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

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 =]

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 =]

Excellent choice for someone new to physics, 13 Sep 2007
I don't agree with Ken at all. OK so the book is short, but do all books have to be 500 page blockbusters? It is printed with large print and wide (not double) spacing, making it a joy to read. The 'illustrations' are incredible full colour graphics. The graphic showing the earth spiraling into the sun might, perhaps, have been left out, but most other graphics are far from trivial and really add to the text. For instance, the electron interference graphic/picture will make you think you've been teleported to CERN.

Kemp's review is much fairer. I have a physics degree and read through this book quickly, without having to re-read anything. OK, you might say, you have a physics degree. But I stumble in other 'popular' books - I'm having to reread(even rewrite!) Polkinghorne's 'very short introduction to Quantum Physics' to get anywhere at all!

I would have no hesitation in buying this book as a great Xmas present for a 14 or 70 year old who wanted to know something about physics.



Well worth reading by anyone with an enquiring mind, 15 Sep 2006
The first time I read this book I was left feeling dissapointed. However after re-reading certain sections of the book a few times, the ideas become easier to grasp and really blow your mind when you realise what they mean. Anyone who would like to know what the theory of relatively is, have an idea of the classical views on the universe, or a little about quantum mechanics without studying them in great detail should consider reading this book. It is a very rewarding read.

Very Disappointing, 11 Jan 2006
This publication barely deserves the title of "book". It covers it's topics in the same depth as the introduction in other popular science books. It offers very little that is new and covers none of it in depth.

The book is very short. In order to fill space, it is printed double spaced and contains far too many trivial illustrations. e.g. mention is made that if conditions were different from those observed, the earth could spiral into the sun. This is illustrated by a half page graphic showing a spiral with a representation of the earth at one end and one of the sun at the other!

If you want a book with a prestigious author's name on the cover on your bookshelf, then this is the one for you. Otherwise avoid it.

far from the truth about universe, 10 Dec 2005
This book shows the deep confusion in the current understanding of the cosmos. Entities like dark matter, dark energy, strings and many other oddities of modern science are discussed in one incomplete picture of the universe. Nature cannot be that whimsical and complicated. It has to be counterintuitive and simple in its basic terms. If you are looking for an elegant and complete picture of the universe then you may also read Eugene Savov’s Theory of Interaction the Simplest Explanation of Everything. Theory of interaction reveals the origin of the universe, space bodies and mind in terms of found patterns of unifying interaction.

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 =]

Excellent choice for someone new to physics, 13 Sep 2007
I don't agree with Ken at all. OK so the book is short, but do all books have to be 500 page blockbusters? It is printed with large print and wide (not double) spacing, making it a joy to read. The 'illustrations' are incredible full colour graphics. The graphic showing the earth spiraling into the sun might, perhaps, have been left out, but most other graphics are far from trivial and really add to the text. For instance, the electron interference graphic/picture will make you think you've been teleported to CERN.

Kemp's review is much fairer. I have a physics degree and read through this book quickly, without having to re-read anything. OK, you might say, you have a physics degree. But I stumble in other 'popular' books - I'm having to reread(even rewrite!) Polkinghorne's 'very short introduction to Quantum Physics' to get anywhere at all!

I would have no hesitation in buying this book as a great Xmas present for a 14 or 70 year old who wanted to know something about physics.



Well worth reading by anyone with an enquiring mind, 15 Sep 2006
The first time I read this book I was left feeling dissapointed. However after re-reading certain sections of the book a few times, the ideas become easier to grasp and really blow your mind when you realise what they mean. Anyone who would like to know what the theory of relatively is, have an idea of the classical views on the universe, or a little about quantum mechanics without studying them in great detail should consider reading this book. It is a very rewarding read.

Very Disappointing, 11 Jan 2006
This publication barely deserves the title of "book". It covers it's topics in the same depth as the introduction in other popular science books. It offers very little that is new and covers none of it in depth.

The book is very short. In order to fill space, it is printed double spaced and contains far too many trivial illustrations. e.g. mention is made that if conditions were different from those observed, the earth could spiral into the sun. This is illustrated by a half page graphic showing a spiral with a representation of the earth at one end and one of the sun at the other!

If you want a book with a prestigious author's name on the cover on your bookshelf, then this is the one for you. Otherwise avoid it.

far from the truth about universe, 10 Dec 2005
This book shows the deep confusion in the current understanding of the cosmos. Entities like dark matter, dark energy, strings and many other oddities of modern science are discussed in one incomplete picture of the universe. Nature cannot be that whimsical and complicated. It has to be counterintuitive and simple in its basic terms. If you are looking for an elegant and complete picture of the universe then you may also read Eugene Savov’s Theory of Interaction the Simplest Explanation of Everything. Theory of interaction reveals the origin of the universe, space bodies and mind in terms of found patterns of unifying interaction.

Excellent book!! Well written, 19 May 2008
I have a biological sciences background so at first i was worried i wouldnt be able to follow this book. But little did i know that Feynman was an excellent writer. Its easy to read and didnt make me nod off to sleep like most of the microbiology books i read do.
If your interested in reading about a new topic for the first time then this is the book.. But if youve got a physics background, this might be a lil slow for you... Well, i will be a Biophysicist one day =)



Compelling reading for anyone with an enquring mind, 12 Jan 2007
My son bought me this book for Christmas. I have always had a fascination for physics and as a lay person I found this book extremely readable. I cannot claim to understand all the concepts in detail but these lectures must be close to perfection in explaining matters that are hard to understand.
To give an example - I have an enquiring mind and yet I reached the age of 58 without understanding why a person or article orbiting the earth appears to be weightless. After reading Richard Feynmans brief explanation I now understand.


PS On a similar topic I can thoroughly recommend Quarks, Leptons and the Big Bang by Jonathan Allday published by Institute of Physics Publishing.


