to read, 02 Oct 2008
After sometime of looking for a reading about quantum theory and relativity and after trying to read few books, I can tell now: I understand quantum theory and relativity. Previously, I tried some books but always the reading was so in the sky. This book lands all these complex concepts through simple examples giving you a clear view of the wonders that are hidden from our daily lives but keep our world running together.
A ripping yarn!, 12 Sep 2008
This book makes me wish I'd carried on studying. Greene has a gift for putting accross a very exoteric subject in accessible language. He avoids hand-waving and bogging you down in technical terms. I couldn't put this book down... which is saying something for a popular science book.
Not a "light" read, 18 Jun 2008
Brian Greene has a talent for conveying complex ideas in a way that is easy to understand. He is constantly using word pictures (and sometimes actual pictures) to explain relativity, quantum theory, and other topics that are utterly fascinating but are sometimes difficult to get your brain around. Elegant Universe is not a light read, but for those looking to get a moderate understanding of the subject matter I highly recommend it.
Too much personal history. Disappointed promise., 18 Apr 2008
I took this book with me on holiday with great hopes. It started well with the tables of complete and regular features of fondamental particles exercising my imagination and being very satisfying to show how a few particles could engender all the complexity of the elementary particles, then the atoms, etc.... Many of the other reviews here show the other good and strong points, as well as some of the weaknesses of this book. I will not go through them again.
I did find the " internal personal history " of the author and his colleagues over long and of some, but not much relevance to the subject. At the end of the book, I was left unsatisfied by the promise of the beginning with the neat tables of fundamental particles, I felt we knew nothing of how each, and which, different frequency of the vibrating strings engendered a specific fondamental particle.
An Introduction to SuperstringTheory/M Theory, 15 Nov 2007
This book offers an enjoyable ride through a lovely landscape of Superstring theory/M theory. The author is an active researcher and a popular writer in this field who is also known for his presentation on PBS's NOVA about quantum cosmology. Since the postulation of special theory of relativity, Einstein and subsequent physicists have struggled to explain the four natural forces of the most basic components of matter; the electromagnetic force; the strong and weak nuclear forces; and the gravitational force by one unified field theory (a.k.a., theory of everything: Superstring/M Theory). This theory must unify the forces of the cosmos, and forces of microcosm thereby explaining the creation of heaven and earth. The author covers significant amount of material in simple clearly written non-technical and non-mathematical form. The book is described in four parts; first two parts introduces theory of relativity and quantum mechanics and the unholy marriage of the two that results in the complexity of understanding the forces of the cosmos and subatomic forces. The latter two parts describes Superstring theory that evolves into more focused M theory to explain all physical forces of nature. This theory suffers from lack of experimental evidence, but rests solely on mathematical calculations. Hence it was subjected to heavy criticism during early years of the theory by leading physicists. However it has emerged as a winner as the theory grew out of academic obscurity to leading contender in quantum cosmology. The book has interesting tales about the leaders of the field such as Ed Witten who is strongly favored as the true successor of Albert Einstein. The author's enthusiasm and excitement about his involvement in this field is evident abundantly, when he discovers that fabric of space tears and repairs itself. This book is lot more informative and enjoyable than Michio Kaku's Hyperspace (see my review of this book). At the end of the book, notes to each chapter, Glossary of scientific terms, and suggested books for further reading offers stepping stones to more enthusiastic readers for furthering their knowledge. The author has done an excellent job of writing this book, and I encourage you to buy it: But he could have considered writing a chapter on mathematical methodology and some basic approaches to calculations that probably would have made this book one of the top few in this field.
Full of wonder, 14 Jun 2007
I read my brother's copy of this after he'd had his head stuck in it for about a month. I knew that anything which could keep him quiet for so long had to be good, and it is. Like Hawking's "A Brief History of Time" there are no equations to slow things down or put off the mathematically challenged (well, there are some in the helpful and insightful notes, but not in the main text). It begins with an overview of classical physics, explaining everything you need to keep up with the author once he delves into quantum and, beyond that, into string theory.
I did find myself having to read and reread parts of this - particularly from about half-way onwards - because it covers so much ground and it wasn't all sinking in, but it's well worth persevering with and Greene does a great job at explaining some of theoretical physics' concepts in a non-technical and enlightening way.
If you feel jaded about the world and have lost that sense of wonder, read this and be amazed all over again.
Fascinating, 16 Jul 2008
Although written for the lay man, this book does take some concentration for those of us who have never studied physics. That said, it is well worth the effort. A fascinating read that will make you look at life, the world and the whole universe in a completely new way
wrong end of the trumpet...hmm?, 01 Jul 2008
I came across this book some years ago and, with a grounding in arts and only a couple of years of very elementary science, I cannot possibly comment on the current veracity of the ideas in it. The word 'science' is somewhat misleading deriving as it does from the Latin 'to know' whereas 'to guess' would provide a more honest root to this ever changing discipline.
It is some time since I read McTaggart but I recall it was an intersting read which triggered a tentative foray into Quantum Theory which sounded to me pretty much what the ancients and mystics had 'known' all along - although from my point of view McT was looking at things down the wrong end of the trumpet.
What Quantum seems to tell us is that there are no absolutes and that our thoughts, emotions and intentions form our experience of the 'material world'. Those still hooked on the idea of an 'absolute' (as I understand even Einstein was - spending the rest of his life trying to disprove his equation) will find refuge in religion of one sort or another... including science which has, for many, replaced older faiths.
So... having written this review of the book and talked it up, I suppose I'd better read it again to see if I agree with myself. Hey, ho...
Interesting, but not a particularly easy read , 13 May 2008
This book is full of interesting information, and cutting edge ideas based on new research into physics. However, I found it quite hard-going at times - the author's style isn't particularly readable. I often had to grit my teeth in determination just to make it to the end of a chapter - and unfortunately I gave up about two-thirds way through the book. I think this would be a great book in the hands of a more entertaining writer.
