Brilliant History of Modern Relativity Physics.
935482
This is a calm, interesting and readable tour through modern relativity physics.  It is a good history of science, touching on personalities, private lives, the turning points, the concepts, and the people.  Told in a very clear, and wonderfully readable manner, this is the perfect book for a lay reader who is interested in how the cosmological views of modern physics developed.

This book would be good for a high school student, and is great for an interested reader.  The author has a real talent for finding the anecdotes, the conferences, the events, that turned the discussion.  There are great men and women in the history of physics, and telling their stories does lead the reader to understand some of the debate we are hearing now....

I have read a few other reason popular histories, that bothered me, assuming too much mathematical knowledge in one case, and suggesting a theory of everything (TOE) without the slightest proof, in the other.  This book overcomes those temptations, and as a result communicates well, and fairly.
4072619
I thought not. I was wrong. The reason: Kip Thorne. I really enjoyed the reading of this book because it offers the theoretical face of the so-called "Black Holes Mechanics" and a very important and delightful part,  the history behind the theorems. The book begins with several chapters  dedicated almost exclusively to the bases of the Special Theory of  Relativity and the General Theory of Relativity, which describes the  gravitation field in almost any place of our universe (if you get the book  you will see why I say "almost"). Thereafter, the text covers the most  important aspects of stellar implosion, which, in fact, brings Black Holes  into existence. Once you are immersed in the very topic of the holes, the  author studied profoundly their properties with informative boxes,  spacetime diagrams, lots of references about discoveries, people and, the  great difference with others books, an outstanding and thorough historical  background. By the end, the author presents the most excitement predictions  about the future use of Black Holes and the yet ill-understood Quantum  Gravity Theory (predictions like backward time travel and wormholes).  Finally, Kip Thorne closed the book with an excellent glossary of exotic  terms and a list of principal characters that appeared throughout the text.  I can say, without any doubt, that this is one of the most illustrative and  complete books I have ever read, and in my opinion, is a book that every  "Black Hole serious student" might have in his/her shelve. If you are  looking for a less technical book, I suggest you "Black Holes: A Traveler's  Guide" by Clifford Pickover. Nevertheless, if you want a higher challenge,  get the book "Gravitation" by Thorne, Wheeler and Misner.
1767220
This is a very good book that lays out the fundamentals of quantum mechanics and special/general relativity and moves on to string theory and how they relate to each other. I am mostly favorable of this book because it is so well thought out, logical and indepth. It more or less goes over the history of how string theory has been formed and the advances that have been made over the last few decades in a very logical manner. He goes just enough into each advance to get an understanding using various allegories to illustrate whats going on. You'll get used to phrases like 'its pretty hard to visualize a three-dimensional object so we'll go with a two-dimensional object' and so forth. He often points out the challenges and criticisms of string theory as well which is refreshing as well. This book goes just enough into string theory that you'll want to research it on a more advanced level. Be prepared to have to reference some sections and/or read the book again because I did feel like, while I somewhat (somewhat) understood many of the concepts, I couldn't even begin to explain to somewhat what exactly I read as there are so many different aspects of string theory that are very complex. Nonetheless, I highly recommend this to anyone who is even remotely interested in advanced theoretical physics.
3048867
Let me start by saying that my expertise is in biology and the philosophy of science.  Nevertheless, when I heard Lisa Randall give an interview to NPR on her new book "Warped Passages," I couldn't help but immediately buy a copy of her work for myself.  After reading this magnificent piece of scholarly prose, I am convinced that Randall's "Warped Passages" will become one of the most provocative manuscripts of this decade.  Presently, the field of modern physics is moving so fast that it is a daunting task for anyone outside of the field to gain a quality understanding of some of the interesting theories, or even questions, that physicists are proposing. Warped Passages does a superior job at presenting the field of quantum physics, especially quantum particle physics, to the reader.  Indeed, I would argue Randall's book will act as an excellent "resource" for individuals who would like to keep track of all the different particles and mainstream models of both string theory and extra dimensions that physicists are theorizing.  I found Randall's ability to explain things using analogies and her writing style excellent for the reader.  Her book moves rapidly and is an interesting read.  In addition, one of the strengths of her work is that she explains how the many models involving extra dimensions could be "experimentally" determined.  The fact that work from high energy supercolliders could allow physicists to differentiate between different possible theories of the nature of the universe and its dimensions of space and time is very exciting.  This is important to readers outside the field of physics who may view the present world of string theory and extra dimensions as wild mathematical speculations for the few theorists who can understand it all.  Randall's work is a thrilling read that keeps one glued to the pages, eagerly anticipating what new and exciting ides she will introduce next.
1236749
My reading interests have always been wide and varied.  Science and philosophy books are two of the many subjects I have loved throughout my life.  I just finished reading (Introducing Relativity: A graphic guide by Bruce Bassett and Ralph Edney) an interesting and informative basic guide to relativity.  Of fairly recent times there has been an enormous increase in the popularity of these graphic guides. The combination of a clear narrative along with the illustrations has made learning about numerous subjects a pure joy. I have read many of these graphic guides lately and intend to read more in the future. This book goes into great detail on this topic.

This 176 page soft cover book explains in surprising depth Einsteins general theory of relativity. Even though I have read numerous books on the subject, including the one written by Albert Einstein himself, this graphic guide really made the subject come alive. This book points out in the beginning Immanuel Kant, the philosopher (1724-1804) and author of The Critique of Pure Reason provided some basic ideas on space and time. Later, the famous and one of the greatest scientists, Newton came up with some of the principle laws of physics.  This wonderful book explains with the help of illustrations how these laws apply to a wide variety of situations and how the entire universe is governed by these scientific laws.  Albert Einsteins brilliant mind came up with his Theory of relativity in combination with his expertise in mathematics and physics.