Fascinating for anyone curious about science, 28 Nov 2005
Despite being 'easy' these are full-on scientific concepts. Nevertheless, they are explained about as clearly as possible by one of the finest scientists and communicators of the last hundred years. This isn't a casual read, but it is extremely interesting and mind-blowing. It got me so interested that I ended up buying the full set of Physics textbooks by Feynman!

I'd regard this as essential and enjoyable reading for anyone interested in the way the world works, as this explores some of the most crucial scientific theories that have a bearing on all aspects of science and nature. The structure and behaviour of atoms, quantum mechanics and gravity, are all covered superbly. By the end of the book, you'll still be fairly boggled by the concepts, but they are so fundamental to life, science and technology that there are few people who wouldn't benefit from at least some understanding of these landmark theories.

he is the master, 19 Jul 2004
Feynman is an unusual genius in that he also has a gift for explaining things in a way that makes them appealing.

This is not the book for you if you want to wrestle with the complexities of quantum theory, but it is fascinating to hear more fundamental physics explained by one of the subject's stars.

Richard Feynman brings physics to life....., 02 Jul 2001
Richard Feynman has never failed to provide me with the inspiration and motivation to learn more about the world around me. His illustrations are easy to understand, and are enjoyable to pass on to others. He makes physics seem necessary, challenging and very interesting. I have never studied physics before, and found the content within reach. References to "missing" chapters have encouraged me to buy the full lecture set.

E = mc2. Just about everyone has at least heard of Albert Einstein's formulation of 1905, which came into the world as something of an afterthought, but far fewer can explain his insightful linkage of energy to mass. David Bodanis offers an easily grasped gloss on the equation: mass, he writes, "is simply the ultimate type of condensed or concentrated energy," whereas energy "is what billows out as an alternate form of mass under the right circumstances."

Just what those circumstances are occupies much of Bodanis's book, which pays homage to Einstein and, just as important, to predecessors such as Maxwell, Faraday, and Lavoisier, who are less well known than Einstein today. Balancing writerly energy and scholarly weight, Bodanis offers a primer in modern physics and cosmology, explaining that the universe today is an expression of mass that will, in some vastly distant future, one day slide back to the energy side of the equation, replacing the "dominion of matter" with "a great stillness"--a vision that is at once lovely and profoundly frightening.

Without sliding into easy psychobiography, Bodanis explores other circumstances as well: namely, Einstein's background and character, which combined with a sterling intelligence to afford him an idiosyncratic view of the way things work--and a view that would change the world.--Gregory McNamee

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 =]

Excellent choice for someone new to physics, 13 Sep 2007
I don't agree with Ken at all. OK so the book is short, but do all books have to be 500 page blockbusters? It is printed with large print and wide (not double) spacing, making it a joy to read. The 'illustrations' are incredible full colour graphics. The graphic showing the earth spiraling into the sun might, perhaps, have been left out, but most other graphics are far from trivial and really add to the text. For instance, the electron interference graphic/picture will make you think you've been teleported to CERN.

Kemp's review is much fairer. I have a physics degree and read through this book quickly, without having to re-read anything. OK, you might say, you have a physics degree. But I stumble in other 'popular' books - I'm having to reread(even rewrite!) Polkinghorne's 'very short introduction to Quantum Physics' to get anywhere at all!

I would have no hesitation in buying this book as a great Xmas present for a 14 or 70 year old who wanted to know something about physics.



Well worth reading by anyone with an enquiring mind, 15 Sep 2006
The first time I read this book I was left feeling dissapointed. However after re-reading certain sections of the book a few times, the ideas become easier to grasp and really blow your mind when you realise what they mean. Anyone who would like to know what the theory of relatively is, have an idea of the classical views on the universe, or a little about quantum mechanics without studying them in great detail should consider reading this book. It is a very rewarding read.

Very Disappointing, 11 Jan 2006
This publication barely deserves the title of "book". It covers it's topics in the same depth as the introduction in other popular science books. It offers very little that is new and covers none of it in depth.

The book is very short. In order to fill space, it is printed double spaced and contains far too many trivial illustrations. e.g. mention is made that if conditions were different from those observed, the earth could spiral into the sun. This is illustrated by a half page graphic showing a spiral with a representation of the earth at one end and one of the sun at the other!

If you want a book with a prestigious author's name on the cover on your bookshelf, then this is the one for you. Otherwise avoid it.

far from the truth about universe, 10 Dec 2005
This book shows the deep confusion in the current understanding of the cosmos. Entities like dark matter, dark energy, strings and many other oddities of modern science are discussed in one incomplete picture of the universe. Nature cannot be that whimsical and complicated. It has to be counterintuitive and simple in its basic terms. If you are looking for an elegant and complete picture of the universe then you may also read Eugene Savov’s Theory of Interaction the Simplest Explanation of Everything. Theory of interaction reveals the origin of the universe, space bodies and mind in terms of found patterns of unifying interaction.

Excellent book!! Well written, 19 May 2008
I have a biological sciences background so at first i was worried i wouldnt be able to follow this book. But little did i know that Feynman was an excellent writer. Its easy to read and didnt make me nod off to sleep like most of the microbiology books i read do.
If your interested in reading about a new topic for the first time then this is the book.. But if youve got a physics background, this might be a lil slow for you... Well, i will be a Biophysicist one day =)



Compelling reading for anyone with an enquring mind, 12 Jan 2007
My son bought me this book for Christmas. I have always had a fascination for physics and as a lay person I found this book extremely readable. I cannot claim to understand all the concepts in detail but these lectures must be close to perfection in explaining matters that are hard to understand.
To give an example - I have an enquiring mind and yet I reached the age of 58 without understanding why a person or article orbiting the earth appears to be weightless. After reading Richard Feynmans brief explanation I now understand.