The Field on CD, 25 Mar 2008
I opted to purchase the Field on CD and I loved every word! What was more for someone like me who knows little of Quantum Physics but am eager to understand it, I found that I understood the book (CD) completely.
As a Reiki healer used to receiving and sending distant healing I was thrilled to learn how this is achieved. The book impressed me so much that I am currently ordering extra copies for my family and friends. Everyone should know about this. It should be taught in schools and I hope in time that it will be so that positive thinking will heal our earth and all those who live on it both man and beast.
It didn't just change my life, it made sense of things I've pondered fr some time.
Thank you Lynne, you did a great job with this book, as well as with The Intention Experiment.
Informative , 08 Mar 2008
Lynne McTaggart gives a very detailed picturesc and journalistic coverage of these extremely interesting experiments. It does cover the same old subjects as some other books that are around at the moment but it is relatively unbiased and very clear about them. It is left entirely for the reader to decide what to make of the facts. What I make of it so far is that if 99.9% of the universe is made of 'dark matter' and 99.9% of matter is empty space, and all empty space is thoroughly ridden with 'virtual' particles, that arise from fluctuations in the 'zero-point energy field', only to anihilate each other almost immediately after coming into being, then what else could this 'dark matter' be, if not the combined mass of this unimagineably vast number of 'virtual' particles that exist temporarily everywhere all the time? It would explain why they've not found any yet. This book gives full details of experiments in psychokinesis, remote viewing, and precognition/premonition, and advice that anyone doing these experiments themselves can pick up on. The amount of research that has gone into this book makes it a real gem, even if you have already read other books on the same subject.
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The Holographic Universe
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Customer Reviews
A big bang indeed, 06 Aug 2008
This book blew my brains out.
It's one thing to know a subject, but it's an altogether different thing to teach it and convey it to the layman.
Remarkably clear description of what is beyond all our understanding, 10 Jul 2008
There's something quite unique about this book - for all the hype it has as the book which stands out as a theoretical physicist trying to explain in layman terms what the universe is... it actuallly is!
In this, Hawking provides a bit of a history of our understanding of the universe and the Big Bang. Some of the content I expected but I was intrigued to read about the idea that before the Big Bang time didn't exist... it sounds rather fundamental to our lives really! I was also a little surprised to see how Hawking dealt with the view of creationists and in particular the way he tried to allow for the concept of a god being compatible with the notion of Big Bang.
While I found some of the book difficult to follow, overall I definitely felt I gained an albeit brief understanding into the views of the community of physicists to the origin of our universe.
There is a touch of arrogance to the writing, but then if you're one of the brightest people to have lived in our lifetime I guess that's justified!
Definitely recommended if you have the slightest interest in understanding what Big Bang is!
A book that leaves you in awe, 15 May 2008
A book that sold millions of copies and one wonders how many people read it and of those, how many actually understood it all. I have a scientific education (chemistry), but I frankly admit I did not get it all. It is difficult to explain what is in the book, but is in essence about where we came from and what we are heading to with regard to the universe, time, space and matter. The book is very well written, with a sense of humor and trying to explain the nearly inexplicable to the layman; I could follow large chunks of the text, but sometimes it is just too difficult to comprehend. This made me think: is Stephen Hawking's disadvantage (being locked up in his own body) also his disadvantage? He probably has more time than most people to turn into himself and contemplate on such extremely complex items as black holes, wormholes and the (in)finity of the universe. A book that leaves you in awe.
interesting .... , 12 May 2008
A very good book. Hawking wrote this book for the common reader with little or no knowledge of Physics. This make this book different and interesting. He gives the view of different scientists about the creation of this universe and the scientific explanation of the events in the history of time which made the universe look like as it is now. He also give the view of researchers about the predictions of how the Universe may come to an end it it really started the was we think it did.
Overall a really good book to read. Though there are still a lot of questions he left unanswered in the book but this only adds to the beauty of this book. It forces you to think and to make your own conclusions. I gave 4 stars to this book for two reasons. First it is written by a scientist and there are still some places in the book where he could not stop himself from explaining things in a pure scientific manner which give the book an air of a scientific research paper at times, which is not interesting for me at all, and will not be of any interest to anyone with limited knowledge of Physics. Second thing is that the book is a little old and research in the areas described in this book is now far ahead then the time this book was written. This makes this book a little old and some of the theories presented in the book are now proved wrong or improved by the later researchers.
However this does not really mean that the book is outdated and should not be read anymore. This is still a very good book and it bridges the gap between the hard core physics and the common people. Also I am not aware of any good book on the same topic which is written by a scientist for the common people and this makes it unique in this class.
Awesome, 27 Dec 2007
I would highly reccomend this book, it is an absolute must for anybody interested in space or physics. The way Stephen puts relatively hard theories into simple understanding reading for the not so well abled physicians is amazing! As well as combining his words with well illustrated diagrams makes it an easier read. I am only in my first year of studying physics at A-level but i feel like I know alot more about the Universe and Sub-atomical particles which has really boosted my confidence.
I really do reccomend this book to any keen physician of any age and intellegence level. Happy Readings =]
An excellent non-specialist account, 06 Oct 2008
This is a first-rate book. If you're looking for an account of the current state of Quantum Mechanics and Relativity which is accessible to a non-scientist and takes you from the basics through to most recent developments, this is for you. It is easy to read, but doesn't fudge issues or patronise and has real intellectual weight beneath a thoroughly good-humoured surface. Marcus Chown has been one of our best scientific writers in journals like New Scientist for many years and has already written several really good books. This is well up to standard and I recommend it without reservation. A cracker.
The most complex topic in the easiest way to read, 02 Oct 2008
After sometime of looking for a reading about quantum theory and relativity and after trying to read few books, I can tell now: I understand quantum theory and relativity. Previously, I tried some books but always the reading was so in the sky. This book lands all these complex concepts through simple examples giving you a clear view of the wonders that are hidden from our daily lives but keep our world running together.
A ripping yarn!, 12 Sep 2008
This book makes me wish I'd carried on studying. Greene has a gift for putting accross a very exoteric subject in accessible language. He avoids hand-waving and bogging you down in technical terms. I couldn't put this book down... which is saying something for a popular science book.
