The Elegant Universe: Superstrings, Hidden Dimensions, and the Quest for the Ultimate Theory - Softcover

Greene, Brian

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0375708111 ISBN 13: 9780375708114

Publisher: Vintage Books USA, 2000

Synopsis

An accomplished professor of physics and mathematics unravels the complexities of superstring theory for the average reader in a lucid and entertaining account, using analogies from everyday life to explain the elegant underlying principles of the universe. Reissue. (A NOVA mini-series, airing on PBS in January/February 2003, hosted by Brian Greene) (Science & Mathematics)

About this title

Review

To write a book to explain in simple, non-mathematical terms what superstring theory is in not a simple task. In The Elegant Universe Brian Greene, a physicist who works in the area, does a very good job. Superstrings are a theory of particle physics that lays claim to being the ultimate "Theory of Everything", merging Einstein's relativity and quantum mechanics into an understanding of the physics of the very small and very large in the Universe. Hence to understand superstrings, relativity and quantum mechanics have to be explained as well. In this Brian Greene does a very good job, giving one of the best explainations of relativity I have read in the process. Superstring theory is still very much in its infancy and The Elegant Universe does not claim that all the problems have been solved; in fact a point is made of pointing out all the present deficiencies of the theory.

Probably not a book for the very beginner, but anyone who has read popular accounts of particle physics and relativity should gain a lot from reading this book. In places not an easy read, not for the style (which was generally very easy) but simply for the difficulty of some of the concepts involved. Superstring theory may or may not be the theory of everything but this book will certainly tell you what we think we know so far. Definitely recommended, but don't expect to read it in a weekend. --Simon Goodwin

Review

"As rewarding as it gets. . . . A thrilling ride through a lovely landscape.

Sets a standard that will be hard to beat.--George Johnson

Sets a standard that will be hard to beat. --George Johnson"

Compulsively readable. . . . Greene threatens to do for string theory what Stephen Hawking did for black holes.

As rewarding as it gets . . . a thrilling ride through a lovely landscape.

Edition details

• Publisher: Vintage Books USA
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 0375708111
• ISBN 13: 9780375708114
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 464