PS On a similar topic I can thoroughly recommend Quarks, Leptons and the Big Bang by Jonathan Allday published by Institute of Physics Publishing.


Fascinating for anyone curious about science, 28 Nov 2005
Despite being 'easy' these are full-on scientific concepts. Nevertheless, they are explained about as clearly as possible by one of the finest scientists and communicators of the last hundred years. This isn't a casual read, but it is extremely interesting and mind-blowing. It got me so interested that I ended up buying the full set of Physics textbooks by Feynman!

I'd regard this as essential and enjoyable reading for anyone interested in the way the world works, as this explores some of the most crucial scientific theories that have a bearing on all aspects of science and nature. The structure and behaviour of atoms, quantum mechanics and gravity, are all covered superbly. By the end of the book, you'll still be fairly boggled by the concepts, but they are so fundamental to life, science and technology that there are few people who wouldn't benefit from at least some understanding of these landmark theories.

he is the master, 19 Jul 2004
Feynman is an unusual genius in that he also has a gift for explaining things in a way that makes them appealing.

This is not the book for you if you want to wrestle with the complexities of quantum theory, but it is fascinating to hear more fundamental physics explained by one of the subject's stars.

Richard Feynman brings physics to life....., 02 Jul 2001
Richard Feynman has never failed to provide me with the inspiration and motivation to learn more about the world around me. His illustrations are easy to understand, and are enjoyable to pass on to others. He makes physics seem necessary, challenging and very interesting. I have never studied physics before, and found the content within reach. References to "missing" chapters have encouraged me to buy the full lecture set.

Accessible insight, for the rest of us..., 15 Jan 2007
Very interesting book. Fortunately for those of us who do not have any genuine matehematical / physics background, we are able to easily graps the basic concepts and key ideas that make this equation so fascinating.
Well written and informative.

spot on, 02 Aug 2006
This is the kind of book that makes science interesting. Bodanis knows what the regular reader is wondering, and responds in an easy, accessible way. I started this book with no idea what the equation meant, and understood it pretty well by the end, but more importantly actually enjoyed reading it.

I'm an editor and writer by profession, and found the writing really absorbing. And criticisms of the book's level from professional scientists are a little bizarre - why buy such a book if you understand the topic thoroughly? For me it hit the spot, entertained me, and frankly gave as much depth as I was looking for. I can't wait to read Bodanis' next book.

If you think the the cover is awful, try the content., 25 Jun 2006
If you want to understand e=mc2, and all it implies, there are many good books out there, this isn't one of them.

You might expect that to write a book on this subject, the author would have to have a good grasp of it himself. If you read as far as page 117 you will see that this is clearly not the case.

The explanation for why the speed of light should be so fundamental is, well, not actually an explanation of anything. It also seems that e=mv2 replaced e=mv simply because e=mv failed to produce the right answers. So why not e=mv3, or e=mv1/6?

A truly badly written book full of inaccuracies and misunderstandings.


simple and clear, 07 Dec 2005
This is one of the best science books i have ever read. It was fascinating to learn the history of each componant of the formula. Then, the author explains how einstein puts it all together and how this simple equation has transformed our world. It is easy to follow, examples and explanations refer to modern times and everyday life.

If you are curious about how things work and history but don't know that much about either, this book is for you.

I did not undestand the equation after reading this book!, 04 Mar 2005
Agree with frure's comments below. This book is so generalized and simplified that I didn't understand anything. I still don't understand why the speed of light is the factor required to balance energy and mass, why a body's mass increases when it approches the speed of light, why the speed of light is the universe's maximum speed, why velocity needs to be squared. In other words this book fails to do what it claims. I gave it two stars because it is interesting to read and because the guide to further reading in the appendix is very good.

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 =]

Excellent choice for someone new to physics, 13 Sep 2007
I don't agree with Ken at all. OK so the book is short, but do all books have to be 500 page blockbusters? It is printed with large print and wide (not double) spacing, making it a joy to read. The 'illustrations' are incredible full colour graphics. The graphic showing the earth spiraling into the sun might, perhaps, have been left out, but most other graphics are far from trivial and really add to the text. For instance, the electron interference graphic/picture will make you think you've been teleported to CERN.

Kemp's review is much fairer. I have a physics degree and read through this book quickly, without having to re-read anything. OK, you might say, you have a physics degree. But I stumble in other 'popular' books - I'm having to reread(even rewrite!) Polkinghorne's 'very short introduction to Quantum Physics' to get anywhere at all!

I would have no hesitation in buying this book as a great Xmas present for a 14 or 70 year old who wanted to know something about physics.



Well worth reading by anyone with an enquiring mind, 15 Sep 2006
The first time I read this book I was left feeling dissapointed. However after re-reading certain sections of the book a few times, the ideas become easier to grasp and really blow your mind when you realise what they mean. Anyone who would like to know what the theory of relatively is, have an idea of the classical views on the universe, or a little about quantum mechanics without studying them in great detail should consider reading this book. It is a very rewarding read.

Very Disappointing, 11 Jan 2006
This publication barely deserves the title of "book". It covers it's topics in the same depth as the introduction in other popular science books. It offers very little that is new and covers none of it in depth.

The book is very short. In order to fill space, it is printed double spaced and contains far too many trivial illustrations. e.g. mention is made that if conditions were different from those observed, the earth could spiral into the sun. This is illustrated by a half page graphic showing a spiral with a representation of the earth at one end and one of the sun at the other!