Not a "light" read, 18 Jun 2008
Brian Greene has a talent for conveying complex ideas in a way that is easy to understand. He is constantly using word pictures (and sometimes actual pictures) to explain relativity, quantum theory, and other topics that are utterly fascinating but are sometimes difficult to get your brain around. Elegant Universe is not a light read, but for those looking to get a moderate understanding of the subject matter I highly recommend it.
Too much personal history. Disappointed promise., 18 Apr 2008
I took this book with me on holiday with great hopes. It started well with the tables of complete and regular features of fondamental particles exercising my imagination and being very satisfying to show how a few particles could engender all the complexity of the elementary particles, then the atoms, etc.... Many of the other reviews here show the other good and strong points, as well as some of the weaknesses of this book. I will not go through them again.
I did find the " internal personal history " of the author and his colleagues over long and of some, but not much relevance to the subject. At the end of the book, I was left unsatisfied by the promise of the beginning with the neat tables of fundamental particles, I felt we knew nothing of how each, and which, different frequency of the vibrating strings engendered a specific fondamental particle.
An Introduction to SuperstringTheory/M Theory, 15 Nov 2007
This book offers an enjoyable ride through a lovely landscape of Superstring theory/M theory. The author is an active researcher and a popular writer in this field who is also known for his presentation on PBS's NOVA about quantum cosmology. Since the postulation of special theory of relativity, Einstein and subsequent physicists have struggled to explain the four natural forces of the most basic components of matter; the electromagnetic force; the strong and weak nuclear forces; and the gravitational force by one unified field theory (a.k.a., theory of everything: Superstring/M Theory). This theory must unify the forces of the cosmos, and forces of microcosm thereby explaining the creation of heaven and earth. The author covers significant amount of material in simple clearly written non-technical and non-mathematical form. The book is described in four parts; first two parts introduces theory of relativity and quantum mechanics and the unholy marriage of the two that results in the complexity of understanding the forces of the cosmos and subatomic forces. The latter two parts describes Superstring theory that evolves into more focused M theory to explain all physical forces of nature. This theory suffers from lack of experimental evidence, but rests solely on mathematical calculations. Hence it was subjected to heavy criticism during early years of the theory by leading physicists. However it has emerged as a winner as the theory grew out of academic obscurity to leading contender in quantum cosmology. The book has interesting tales about the leaders of the field such as Ed Witten who is strongly favored as the true successor of Albert Einstein. The author's enthusiasm and excitement about his involvement in this field is evident abundantly, when he discovers that fabric of space tears and repairs itself. This book is lot more informative and enjoyable than Michio Kaku's Hyperspace (see my review of this book). At the end of the book, notes to each chapter, Glossary of scientific terms, and suggested books for further reading offers stepping stones to more enthusiastic readers for furthering their knowledge. The author has done an excellent job of writing this book, and I encourage you to buy it: But he could have considered writing a chapter on mathematical methodology and some basic approaches to calculations that probably would have made this book one of the top few in this field.
Full of wonder, 14 Jun 2007
I read my brother's copy of this after he'd had his head stuck in it for about a month. I knew that anything which could keep him quiet for so long had to be good, and it is. Like Hawking's "A Brief History of Time" there are no equations to slow things down or put off the mathematically challenged (well, there are some in the helpful and insightful notes, but not in the main text). It begins with an overview of classical physics, explaining everything you need to keep up with the author once he delves into quantum and, beyond that, into string theory.
I did find myself having to read and reread parts of this - particularly from about half-way onwards - because it covers so much ground and it wasn't all sinking in, but it's well worth persevering with and Greene does a great job at explaining some of theoretical physics' concepts in a non-technical and enlightening way.
If you feel jaded about the world and have lost that sense of wonder, read this and be amazed all over again.
Fascinating, 16 Jul 2008
Although written for the lay man, this book does take some concentration for those of us who have never studied physics. That said, it is well worth the effort. A fascinating read that will make you look at life, the world and the whole universe in a completely new way
wrong end of the trumpet...hmm?, 01 Jul 2008
I came across this book some years ago and, with a grounding in arts and only a couple of years of very elementary science, I cannot possibly comment on the current veracity of the ideas in it. The word 'science' is somewhat misleading deriving as it does from the Latin 'to know' whereas 'to guess' would provide a more honest root to this ever changing discipline.
It is some time since I read McTaggart but I recall it was an intersting read which triggered a tentative foray into Quantum Theory which sounded to me pretty much what the ancients and mystics had 'known' all along - although from my point of view McT was looking at things down the wrong end of the trumpet.
What Quantum seems to tell us is that there are no absolutes and that our thoughts, emotions and intentions form our experience of the 'material world'. Those still hooked on the idea of an 'absolute' (as I understand even Einstein was - spending the rest of his life trying to disprove his equation) will find refuge in religion of one sort or another... including science which has, for many, replaced older faiths.
So... having written this review of the book and talked it up, I suppose I'd better read it again to see if I agree with myself. Hey, ho...
Interesting, but not a particularly easy read , 13 May 2008
This book is full of interesting information, and cutting edge ideas based on new research into physics. However, I found it quite hard-going at times - the author's style isn't particularly readable. I often had to grit my teeth in determination just to make it to the end of a chapter - and unfortunately I gave up about two-thirds way through the book. I think this would be a great book in the hands of a more entertaining writer.
The Field on CD, 25 Mar 2008
I opted to purchase the Field on CD and I loved every word! What was more for someone like me who knows little of Quantum Physics but am eager to understand it, I found that I understood the book (CD) completely.
As a Reiki healer used to receiving and sending distant healing I was thrilled to learn how this is achieved. The book impressed me so much that I am currently ordering extra copies for my family and friends. Everyone should know about this. It should be taught in schools and I hope in time that it will be so that positive thinking will heal our earth and all those who live on it both man and beast.
It didn't just change my life, it made sense of things I've pondered fr some time.
