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

Greene, Brian

Softcover

ISBN 10: 039333810X ISBN 13: 9780393338102

Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company, 2010

Synopsis

Brian Greene, one of the world's leading string theorists, peels away layers of mystery to reveal a universe that consists of eleven dimensions, where the fabric of space tears and repairs itself, and all matter-from the smallest quarks to the most gargantuan supernovas-is generated by the vibrations of microscopically tiny loops of energy. The Elegant Universe makes some of the most sophisticated concepts ever contemplated accessible and thoroughly entertaining, bringing us closer than ever to understanding how the universe works.

About this title

Review

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

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

Review

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: W. W. Norton & Company
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 039333810X
• ISBN 13: 9780393338102
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 464