If you want a book with a prestigious author's name on the cover on your bookshelf, then this is the one for you. Otherwise avoid it.

far from the truth about universe, 10 Dec 2005
This book shows the deep confusion in the current understanding of the cosmos. Entities like dark matter, dark energy, strings and many other oddities of modern science are discussed in one incomplete picture of the universe. Nature cannot be that whimsical and complicated. It has to be counterintuitive and simple in its basic terms. If you are looking for an elegant and complete picture of the universe then you may also read Eugene Savov’s Theory of Interaction the Simplest Explanation of Everything. Theory of interaction reveals the origin of the universe, space bodies and mind in terms of found patterns of unifying interaction.

Excellent book!! Well written, 19 May 2008
I have a biological sciences background so at first i was worried i wouldnt be able to follow this book. But little did i know that Feynman was an excellent writer. Its easy to read and didnt make me nod off to sleep like most of the microbiology books i read do.
If your interested in reading about a new topic for the first time then this is the book.. But if youve got a physics background, this might be a lil slow for you... Well, i will be a Biophysicist one day =)



Compelling reading for anyone with an enquring mind, 12 Jan 2007
My son bought me this book for Christmas. I have always had a fascination for physics and as a lay person I found this book extremely readable. I cannot claim to understand all the concepts in detail but these lectures must be close to perfection in explaining matters that are hard to understand.
To give an example - I have an enquiring mind and yet I reached the age of 58 without understanding why a person or article orbiting the earth appears to be weightless. After reading Richard Feynmans brief explanation I now understand.


PS On a similar topic I can thoroughly recommend Quarks, Leptons and the Big Bang by Jonathan Allday published by Institute of Physics Publishing.


Fascinating for anyone curious about science, 28 Nov 2005
Despite being 'easy' these are full-on scientific concepts. Nevertheless, they are explained about as clearly as possible by one of the finest scientists and communicators of the last hundred years. This isn't a casual read, but it is extremely interesting and mind-blowing. It got me so interested that I ended up buying the full set of Physics textbooks by Feynman!

I'd regard this as essential and enjoyable reading for anyone interested in the way the world works, as this explores some of the most crucial scientific theories that have a bearing on all aspects of science and nature. The structure and behaviour of atoms, quantum mechanics and gravity, are all covered superbly. By the end of the book, you'll still be fairly boggled by the concepts, but they are so fundamental to life, science and technology that there are few people who wouldn't benefit from at least some understanding of these landmark theories.

he is the master, 19 Jul 2004
Feynman is an unusual genius in that he also has a gift for explaining things in a way that makes them appealing.

This is not the book for you if you want to wrestle with the complexities of quantum theory, but it is fascinating to hear more fundamental physics explained by one of the subject's stars.

Richard Feynman brings physics to life....., 02 Jul 2001
Richard Feynman has never failed to provide me with the inspiration and motivation to learn more about the world around me. His illustrations are easy to understand, and are enjoyable to pass on to others. He makes physics seem necessary, challenging and very interesting. I have never studied physics before, and found the content within reach. References to "missing" chapters have encouraged me to buy the full lecture set.

Accessible insight, for the rest of us..., 15 Jan 2007
Very interesting book. Fortunately for those of us who do not have any genuine matehematical / physics background, we are able to easily graps the basic concepts and key ideas that make this equation so fascinating.
Well written and informative.

spot on, 02 Aug 2006
This is the kind of book that makes science interesting. Bodanis knows what the regular reader is wondering, and responds in an easy, accessible way. I started this book with no idea what the equation meant, and understood it pretty well by the end, but more importantly actually enjoyed reading it.

I'm an editor and writer by profession, and found the writing really absorbing. And criticisms of the book's level from professional scientists are a little bizarre - why buy such a book if you understand the topic thoroughly? For me it hit the spot, entertained me, and frankly gave as much depth as I was looking for. I can't wait to read Bodanis' next book.

If you think the the cover is awful, try the content., 25 Jun 2006
If you want to understand e=mc2, and all it implies, there are many good books out there, this isn't one of them.

You might expect that to write a book on this subject, the author would have to have a good grasp of it himself. If you read as far as page 117 you will see that this is clearly not the case.

The explanation for why the speed of light should be so fundamental is, well, not actually an explanation of anything. It also seems that e=mv2 replaced e=mv simply because e=mv failed to produce the right answers. So why not e=mv3, or e=mv1/6?

A truly badly written book full of inaccuracies and misunderstandings.


simple and clear, 07 Dec 2005
This is one of the best science books i have ever read. It was fascinating to learn the history of each componant of the formula. Then, the author explains how einstein puts it all together and how this simple equation has transformed our world. It is easy to follow, examples and explanations refer to modern times and everyday life.

If you are curious about how things work and history but don't know that much about either, this book is for you.

I did not undestand the equation after reading this book!, 04 Mar 2005
Agree with frure's comments below. This book is so generalized and simplified that I didn't understand anything. I still don't understand why the speed of light is the factor required to balance energy and mass, why a body's mass increases when it approches the speed of light, why the speed of light is the universe's maximum speed, why velocity needs to be squared. In other words this book fails to do what it claims. I gave it two stars because it is interesting to read and because the guide to further reading in the appendix is very good.

Top-notch science book and a good intro to heavyweight cosmological topics, 08 Aug 2008
I really enjoyed reading this book, and have just started reading it again. I'm a big fan of Jim Al-Khalili's work, and the attempts he makes to explain seriously heavy cosmological ideas to everyday people.

What I think he does extremely well in this book is to help you build a difficult-to-understand concept in your mind, without a single mind-bending equation. This is all the more amazing, given that a sizeable portion of the information contained in this book is based on theory rather than proven fact.

The only thing that didn't work for me in this book was the attempts at humour. I really like the conversational style, as it really aids your understanding of the information, but the jokey comments remind me of seminars I've been to in the past where the listeners laugh at the speaker's jokes just to be kind and save embarrassment.

But anyway, apart from that, the book is faultless and it thoroughly deserves five stars. I would suggest reading it, even if you aren't interested in this subject. I think it would also work really well as an audiobook too.