Thank you Lynne, you did a great job with this book, as well as with The Intention Experiment.
Informative , 08 Mar 2008
Lynne McTaggart gives a very detailed picturesc and journalistic coverage of these extremely interesting experiments. It does cover the same old subjects as some other books that are around at the moment but it is relatively unbiased and very clear about them. It is left entirely for the reader to decide what to make of the facts. What I make of it so far is that if 99.9% of the universe is made of 'dark matter' and 99.9% of matter is empty space, and all empty space is thoroughly ridden with 'virtual' particles, that arise from fluctuations in the 'zero-point energy field', only to anihilate each other almost immediately after coming into being, then what else could this 'dark matter' be, if not the combined mass of this unimagineably vast number of 'virtual' particles that exist temporarily everywhere all the time? It would explain why they've not found any yet. This book gives full details of experiments in psychokinesis, remote viewing, and precognition/premonition, and advice that anyone doing these experiments themselves can pick up on. The amount of research that has gone into this book makes it a real gem, even if you have already read other books on the same subject.
Amazing!, 20 Mar 2008
Your brain is a hologram. The cosmos is a hologram. Your body is a hologram. Your mind is a hologram. Dreams are holograms. The world you perceive around you is a hologram. There is an underlying order to everything from which reality is projected. This implicate order is also known as 'the zero point energy field'. It's like a piece of holographic film on which the universe is printed. Each part contains the whole. This book is a must read for anyone trying to do anything parapsychological, whether it's psychokenisis, remote viewing, spiritual healing, or predicting the future, what you are dealing with is a hologram. As an amature music recording artist, the part I found most interesting was the bit about using holography to create 3-D surround sound through a standard pair of earphones! do an internet search for 'cetera holophony algorithm'. This book has something for everyone in it.
LOVE THIS BOOK, 11 Feb 2008
The book not only provides a perspective of looking at the universe as holographic, but also provides an avalanche of very interesting stories.
As a Clinical Hypnotherapist, and a firm believer that there are no limitations to what we can experience and the changes we can create in our bodies and in our lives, even on genetic level, I wanted to share one of the stories from this book:
"Brocq's disease involves a horribly disfiguring hereditary condition. Victims of Brocq's disease develop a thick, horny covering over their skin that resembles the scales of a reptile. The skin can become so hardened and rigid that even the slightest movement will cause it to crack and bleed.
Brocq's disease was incurable until 1951 when a sixteen-year-old boy with an advanced case of the affliction was referred as a last resort to a hypnotherapist named A.A. Mason at the Queen Victoria Hospital in London. Mason discovered that the boy was a good hypnotic subject and could easily be put into a deep state of trance.
While the boy was in trance, Mason told him that his Brocq's disease was healing and would soon be gone. Five days later the scaly layer covering the boy's left arm fell off, revealing soft, healthy flesh beneath. By the end of tend days the arm was completely normal.
Mason and the boy continued to work on different body areas until all of the scaly skin was gone. The boy remained symptom-free for at least five years, at which point Mason lost touch with him.
This is extraordinary because Brocq's disease is a genetic condition, and getting rid of it involves more than just controlling autonomic processes such as blood flow patterns and various cells of the immune system. It means tapping into the masterplan, the DNA programming itself. So, it would appear that when we access the right strata of our beliefs, our minds can override even our genetic makeup.
Reality as Illusion, 09 Jul 2007
I merely scraped a C grade in GCE O Level Physics but I had hoped that this book would be accessible for the layman interested in the radical implications of quantum theory. However I found "The Holographic Universe" to be a difficult read full of weighty philosophical and scientific theorising and a lot of it didn't make sense to me. The author starts off by proposing the existence of a holographic universe , apparently based on the fact that subatomic particles are actually insubstantial waveforms until they are observed at which stage only then do they become particles. Therefore our consciousness must in some way create what appears to be a solid reality out of nothing. I can accept that argument but I must admit that I found it hard to get my head around the fact that the universe is some kind of interactive 3D photographic projection.Most of "The Holographic Universe" uses this theory to explain away a wide variety of paranormal phenomena from stigmatism to telekinesis , from synchronicities to out of body and near death experiences. The author puts forward an impressive body of evidence to support the existence of these fascinating phenomena but I must admit that I didn't understand how this proved his theory of the holographic nature of the universe. This book would be of interest to those with a broad knowledge of physics and those with a deep knowledge of mystical ,esoteric philosophies, however I found it all to be a bit too obscure and deep to fully comprehend and enjoy. Perhaps someone might get round to writing a dumbed down version of this book to help us all to get enlightened !
Well documented book, fascinating stuff, 25 May 2007
Great read, keep an open mind. Very well known book in the quantum physics world, but don't be put off, the book is understandable, its up to you to look in these theories further.
Fantastic!, 09 Apr 2007
This book is probably the easiest to read on the planet when it comes to explaining quantum physics and how our universe and everything in it is basically the same as a hologram. It's a book that everybody interested in the nature of our reality should definitely read, whatever angle they are coming from!
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Customer Reviews
A big bang indeed, 06 Aug 2008
This book blew my brains out.
It's one thing to know a subject, but it's an altogether different thing to teach it and convey it to the layman.
Remarkably clear description of what is beyond all our understanding, 10 Jul 2008
There's something quite unique about this book - for all the hype it has as the book which stands out as a theoretical physicist trying to explain in layman terms what the universe is... it actuallly is!
In this, Hawking provides a bit of a history of our understanding of the universe and the Big Bang. Some of the content I expected but I was intrigued to read about the idea that before the Big Bang time didn't exist... it sounds rather fundamental to our lives really! I was also a little surprised to see how Hawking dealt with the view of creationists and in particular the way he tried to allow for the concept of a god being compatible with the notion of Big Bang.
While I found some of the book difficult to follow, overall I definitely felt I gained an albeit brief understanding into the views of the community of physicists to the origin of our universe.
There is a touch of arrogance to the writing, but then if you're one of the brightest people to have lived in our lifetime I guess that's justified!
