The Road to Reality: A Complete Guide to the Laws of the Universe
by Roger Penrose
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Book Summary Information
Author: Roger PenroseEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Original Language); English (Unknown); English (Published)
Published: 2007-01-09
ISBN: 0679776311
Number of pages: 1136
Publisher: Vintage
Book Reviews of The Road to Reality: A Complete Guide to the Laws of the Universe
Book Review: Thorough but difficult
Summary: 3 Stars
When choosing the rating for this book I doubted between 5 and 1 stars. Why?
Well even for someone with some mathematical background (although it's been quite some time ago) this book is tough. If you're not mathematically minded you're better of with a book with less formula's and numerical examples. Although Penrose states many times one can just read "over" the more difficult parts and still get the gist of the story, I tend to disagree. His is a beautiful treaty on the most important mathematical theories that we have at the moment and that are used in physics or more specifically cosmology. He builds a well thought out "story" that should give the reader a thorough insight in the building blocks of physical theories. If you skip over the mathematical explanations you miss the basis upon which the rest of the book is leaning. I think some understanding (more then just basic) is necessary to appreciate the wonders of cosmology, at least as presented in this book.
If on the other hand you have a firm grip on maths and are not afraid to extend this knowledge, then Penrose will keep you busy for many weeks and lets you peek at the wonders of cosmology.
So depending on your scientific background and appetite for maths, this is a great adventure or frustrating Herculean task.
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