An excellent read, not too technical and humorous to boot, 18 Feb 2008
I thought this book was excellent. I've been fascinated by this subject for years and have attempted (and failed) to read Hawking, Einstein et al because I just found them too complicated and too filled with equations to make sense. I have 2 hons degrees so I don't think I am that stupid (I hope not!) but I just found Hawking and the like to be unreadable- their concepts are not explained in laymans terms and unless you are an expert in quantum mechanics its like wading through treacle. This book, however, was perfect for a dunce(!) like me and the author gave practical examples and diagrams for most of the complicated concepts such as how black holes work and the concept of time. The style of writing is also very accessible and smattered with the author's own personal thoughts and witty observations which I liked as it made it seem more like we were having a conversation rather than him talking at me about subjects that i don;t understand. For example, in the time travel section he uses the film "The Terminator" to illustrate the time travel paradox which having seen the film, was really helpful and I actually understood what he was saying (yay!).

The book inevitable throws up more questions that answers but this is the nature of cosmology and science in general I think. There are some fascinating insights into the possibility of time travel and the fact that according to the laws of gravity, it is technically possible and I was blown away by the idea of Planck time (a measurement of time that is so small, there are more planck units in a single second than there are seconds since the universe began). The concept of infinity was also brilliantly explained and it made me realise that the universe in which we live is more mysterious and unfathomable than I ever realised possible. An excellent book which makes this subject understandable. I actually feel more intelligent having read it!!

Fascinating book, accessible to all., 09 Jan 2005
To someone (like myself) who has little or no knowledge of physics, this book is a REAL eye-opener. It is incredibly exciting, and has a deal of humour to boot.

Some parts DO require concentration to get your head around, and I must admit on one or two occasions being slightly lost. Thankfully though 99% of the book was quite easy to follow.

Primarily the book is focused on giving the reader an overview of Einstein's Theories of Relativity, and in particular how these could be applicable to time travel.

My only slight criticism is that the author does seem to concentrate on building/using time machines from a practical viewpoint, as though the reader is a Sc-Fi fan.

Before reading it I thought the universe was born billions of years ago with the Big Bang, and that I was at a certain point in time, and it would carry on ad infinitum after I die. Not necessarily so according to modern physics!

A very small sample of amazing information that I learned was:

Time could start running backwards if the Universe stops expanding and starts contracting.
Time slows down the quicker you go (near the speed of light time almost stops, or speeds up to infinity depending on your viewpoint).
Gravity doesn't pull objects, but bends space itself so objects 'fall' into it.
Gravity bends time and slows it down. Very heavy gravitation can almost stop time.
That the 'present' depends on where you are in space (and your speed), and that all future & past events may co-exist.

The book also touches on Quantum Mechanics, which is even weirder i.e. particles appearing from nowhere and being in 2 places at the same time.

Fantastic, 08 Aug 2002
I find myself coming back to this book over and over again. Everytime you read it you learn something new. The author's writing style is informal, and he explains the various concepts in the book very clearly, with lots of examples and occasional diagrams. Overall, an absoluetly fascinating book to go along with A Brief History of Time.

An absolutely excellent book, 16 Aug 2001
A brilliantly written book for both scientists and non-scientists alike. Unlike most science texts, this one is gripping and informative, written in a clear easy style. Superb.

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 =]

Excellent choice for someone new to physics, 13 Sep 2007
I don't agree with Ken at all. OK so the book is short, but do all books have to be 500 page blockbusters? It is printed with large print and wide (not double) spacing, making it a joy to read. The 'illustrations' are incredible full colour graphics. The graphic showing the earth spiraling into the sun might, perhaps, have been left out, but most other graphics are far from trivial and really add to the text. For instance, the electron interference graphic/picture will make you think you've been teleported to CERN.

Kemp's review is much fairer. I have a physics degree and read through this book quickly, without having to re-read anything. OK, you might say, you have a physics degree. But I stumble in other 'popular' books - I'm having to reread(even rewrite!) Polkinghorne's 'very short introduction to Quantum Physics' to get anywhere at all!

I would have no hesitation in buying this book as a great Xmas present for a 14 or 70 year old who wanted to know something about physics.



Well worth reading by anyone with an enquiring mind, 15 Sep 2006
The first time I read this book I was left feeling dissapointed. However after re-reading certain sections of the book a few times, the ideas become easier to grasp and really blow your mind when you realise what they mean. Anyone who would like to know what the theory of relatively is, have an idea of the classical views on the universe, or a little about quantum mechanics without studying them in great detail should consider reading this book. It is a very rewarding read.

Very Disappointing, 11 Jan 2006
This publication barely deserves the title of "book". It covers it's topics in the same depth as the introduction in other popular science books. It offers very little that is new and covers none of it in depth.

The book is very short. In order to fill space, it is printed double spaced and contains far too many trivial illustrations. e.g. mention is made that if conditions were different from those observed, the earth could spiral into the sun. This is illustrated by a half page graphic showing a spiral with a representation of the earth at one end and one of the sun at the other!

If you want a book with a prestigious author's name on the cover on your bookshelf, then this is the one for you. Otherwise avoid it.

far from the truth about universe, 10 Dec 2005
This book shows the deep confusion in the current understanding of the cosmos. Entities like dark matter, dark energy, strings and many other oddities of modern science are discussed in one incomplete picture of the universe. Nature cannot be that whimsical and complicated. It has to be counterintuitive and simple in its basic terms. If you are looking for an elegant and complete picture of the universe then you may also read Eugene Savov’s Theory of Interaction the Simplest Explanation of Everything. Theory of interaction reveals the origin of the universe, space bodies and mind in terms of found patterns of unifying interaction.