Definitely recommended if you have the slightest interest in understanding what Big Bang is!
A book that leaves you in awe, 15 May 2008
A book that sold millions of copies and one wonders how many people read it and of those, how many actually understood it all. I have a scientific education (chemistry), but I frankly admit I did not get it all. It is difficult to explain what is in the book, but is in essence about where we came from and what we are heading to with regard to the universe, time, space and matter. The book is very well written, with a sense of humor and trying to explain the nearly inexplicable to the layman; I could follow large chunks of the text, but sometimes it is just too difficult to comprehend. This made me think: is Stephen Hawking's disadvantage (being locked up in his own body) also his disadvantage? He probably has more time than most people to turn into himself and contemplate on such extremely complex items as black holes, wormholes and the (in)finity of the universe. A book that leaves you in awe.
interesting .... , 12 May 2008
A very good book. Hawking wrote this book for the common reader with little or no knowledge of Physics. This make this book different and interesting. He gives the view of different scientists about the creation of this universe and the scientific explanation of the events in the history of time which made the universe look like as it is now. He also give the view of researchers about the predictions of how the Universe may come to an end it it really started the was we think it did.
Overall a really good book to read. Though there are still a lot of questions he left unanswered in the book but this only adds to the beauty of this book. It forces you to think and to make your own conclusions. I gave 4 stars to this book for two reasons. First it is written by a scientist and there are still some places in the book where he could not stop himself from explaining things in a pure scientific manner which give the book an air of a scientific research paper at times, which is not interesting for me at all, and will not be of any interest to anyone with limited knowledge of Physics. Second thing is that the book is a little old and research in the areas described in this book is now far ahead then the time this book was written. This makes this book a little old and some of the theories presented in the book are now proved wrong or improved by the later researchers.
However this does not really mean that the book is outdated and should not be read anymore. This is still a very good book and it bridges the gap between the hard core physics and the common people. Also I am not aware of any good book on the same topic which is written by a scientist for the common people and this makes it unique in this class.
Awesome, 27 Dec 2007
I would highly reccomend this book, it is an absolute must for anybody interested in space or physics. The way Stephen puts relatively hard theories into simple understanding reading for the not so well abled physicians is amazing! As well as combining his words with well illustrated diagrams makes it an easier read. I am only in my first year of studying physics at A-level but i feel like I know alot more about the Universe and Sub-atomical particles which has really boosted my confidence.
I really do reccomend this book to any keen physician of any age and intellegence level. Happy Readings =]
An excellent non-specialist account, 06 Oct 2008
This is a first-rate book. If you're looking for an account of the current state of Quantum Mechanics and Relativity which is accessible to a non-scientist and takes you from the basics through to most recent developments, this is for you. It is easy to read, but doesn't fudge issues or patronise and has real intellectual weight beneath a thoroughly good-humoured surface. Marcus Chown has been one of our best scientific writers in journals like New Scientist for many years and has already written several really good books. This is well up to standard and I recommend it without reservation. A cracker.
The most complex topic in the easiest way to read, 02 Oct 2008
After sometime of looking for a reading about quantum theory and relativity and after trying to read few books, I can tell now: I understand quantum theory and relativity. Previously, I tried some books but always the reading was so in the sky. This book lands all these complex concepts through simple examples giving you a clear view of the wonders that are hidden from our daily lives but keep our world running together.
A ripping yarn!, 12 Sep 2008
This book makes me wish I'd carried on studying. Greene has a gift for putting accross a very exoteric subject in accessible language. He avoids hand-waving and bogging you down in technical terms. I couldn't put this book down... which is saying something for a popular science book.
Not a "light" read, 18 Jun 2008
Brian Greene has a talent for conveying complex ideas in a way that is easy to understand. He is constantly using word pictures (and sometimes actual pictures) to explain relativity, quantum theory, and other topics that are utterly fascinating but are sometimes difficult to get your brain around. Elegant Universe is not a light read, but for those looking to get a moderate understanding of the subject matter I highly recommend it.
Too much personal history. Disappointed promise., 18 Apr 2008
I took this book with me on holiday with great hopes. It started well with the tables of complete and regular features of fondamental particles exercising my imagination and being very satisfying to show how a few particles could engender all the complexity of the elementary particles, then the atoms, etc.... Many of the other reviews here show the other good and strong points, as well as some of the weaknesses of this book. I will not go through them again.
I did find the " internal personal history " of the author and his colleagues over long and of some, but not much relevance to the subject. At the end of the book, I was left unsatisfied by the promise of the beginning with the neat tables of fundamental particles, I felt we knew nothing of how each, and which, different frequency of the vibrating strings engendered a specific fondamental particle.
An Introduction to SuperstringTheory/M Theory, 15 Nov 2007
This book offers an enjoyable ride through a lovely landscape of Superstring theory/M theory. The author is an active researcher and a popular writer in this field who is also known for his presentation on PBS's NOVA about quantum cosmology. Since the postulation of special theory of relativity, Einstein and subsequent physicists have struggled to explain the four natural forces of the most basic components of matter; the electromagnetic force; the strong and weak nuclear forces; and the gravitational force by one unified field theory (a.k.a., theory of everything: Superstring/M Theory). This theory must unify the forces of the cosmos, and forces of microcosm thereby explaining the creation of heaven and earth. The author covers significant amount of material in simple clearly written non-technical and non-mathematical form. The book is described in four parts; first two parts introduces theory of relativity and quantum mechanics and the unholy marriage of the two that results in the complexity of understanding the forces of the cosmos and subatomic forces. The latter two parts describes Superstring theory that evolves into more focused M theory to explain all physical forces of nature. This theory suffers from lack of experimental evidence, but rests solely on mathematical calculations. Hence it was subjected to heavy criticism during early years of the theory by leading physicists. However it has emerged as a winner as the theory grew out of academic obscurity to leading contender in quantum cosmology. The book has interesting tales about the leaders of the field such as Ed Witten who is strongly favored as the true successor of Albert Einstein. The author's enthusiasm and excitement about his involvement in this field is evident abundantly, when he discovers that fabric of space tears and repairs itself. This book is lot more informative and enjoyable than Michio Kaku's Hyperspace (see my review of this book). At the end of the book, notes to each chapter, Glossary of scientific terms, and suggested books for further reading offers stepping stones to more enthusiastic readers for furthering their knowledge. The author has done an excellent job of writing this book, and I encourage you to buy it: But he could have considered writing a chapter on mathematical methodology and some basic approaches to calculations that probably would have made this book one of the top few in this field.
