A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of A Brief History of Time
Book Review: The Prof Delivers!
Summary: 4 Stars
A Brief History of Time became one of those fashionable books to own during the mid `90s, it also happens to be a fantastic read.
I won't pretend that I fully understood everything discussed in this book, I don't come from a background of quantum mechanics or anything like that. However, I love the passion with which Hawking writes. Whilst reading the book you begin to feel some of his almost childlike excitement and awe as he explains in language simple to him and (to his credit) pretty much accessable to the layman, the wonders of the galaxy and origins of the universe itself.
And why wouldn't he be excited about something which is so cutting edge? Something which constantly brings you closer to the great answer whilst at the same time bringing up more questions.
I am a devout Atheist, I don't believe in a God or of any other deity - and this book, which is solid science, even starts to introduce you to the idea of a higher intelligence without actually seriously suggesting it. That is why I hold this book in such high regard, it gets you to think about what you believe, to question the way you think about the universe.
A lot of people argue that Hawking may have a great mind, but that there are many greater. That maybe so, but Hawking has managed to bring to the masses a subject which is usually the exclusive subject of discussion only in very specific academic circles.
My only qualm about this book is that it does sometimes start to lose itself in terminology and confuse the reader - but hey, when you're reading a book on such a subject as The History Of Time - you have to expect a degree of bafflement!
Book Review: Fate of Space and Time: Blackholes to Big Crunch
Summary: 5 Stars
This is one of the early books written for those who prefer words to equations to understand cosmology of blackholes. The author attempts to answer basic questions such as; was there a beginning of time? Is there an end to the universe? What are similarities of blackholes, singularity, and Big Crunch? Is the universe infinite? Or does it have boundaries? What are the effects of the critical value of the universe's density on its rate of expansion? What is the role of God in the creation of the universe and how it can be evaluated by the anthropic principle? Did God creat laws of quantum mechanics and theory of relativity and let it evolve itself without leaving an option for him to intervene? How did he choose an initial state or configuration of the universe? What were the boundary conditions at the beginning of time? The author reviews the literature that includes Newton's laws of gravitational force, Einstein's theory of relativity, and quantum mechanics. Problems arise when one combines these theories to understand the four natural forces; the electromagnetic force; the strong and weak nuclear forces; and the gravitational force by one unified field theory (Quantum theory of gravity, and Superstring Theory). This theory must unify the forces of the cosmos and forces of microcosm so that it can explain the grand plan of God in the creation of heaven and earth. The author describes quite a few interesting anecdotes in academic research: The first experimental evidence in support of Einstein's theory of relativity contained errors that were as great as the effect they were trying to measure. In 1920s it was supposed that there were only three men who understood theory of relativity and now thousands of graduate students and many millions are familiar with this theory: Many readers should be encouraged at this. When the author presented his theory that black hole radiates like a hot body, many repudiated his assertion and later accepted it. Max Born, a Nobel Laureate in 1928 told a group that physics research will end in six months, when Dirac published equations for an electron, in the anticipation that the whole of physics problems are solved. This should remind all of us how far the science and mankind has progressed despite this prediction. Newton, one of the greatest scientists of this planet also had a streak of meanness in him. Einstein's honesty as a scientist could be found when he admitted that his universal constant to account for a static universe is a mistake, but he was also less willing to accept quantum mechanics; this is known by his well known comment that "God does not play dice." Hawking having a bet with Kip Thorne over the existence of black holes in Cygnus X-1 for Penthouse magazine to Private Eye magazine shows the fun side of academic rivalry. This is one of the very few books I have read that discusses God's role at the level of quantum mechanics. The reader should feel lucky to have such a book for his/her personal library. Book Review: a pleasure to read
Summary: 5 Stars
Many years after its initial release, this book is still a great pleasure to read. Written in a conversational tone, much of it is probably readily understandable to most readers. However, some parts of it, especially toward the end, aren't exactly simple by any means. Any curious reader, even if not particularly interested in physics or astronomy, will find this little book to be a gem. An extra treat is a few pages at the end describing prominent events from the lives of Einstein, Galileo, and Newton. Highly recommended read. Author of Adjust Your Brain: A Practical Theory for Maximizing Mental Health. Book Review: Spectacular
Summary: 5 Stars
In my history of reading various 'popular' physics books, I don't think I have ever understood one quite like I do Stephen Hawking. The world is populated with far too many books that, while they produce concepts, and, indeed, offer deep explanations, don't really make any sense to me. This was different. I feel entirely confident that I could explain any of the concepts introduced, which is something I can't say for anything else I've ever read.
However, I think, having read other reviews, that it is a book that is not to be read unless you are prepared to think about it and make links. You complain about how he doesn't tell you why you can't travel faster than light when he uses it as evidence in chapter five, or you can go to chapter two and read the explanation that he was so kind as to put in there.
If you are prepared to think about the book, read it, it's worth it.
Book Review: Awesome
Summary: 5 Stars
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 =]