Excellent book!! Well written, 19 May 2008
I have a biological sciences background so at first i was worried i wouldnt be able to follow this book. But little did i know that Feynman was an excellent writer. Its easy to read and didnt make me nod off to sleep like most of the microbiology books i read do.
If your interested in reading about a new topic for the first time then this is the book.. But if youve got a physics background, this might be a lil slow for you... Well, i will be a Biophysicist one day =)



Compelling reading for anyone with an enquring mind, 12 Jan 2007
My son bought me this book for Christmas. I have always had a fascination for physics and as a lay person I found this book extremely readable. I cannot claim to understand all the concepts in detail but these lectures must be close to perfection in explaining matters that are hard to understand.
To give an example - I have an enquiring mind and yet I reached the age of 58 without understanding why a person or article orbiting the earth appears to be weightless. After reading Richard Feynmans brief explanation I now understand.


PS On a similar topic I can thoroughly recommend Quarks, Leptons and the Big Bang by Jonathan Allday published by Institute of Physics Publishing.


Fascinating for anyone curious about science, 28 Nov 2005
Despite being 'easy' these are full-on scientific concepts. Nevertheless, they are explained about as clearly as possible by one of the finest scientists and communicators of the last hundred years. This isn't a casual read, but it is extremely interesting and mind-blowing. It got me so interested that I ended up buying the full set of Physics textbooks by Feynman!

I'd regard this as essential and enjoyable reading for anyone interested in the way the world works, as this explores some of the most crucial scientific theories that have a bearing on all aspects of science and nature. The structure and behaviour of atoms, quantum mechanics and gravity, are all covered superbly. By the end of the book, you'll still be fairly boggled by the concepts, but they are so fundamental to life, science and technology that there are few people who wouldn't benefit from at least some understanding of these landmark theories.

he is the master, 19 Jul 2004
Feynman is an unusual genius in that he also has a gift for explaining things in a way that makes them appealing.

This is not the book for you if you want to wrestle with the complexities of quantum theory, but it is fascinating to hear more fundamental physics explained by one of the subject's stars.

Richard Feynman brings physics to life....., 02 Jul 2001
Richard Feynman has never failed to provide me with the inspiration and motivation to learn more about the world around me. His illustrations are easy to understand, and are enjoyable to pass on to others. He makes physics seem necessary, challenging and very interesting. I have never studied physics before, and found the content within reach. References to "missing" chapters have encouraged me to buy the full lecture set.

Accessible insight, for the rest of us..., 15 Jan 2007
Very interesting book. Fortunately for those of us who do not have any genuine matehematical / physics background, we are able to easily graps the basic concepts and key ideas that make this equation so fascinating.
Well written and informative.

spot on, 02 Aug 2006
This is the kind of book that makes science interesting. Bodanis knows what the regular reader is wondering, and responds in an easy, accessible way. I started this book with no idea what the equation meant, and understood it pretty well by the end, but more importantly actually enjoyed reading it.

I'm an editor and writer by profession, and found the writing really absorbing. And criticisms of the book's level from professional scientists are a little bizarre - why buy such a book if you understand the topic thoroughly? For me it hit the spot, entertained me, and frankly gave as much depth as I was looking for. I can't wait to read Bodanis' next book.

If you think the the cover is awful, try the content., 25 Jun 2006
If you want to understand e=mc2, and all it implies, there are many good books out there, this isn't one of them.

You might expect that to write a book on this subject, the author would have to have a good grasp of it himself. If you read as far as page 117 you will see that this is clearly not the case.

The explanation for why the speed of light should be so fundamental is, well, not actually an explanation of anything. It also seems that e=mv2 replaced e=mv simply because e=mv failed to produce the right answers. So why not e=mv3, or e=mv1/6?

A truly badly written book full of inaccuracies and misunderstandings.


simple and clear, 07 Dec 2005
This is one of the best science books i have ever read. It was fascinating to learn the history of each componant of the formula. Then, the author explains how einstein puts it all together and how this simple equation has transformed our world. It is easy to follow, examples and explanations refer to modern times and everyday life.

If you are curious about how things work and history but don't know that much about either, this book is for you.

I did not undestand the equation after reading this book!, 04 Mar 2005
Agree with frure's comments below. This book is so generalized and simplified that I didn't understand anything. I still don't understand why the speed of light is the factor required to balance energy and mass, why a body's mass increases when it approches the speed of light, why the speed of light is the universe's maximum speed, why velocity needs to be squared. In other words this book fails to do what it claims. I gave it two stars because it is interesting to read and because the guide to further reading in the appendix is very good.

Top-notch science book and a good intro to heavyweight cosmological topics, 08 Aug 2008
I really enjoyed reading this book, and have just started reading it again. I'm a big fan of Jim Al-Khalili's work, and the attempts he makes to explain seriously heavy cosmological ideas to everyday people.

What I think he does extremely well in this book is to help you build a difficult-to-understand concept in your mind, without a single mind-bending equation. This is all the more amazing, given that a sizeable portion of the information contained in this book is based on theory rather than proven fact.

The only thing that didn't work for me in this book was the attempts at humour. I really like the conversational style, as it really aids your understanding of the information, but the jokey comments remind me of seminars I've been to in the past where the listeners laugh at the speaker's jokes just to be kind and save embarrassment.

But anyway, apart from that, the book is faultless and it thoroughly deserves five stars. I would suggest reading it, even if you aren't interested in this subject. I think it would also work really well as an audiobook too.