Full of wonder, 14 Jun 2007
I read my brother's copy of this after he'd had his head stuck in it for about a month. I knew that anything which could keep him quiet for so long had to be good, and it is. Like Hawking's "A Brief History of Time" there are no equations to slow things down or put off the mathematically challenged (well, there are some in the helpful and insightful notes, but not in the main text). It begins with an overview of classical physics, explaining everything you need to keep up with the author once he delves into quantum and, beyond that, into string theory.
I did find myself having to read and reread parts of this - particularly from about half-way onwards - because it covers so much ground and it wasn't all sinking in, but it's well worth persevering with and Greene does a great job at explaining some of theoretical physics' concepts in a non-technical and enlightening way.
If you feel jaded about the world and have lost that sense of wonder, read this and be amazed all over again.
Fascinating, 16 Jul 2008
Although written for the lay man, this book does take some concentration for those of us who have never studied physics. That said, it is well worth the effort. A fascinating read that will make you look at life, the world and the whole universe in a completely new way
wrong end of the trumpet...hmm?, 01 Jul 2008
I came across this book some years ago and, with a grounding in arts and only a couple of years of very elementary science, I cannot possibly comment on the current veracity of the ideas in it. The word 'science' is somewhat misleading deriving as it does from the Latin 'to know' whereas 'to guess' would provide a more honest root to this ever changing discipline.
It is some time since I read McTaggart but I recall it was an intersting read which triggered a tentative foray into Quantum Theory which sounded to me pretty much what the ancients and mystics had 'known' all along - although from my point of view McT was looking at things down the wrong end of the trumpet.
What Quantum seems to tell us is that there are no absolutes and that our thoughts, emotions and intentions form our experience of the 'material world'. Those still hooked on the idea of an 'absolute' (as I understand even Einstein was - spending the rest of his life trying to disprove his equation) will find refuge in religion of one sort or another... including science which has, for many, replaced older faiths.
So... having written this review of the book and talked it up, I suppose I'd better read it again to see if I agree with myself. Hey, ho...
Interesting, but not a particularly easy read , 13 May 2008
This book is full of interesting information, and cutting edge ideas based on new research into physics. However, I found it quite hard-going at times - the author's style isn't particularly readable. I often had to grit my teeth in determination just to make it to the end of a chapter - and unfortunately I gave up about two-thirds way through the book. I think this would be a great book in the hands of a more entertaining writer.
The Field on CD, 25 Mar 2008
I opted to purchase the Field on CD and I loved every word! What was more for someone like me who knows little of Quantum Physics but am eager to understand it, I found that I understood the book (CD) completely.
As a Reiki healer used to receiving and sending distant healing I was thrilled to learn how this is achieved. The book impressed me so much that I am currently ordering extra copies for my family and friends. Everyone should know about this. It should be taught in schools and I hope in time that it will be so that positive thinking will heal our earth and all those who live on it both man and beast.
It didn't just change my life, it made sense of things I've pondered fr some time.
Thank you Lynne, you did a great job with this book, as well as with The Intention Experiment.
Informative , 08 Mar 2008
Lynne McTaggart gives a very detailed picturesc and journalistic coverage of these extremely interesting experiments. It does cover the same old subjects as some other books that are around at the moment but it is relatively unbiased and very clear about them. It is left entirely for the reader to decide what to make of the facts. What I make of it so far is that if 99.9% of the universe is made of 'dark matter' and 99.9% of matter is empty space, and all empty space is thoroughly ridden with 'virtual' particles, that arise from fluctuations in the 'zero-point energy field', only to anihilate each other almost immediately after coming into being, then what else could this 'dark matter' be, if not the combined mass of this unimagineably vast number of 'virtual' particles that exist temporarily everywhere all the time? It would explain why they've not found any yet. This book gives full details of experiments in psychokinesis, remote viewing, and precognition/premonition, and advice that anyone doing these experiments themselves can pick up on. The amount of research that has gone into this book makes it a real gem, even if you have already read other books on the same subject.
Amazing!, 20 Mar 2008
Your brain is a hologram. The cosmos is a hologram. Your body is a hologram. Your mind is a hologram. Dreams are holograms. The world you perceive around you is a hologram. There is an underlying order to everything from which reality is projected. This implicate order is also known as 'the zero point energy field'. It's like a piece of holographic film on which the universe is printed. Each part contains the whole. This book is a must read for anyone trying to do anything parapsychological, whether it's psychokenisis, remote viewing, spiritual healing, or predicting the future, what you are dealing with is a hologram. As an amature music recording artist, the part I found most interesting was the bit about using holography to create 3-D surround sound through a standard pair of earphones! do an internet search for 'cetera holophony algorithm'. This book has something for everyone in it.
LOVE THIS BOOK, 11 Feb 2008
The book not only provides a perspective of looking at the universe as holographic, but also provides an avalanche of very interesting stories.
As a Clinical Hypnotherapist, and a firm believer that there are no limitations to what we can experience and the changes we can create in our bodies and in our lives, even on genetic level, I wanted to share one of the stories from this book:
"Brocq's disease involves a horribly disfiguring hereditary condition. Victims of Brocq's disease develop a thick, horny covering over their skin that resembles the scales of a reptile. The skin can become so hardened and rigid that even the slightest movement will cause it to crack and bleed.
Brocq's disease was incurable until 1951 when a sixteen-year-old boy with an advanced case of the affliction was referred as a last resort to a hypnotherapist named A.A. Mason at the Queen Victoria Hospital in London. Mason discovered that the boy was a good hypnotic subject and could easily be put into a deep state of trance.