An excellent read, not too technical and humorous to boot, 18 Feb 2008
I thought this book was excellent. I've been fascinated by this subject for years and have attempted (and failed) to read Hawking, Einstein et al because I just found them too complicated and too filled with equations to make sense. I have 2 hons degrees so I don't think I am that stupid (I hope not!) but I just found Hawking and the like to be unreadable- their concepts are not explained in laymans terms and unless you are an expert in quantum mechanics its like wading through treacle. This book, however, was perfect for a dunce(!) like me and the author gave practical examples and diagrams for most of the complicated concepts such as how black holes work and the concept of time. The style of writing is also very accessible and smattered with the author's own personal thoughts and witty observations which I liked as it made it seem more like we were having a conversation rather than him talking at me about subjects that i don;t understand. For example, in the time travel section he uses the film "The Terminator" to illustrate the time travel paradox which having seen the film, was really helpful and I actually understood what he was saying (yay!).

The book inevitable throws up more questions that answers but this is the nature of cosmology and science in general I think. There are some fascinating insights into the possibility of time travel and the fact that according to the laws of gravity, it is technically possible and I was blown away by the idea of Planck time (a measurement of time that is so small, there are more planck units in a single second than there are seconds since the universe began). The concept of infinity was also brilliantly explained and it made me realise that the universe in which we live is more mysterious and unfathomable than I ever realised possible. An excellent book which makes this subject understandable. I actually feel more intelligent having read it!!

Fascinating book, accessible to all., 09 Jan 2005
To someone (like myself) who has little or no knowledge of physics, this book is a REAL eye-opener. It is incredibly exciting, and has a deal of humour to boot.

Some parts DO require concentration to get your head around, and I must admit on one or two occasions being slightly lost. Thankfully though 99% of the book was quite easy to follow.

Primarily the book is focused on giving the reader an overview of Einstein's Theories of Relativity, and in particular how these could be applicable to time travel.

My only slight criticism is that the author does seem to concentrate on building/using time machines from a practical viewpoint, as though the reader is a Sc-Fi fan.

Before reading it I thought the universe was born billions of years ago with the Big Bang, and that I was at a certain point in time, and it would carry on ad infinitum after I die. Not necessarily so according to modern physics!

A very small sample of amazing information that I learned was:

Time could start running backwards if the Universe stops expanding and starts contracting.
Time slows down the quicker you go (near the speed of light time almost stops, or speeds up to infinity depending on your viewpoint).
Gravity doesn't pull objects, but bends space itself so objects 'fall' into it.
Gravity bends time and slows it down. Very heavy gravitation can almost stop time.
That the 'present' depends on where you are in space (and your speed), and that all future & past events may co-exist.

The book also touches on Quantum Mechanics, which is even weirder i.e. particles appearing from nowhere and being in 2 places at the same time.

Fantastic, 08 Aug 2002
I find myself coming back to this book over and over again. Everytime you read it you learn something new. The author's writing style is informal, and he explains the various concepts in the book very clearly, with lots of examples and occasional diagrams. Overall, an absoluetly fascinating book to go along with A Brief History of Time.

An absolutely excellent book, 16 Aug 2001
A brilliantly written book for both scientists and non-scientists alike. Unlike most science texts, this one is gripping and informative, written in a clear easy style. Superb.

Excellent, Essential Reading, 23 Mar 1999
This is a collection of the original papers that led to the principle of relativity.

The book gives excellent insight as to how and why the theory was developed. It clearly shows how the theory better explains certain parts of our universe.

The only drawback is that the mathematical level may cause the book to be unapproachable to many. I reccommend at least one year of Calculus if you intend to understand the works fully. Without such a background the book is difficult at best, but still rewarding.

If you lack this background you might be better served by reading Einsteins Relativity, the first book in the list above of what purchasers of this book also bought.

Nonetheless I agree with the School Science and Mathematics review,"It is really a thrill to read again the original papers by these giants."

A great book writted by the genius himself, 21 Mar 1999
This book clearly illustrates the theory of relativity and all of its aspects. I am a junior in high school and I found this book both captivating and easy to understand. I think anyone who is interested in this subject like I am should read this book. It is one of the best books I have ever read.

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 =]

Excellent choice for someone new to physics, 13 Sep 2007
I don't agree with Ken at all. OK so the book is short, but do all books have to be 500 page blockbusters? It is printed with large print and wide (not double) spacing, making it a joy to read. The 'illustrations' are incredible full colour graphics. The graphic showing the earth spiraling into the sun might, perhaps, have been left out, but most other graphics are far from trivial and really add to the text. For instance, the electron interference graphic/picture will make you think you've been teleported to CERN.

Kemp's review is much fairer. I have a physics degree and read through this book quickly, without having to re-read anything. OK, you might say, you have a physics degree. But I stumble in other 'popular' books - I'm having to reread(even rewrite!) Polkinghorne's 'very short introduction to Quantum Physics' to get anywhere at all!

I would have no hesitation in buying this book as a great Xmas present for a 14 or 70 year old who wanted to know something about physics.



Well worth reading by anyone with an enquiring mind, 15 Sep 2006
The first time I read this book I was left feeling dissapointed. However after re-reading certain sections of the book a few times, the ideas become easier to grasp and really blow your mind when you realise what they mean. Anyone who would like to know what the theory of relatively is, have an idea of the classical views on the universe, or a little about quantum mechanics without studying them in great detail should consider reading this book. It is a very rewarding read.

Very Disappointing, 11 Jan 2006
This publication barely deserves the title of "book". It covers it's topics in the same depth as the introduction in other popular science books. It offers very little that is new and covers none of it in depth.

The book is very short. In order to fill space, it is printed double spaced and contains far too many trivial illustrations. e.g. mention is made that if conditions were different from those observed, the earth could spiral into the sun. This is illustrated by a half page graphic showing a spiral with a representation of the earth at one end and one of the sun at the other!