While the boy was in trance, Mason told him that his Brocq's disease was healing and would soon be gone. Five days later the scaly layer covering the boy's left arm fell off, revealing soft, healthy flesh beneath. By the end of tend days the arm was completely normal.
Mason and the boy continued to work on different body areas until all of the scaly skin was gone. The boy remained symptom-free for at least five years, at which point Mason lost touch with him.
This is extraordinary because Brocq's disease is a genetic condition, and getting rid of it involves more than just controlling autonomic processes such as blood flow patterns and various cells of the immune system. It means tapping into the masterplan, the DNA programming itself. So, it would appear that when we access the right strata of our beliefs, our minds can override even our genetic makeup.
Reality as Illusion, 09 Jul 2007
I merely scraped a C grade in GCE O Level Physics but I had hoped that this book would be accessible for the layman interested in the radical implications of quantum theory. However I found "The Holographic Universe" to be a difficult read full of weighty philosophical and scientific theorising and a lot of it didn't make sense to me. The author starts off by proposing the existence of a holographic universe , apparently based on the fact that subatomic particles are actually insubstantial waveforms until they are observed at which stage only then do they become particles. Therefore our consciousness must in some way create what appears to be a solid reality out of nothing. I can accept that argument but I must admit that I found it hard to get my head around the fact that the universe is some kind of interactive 3D photographic projection.Most of "The Holographic Universe" uses this theory to explain away a wide variety of paranormal phenomena from stigmatism to telekinesis , from synchronicities to out of body and near death experiences. The author puts forward an impressive body of evidence to support the existence of these fascinating phenomena but I must admit that I didn't understand how this proved his theory of the holographic nature of the universe. This book would be of interest to those with a broad knowledge of physics and those with a deep knowledge of mystical ,esoteric philosophies, however I found it all to be a bit too obscure and deep to fully comprehend and enjoy. Perhaps someone might get round to writing a dumbed down version of this book to help us all to get enlightened !
Well documented book, fascinating stuff, 25 May 2007
Great read, keep an open mind. Very well known book in the quantum physics world, but don't be put off, the book is understandable, its up to you to look in these theories further.
Fantastic!, 09 Apr 2007
This book is probably the easiest to read on the planet when it comes to explaining quantum physics and how our universe and everything in it is basically the same as a hologram. It's a book that everybody interested in the nature of our reality should definitely read, whatever angle they are coming from!
rubbish, 14 Oct 2008
this is the worst book i have read for university. it is far too big and so it is impossible to find what you are looking for. the mastering physics is a complete waste of time as it needs to be the answer that they have- it is case sensitive etc so u could be correct but it still marks it as wrong. as well as this, the questions arent really relavent to the physics course. whenever i have had to read the book for help with my course work, i have had to look elsewhere, as after reading it i still didnt understand it :( it may be a good book if you are want a general knowledge of the subject, but not really for your degree.
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Customer Reviews
A big bang indeed, 06 Aug 2008
This book blew my brains out.
It's one thing to know a subject, but it's an altogether different thing to teach it and convey it to the layman.
Remarkably clear description of what is beyond all our understanding, 10 Jul 2008
There's something quite unique about this book - for all the hype it has as the book which stands out as a theoretical physicist trying to explain in layman terms what the universe is... it actuallly is!
In this, Hawking provides a bit of a history of our understanding of the universe and the Big Bang. Some of the content I expected but I was intrigued to read about the idea that before the Big Bang time didn't exist... it sounds rather fundamental to our lives really! I was also a little surprised to see how Hawking dealt with the view of creationists and in particular the way he tried to allow for the concept of a god being compatible with the notion of Big Bang.
While I found some of the book difficult to follow, overall I definitely felt I gained an albeit brief understanding into the views of the community of physicists to the origin of our universe.
There is a touch of arrogance to the writing, but then if you're one of the brightest people to have lived in our lifetime I guess that's justified!
Definitely recommended if you have the slightest interest in understanding what Big Bang is!
A book that leaves you in awe, 15 May 2008
A book that sold millions of copies and one wonders how many people read it and of those, how many actually understood it all. I have a scientific education (chemistry), but I frankly admit I did not get it all. It is difficult to explain what is in the book, but is in essence about where we came from and what we are heading to with regard to the universe, time, space and matter. The book is very well written, with a sense of humor and trying to explain the nearly inexplicable to the layman; I could follow large chunks of the text, but sometimes it is just too difficult to comprehend. This made me think: is Stephen Hawking's disadvantage (being locked up in his own body) also his disadvantage? He probably has more time than most people to turn into himself and contemplate on such extremely complex items as black holes, wormholes and the (in)finity of the universe. A book that leaves you in awe.
interesting .... , 12 May 2008
A very good book. Hawking wrote this book for the common reader with little or no knowledge of Physics. This make this book different and interesting. He gives the view of different scientists about the creation of this universe and the scientific explanation of the events in the history of time which made the universe look like as it is now. He also give the view of researchers about the predictions of how the Universe may come to an end it it really started the was we think it did.
Overall a really good book to read. Though there are still a lot of questions he left unanswered in the book but this only adds to the beauty of this book. It forces you to think and to make your own conclusions. I gave 4 stars to this book for two reasons. First it is written by a scientist and there are still some places in the book where he could not stop himself from explaining things in a pure scientific manner which give the book an air of a scientific research paper at times, which is not interesting for me at all, and will not be of any interest to anyone with limited knowledge of Physics. Second thing is that the book is a little old and research in the areas described in this book is now far ahead then the time this book was written. This makes this book a little old and some of the theories presented in the book are now proved wrong or improved by the later researchers.
However this does not really mean that the book is outdated and should not be read anymore. This is still a very good book and it bridges the gap between the hard core physics and the common people. Also I am not aware of any good book on the same topic which is written by a scientist for the common people and this makes it unique in this class.