If you want a book with a prestigious author's name on the cover on your bookshelf, then this is the one for you. Otherwise avoid it.

far from the truth about universe, 10 Dec 2005
This book shows the deep confusion in the current understanding of the cosmos. Entities like dark matter, dark energy, strings and many other oddities of modern science are discussed in one incomplete picture of the universe. Nature cannot be that whimsical and complicated. It has to be counterintuitive and simple in its basic terms. If you are looking for an elegant and complete picture of the universe then you may also read Eugene Savov’s Theory of Interaction the Simplest Explanation of Everything. Theory of interaction reveals the origin of the universe, space bodies and mind in terms of found patterns of unifying interaction.

Excellent book!! Well written, 19 May 2008
I have a biological sciences background so at first i was worried i wouldnt be able to follow this book. But little did i know that Feynman was an excellent writer. Its easy to read and didnt make me nod off to sleep like most of the microbiology books i read do.
If your interested in reading about a new topic for the first time then this is the book.. But if youve got a physics background, this might be a lil slow for you... Well, i will be a Biophysicist one day =)



Compelling reading for anyone with an enquring mind, 12 Jan 2007
My son bought me this book for Christmas. I have always had a fascination for physics and as a lay person I found this book extremely readable. I cannot claim to understand all the concepts in detail but these lectures must be close to perfection in explaining matters that are hard to understand.
To give an example - I have an enquiring mind and yet I reached the age of 58 without understanding why a person or article orbiting the earth appears to be weightless. After reading Richard Feynmans brief explanation I now understand.


PS On a similar topic I can thoroughly recommend Quarks, Leptons and the Big Bang by Jonathan Allday published by Institute of Physics Publishing.


Fascinating for anyone curious about science, 28 Nov 2005
Despite being 'easy' these are full-on scientific concepts. Nevertheless, they are explained about as clearly as possible by one of the finest scientists and communicators of the last hundred years. This isn't a casual read, but it is extremely interesting and mind-blowing. It got me so interested that I ended up buying the full set of Physics textbooks by Feynman!

I'd regard this as essential and enjoyable reading for anyone interested in the way the world works, as this explores some of the most crucial scientific theories that have a bearing on all aspects of science and nature. The structure and behaviour of atoms, quantum mechanics and gravity, are all covered superbly. By the end of the book, you'll still be fairly boggled by the concepts, but they are so fundamental to life, science and technology that there are few people who wouldn't benefit from at least some understanding of these landmark theories.

he is the master, 19 Jul 2004
Feynman is an unusual genius in that he also has a gift for explaining things in a way that makes them appealing.

This is not the book for you if you want to wrestle with the complexities of quantum theory, but it is fascinating to hear more fundamental physics explained by one of the subject's stars.

Richard Feynman brings physics to life....., 02 Jul 2001
Richard Feynman has never failed to provide me with the inspiration and motivation to learn more about the world around me. His illustrations are easy to understand, and are enjoyable to pass on to others. He makes physics seem necessary, challenging and very interesting. I have never studied physics before, and found the content within reach. References to "missing" chapters have encouraged me to buy the full lecture set.

Accessible insight, for the rest of us..., 15 Jan 2007
Very interesting book. Fortunately for those of us who do not have any genuine matehematical / physics background, we are able to easily graps the basic concepts and key ideas that make this equation so fascinating.
Well written and informative.

spot on, 02 Aug 2006
This is the kind of book that makes science interesting. Bodanis knows what the regular reader is wondering, and responds in an easy, accessible way. I started this book with no idea what the equation meant, and understood it pretty well by the end, but more importantly actually enjoyed reading it.

I'm an editor and writer by profession, and found the writing really absorbing. And criticisms of the book's level from professional scientists are a little bizarre - why buy such a book if you understand the topic thoroughly? For me it hit the spot, entertained me, and frankly gave as much depth as I was looking for. I can't wait to read Bodanis' next book.

If you think the the cover is awful, try the content., 25 Jun 2006
If you want to understand e=mc2, and all it implies, there are many good books out there, this isn't one of them.

You might expect that to write a book on this subject, the author would have to have a good grasp of it himself. If you read as far as page 117 you will see that this is clearly not the case.

The explanation for why the speed of light should be so fundamental is, well, not actually an explanation of anything. It also seems that e=mv2 replaced e=mv simply because e=mv failed to produce the right answers. So why not e=mv3, or e=mv1/6?

A truly badly written book full of inaccuracies and misunderstandings.


simple and clear, 07 Dec 2005
This is one of the best science books i have ever read. It was fascinating to learn the history of each componant of the formula. Then, the author explains how einstein puts it all together and how this simple equation has transformed our world. It is easy to follow, examples and explanations refer to modern times and everyday life.

If you are curious about how things work and history but don't know that much about either, this book is for you.

I did not undestand the equation after reading this book!, 04 Mar 2005
Agree with frure's comments below. This book is so generalized and simplified that I didn't understand anything. I still don't understand why the speed of light is the factor required to balance energy and mass, why a body's mass increases when it approches the speed of light, why the speed of light is the universe's maximum speed, why velocity needs to be squared. In other words this book fails to do what it claims. I gave it two stars because it is interesting to read and because the guide to further reading in the appendix is very good.

Top-notch science book and a good intro to heavyweight cosmological topics, 08 Aug 2008
I really enjoyed reading this book, and have just started reading it again. I'm a big fan of Jim Al-Khalili's work, and the attempts he makes to explain seriously heavy cosmological ideas to everyday people.

What I think he does extremely well in this book is to help you build a difficult-to-understand concept in your mind, without a single mind-bending equation. This is all the more amazing, given that a sizeable portion of the information contained in this book is based on theory rather than proven fact.

The only thing that didn't work for me in this book was the attempts at humour. I really like the conversational style, as it really aids your understanding of the information, but the jokey comments remind me of seminars I've been to in the past where the listeners laugh at the speaker's jokes just to be kind and save embarrassment.

But anyway, apart from that, the book is faultless and it thoroughly deserves five stars. I would suggest reading it, even if you aren't interested in this subject. I think it would also work