Awesome, 27 Dec 2007
I would highly reccomend this book, it is an absolute must for anybody interested in space or physics. The way Stephen puts relatively hard theories into simple understanding reading for the not so well abled physicians is amazing! As well as combining his words with well illustrated diagrams makes it an easier read. I am only in my first year of studying physics at A-level but i feel like I know alot more about the Universe and Sub-atomical particles which has really boosted my confidence.
I really do reccomend this book to any keen physician of any age and intellegence level. Happy Readings =]
An excellent non-specialist account, 06 Oct 2008
This is a first-rate book. If you're looking for an account of the current state of Quantum Mechanics and Relativity which is accessible to a non-scientist and takes you from the basics through to most recent developments, this is for you. It is easy to read, but doesn't fudge issues or patronise and has real intellectual weight beneath a thoroughly good-humoured surface. Marcus Chown has been one of our best scientific writers in journals like New Scientist for many years and has already written several really good books. This is well up to standard and I recommend it without reservation. A cracker.
The most complex topic in the easiest way to read, 02 Oct 2008
After sometime of looking for a reading about quantum theory and relativity and after trying to read few books, I can tell now: I understand quantum theory and relativity. Previously, I tried some books but always the reading was so in the sky. This book lands all these complex concepts through simple examples giving you a clear view of the wonders that are hidden from our daily lives but keep our world running together.
A ripping yarn!, 12 Sep 2008
This book makes me wish I'd carried on studying. Greene has a gift for putting accross a very exoteric subject in accessible language. He avoids hand-waving and bogging you down in technical terms. I couldn't put this book down... which is saying something for a popular science book.
Not a "light" read, 18 Jun 2008
Brian Greene has a talent for conveying complex ideas in a way that is easy to understand. He is constantly using word pictures (and sometimes actual pictures) to explain relativity, quantum theory, and other topics that are utterly fascinating but are sometimes difficult to get your brain around. Elegant Universe is not a light read, but for those looking to get a moderate understanding of the subject matter I highly recommend it.
Too much personal history. Disappointed promise., 18 Apr 2008
I took this book with me on holiday with great hopes. It started well with the tables of complete and regular features of fondamental particles exercising my imagination and being very satisfying to show how a few particles could engender all the complexity of the elementary particles, then the atoms, etc.... Many of the other reviews here show the other good and strong points, as well as some of the weaknesses of this book. I will not go through them again.
I did find the " internal personal history " of the author and his colleagues over long and of some, but not much relevance to the subject. At the end of the book, I was left unsatisfied by the promise of the beginning with the neat tables of fundamental particles, I felt we knew nothing of how each, and which, different frequency of the vibrating strings engendered a specific fondamental particle.
An Introduction to SuperstringTheory/M Theory, 15 Nov 2007
This book offers an enjoyable ride through a lovely landscape of Superstring theory/M theory. The author is an active researcher and a popular writer in this field who is also known for his presentation on PBS's NOVA about quantum cosmology. Since the postulation of special theory of relativity, Einstein and subsequent physicists have struggled to explain the four natural forces of the most basic components of matter; the electromagnetic force; the strong and weak nuclear forces; and the gravitational force by one unified field theory (a.k.a., theory of everything: Superstring/M Theory). This theory must unify the forces of the cosmos, and forces of microcosm thereby explaining the creation of heaven and earth. The author covers significant amount of material in simple clearly written non-technical and non-mathematical form. The book is described in four parts; first two parts introduces theory of relativity and quantum mechanics and the unholy marriage of the two that results in the complexity of understanding the forces of the cosmos and subatomic forces. The latter two parts describes Superstring theory that evolves into more focused M theory to explain all physical forces of nature. This theory suffers from lack of experimental evidence, but rests solely on mathematical calculations. Hence it was subjected to heavy criticism during early years of the theory by leading physicists. However it has emerged as a winner as the theory grew out of academic obscurity to leading contender in quantum cosmology. The book has interesting tales about the leaders of the field such as Ed Witten who is strongly favored as the true successor of Albert Einstein. The author's enthusiasm and excitement about his involvement in this field is evident abundantly, when he discovers that fabric of space tears and repairs itself. This book is lot more informative and enjoyable than Michio Kaku's Hyperspace (see my review of this book). At the end of the book, notes to each chapter, Glossary of scientific terms, and suggested books for further reading offers stepping stones to more enthusiastic readers for furthering their knowledge. The author has done an excellent job of writing this book, and I encourage you to buy it: But he could have considered writing a chapter on mathematical methodology and some basic approaches to calculations that probably would have made this book one of the top few in this field.
Full of wonder, 14 Jun 2007
I read my brother's copy of this after he'd had his head stuck in it for about a month. I knew that anything which could keep him quiet for so long had to be good, and it is. Like Hawking's "A Brief History of Time" there are no equations to slow things down or put off the mathematically challenged (well, there are some in the helpful and insightful notes, but not in the main text). It begins with an overview of classical physics, explaining everything you need to keep up with the author once he delves into quantum and, beyond that, into string theory.
I did find myself having to read and reread parts of this - particularly from about half-way onwards - because it covers so much ground and it wasn't all sinking in, but it's well worth persevering with and Greene does a great job at explaining some of theoretical physics' concepts in a non-technical and enlightening way.
If you feel jaded about the world and have lost that sense of wonder, read this and be amazed all over again.
Fascinating, 16 Jul 2008
Although written for the lay man, this book does take some concentration for those of us who have never studied physics. That said, it is well worth the effort. A fascinating read that will make you look at life, the world and the whole universe in a completely new way
wrong end of the trumpet...hmm?, 01 Jul 2008
I came across this book some years ago and, with a grounding in arts and only a couple of years of very elementary science, I cannot possibly comment on the current veracity of the ideas in it. The word 'science' is somewhat misleading deriving as it does from the Latin 'to know' whereas 'to guess' would provide a more honest root to this ever changing discipline.
It is some time since I read McTaggart but I recall it was an intersting read which triggered a tentative foray into Quantum Theory which sounded to me pretty much what the ancients and mystics had 'known' all along - alth | | |