The mystery of gravity, black holes and other physic related issues is also explored in this volume.  If you are interested in relativity and desire a clear basic over view of this topic you should check out this book.  I found it an interesting and very informative read.

Rating: 4 Stars.  Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Tactical Principles of the most effective combative systems).
2140382
The definitive popular exposition of modern physics. This magnum opus requires a dedicated reader, but the rewards are well worth it. Filled with Penrose's unique insights and geometric visualizations, this work is valuable to the seasoned physicist and untrained enthusiast alike. It is also happily written in highly readable prose. My own copy is filled with notes and underlining on nearly every page and took me nearly a year to finish. It is a tribute to the field and to the dedication and intellectual power of one of the world's greatest physicists.
1506126
Books that discuss the nature of reality have become a cottage industry lately. Brian Greene, Stephen Hawking, Roger Penrose and now Max Tegmark have all attempted to explain the physicist's view of the ultimate nature of reality to a popular audience. Penrose's book, with its advanced mathematics, is geared towards those with a technical background but the trend has been to simplify the science and make these books anecdotal and gentle. Tegmark seems to have discovered the sweet spot between hard core science and a fun read, using the word "geeky" as a red flag any time a technical detail is about to be broached. His language is reader friendly and easy to understand. Tegmark is a good writer and anyone that has seen him on television (Through the Wormhole, for example) knows that he is funny and well-grounded in popular culture. Our Mathematical Universe is a nearly perfect example of a popularized science book.

Years of reading science books have produced a personal pantheon of the finest I've ever come across. There are several aspects of Tegmark's book that have placed it amongst the three finest popular science books I've ever read. The other two books are Albert Einstein and Leopold Infield's&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/The-Evolution-of-Physics/dp/0671201565/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">The Evolution of Physics</a>&nbsp;and Kip Thorne's&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Black-Holes-and-Time-Warps-Einstein-s-Outrageous-Legacy-Commonwealth-Fund-Book-Program/dp/0393312763/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Black Holes and Time Warps: Einstein's Outrageous Legacy (Commonwealth Fund Book Program)</a>. The first book, The Evolution of Physics, is still the clearest exposition of classical and (relatively) modern physics ever written, despite its age. It remains the most authoritative, concise and profound discussion of the source of Einstein's world-shattering ideas, and has never been surpassed as a book written by a great scientist for a popular audience. Kip Thorne's book combines personal reminiscence and scientific exposition with an elegance and depth that makes it my choice as the finest modern popularized science book. Thorne proved that you can write about science in an engaging manner without sacrificing either intelligence or necessary relevant technical detail.

The attributes that raise Tegmark's book amongst the very finest in the genre are its engaging writing style, its willingness to discuss technical details about recent trends in cosmology without sacrificing either intelligence or clarity, and its almost subversive depth. Tegmark has a flair for discussing some really knotty topics like the significance of the cosmic microwave background, Einstein's theory of gravitation, the geometry of curved space, mathematically precise cosmology, dark matter and dark energy without losing the reader in a labyrinth of confusing and difficult scientific details. Tegmark teaches without ever being pedantic and he entertains while he clarifies and enlightens. There aren't many science writers who can write about such abstract and craggy subjects as cosmology, multiple multiverse levels, and mathematics as the ultimate nature of physical reality with Tegmark's wit and ease. If you are a fan of reading popularized science books, Our Mathematical Universe is one of the finest I've ever read and definitely worth your consideration.
2428162
Professor Chad Orzel and his mad mutt Emmy are back, this time to explain the concepts of relativity. I enjoyed enormously the companion book on quantum physics last year, and was very much looking forward to seeing the other great area of modern physics receive the same treatment.

As before, Orzel sets out a clear account of the field, working in many cases from first principles, but continuously framed by very funny exchanges between him and his dog, who, like any of her kind, is constantly looking for ways to increase her food intake, and her success in hunting bunnies and squirrels.

The quantum physics volume introduced me to a lot of relatively new thinking and experimental evidence, and I was hoping for the same this time, but relativity is obviously a more mature field, and there was less that was new to me in this book. That said, the teaching of this field has obviously moved on since my student days, and I was surprised to find, for example, the concept of relativistic mass increase referred to as an "old" model, with the book focusing much more on momentum calculations. Similarly the basics of special relativity are presented using a range of geometrical models, with a heavy emphasis on the spacetime diagram, which is a different approach to some previous books I've read.

I had some complaints about the Kindle edition of the quantum physics volume separating diagrams and footnotes too far from the relevant text. On this occasion I received a physical copy of the book and was looking forward to that being less of an issue. The physical book layout is definitely better, but could still be improved, as  diagrams are often a page or more away from the descriptive text.

However, that's a minor niggle, and really my only one. If you want to learn more about relativity and also have a good laugh, this is a strong recommendation.
288024
I won't even pretend to fully understand what Rovelli is describing in this book. But as a summation of where physics has been, unresolved current problems, and the way in which his own work attempts to resolve them, in a form accessible to the mathematically challenged, this is a brilliant book. And, as a bonus, he writes with not only clarity but style.
2549038
This book is remarkable in its simplistic yet beautiful explanation of time's secrets.
The philosophical and scientific viewpoints are carefully molded with a brief glimpse into Einstein's character.
I loved the book and thoroughly recommend it to all with a love for science blended with philosophy.
1908425
This book is a fascinating and enjoyable read.  Nadis and Yau lead the reader through the history of particle physics, the incredible machines that have been built to expand our understanding of the universe, and even more magnificent instruments being planned.  The authors do not shy away from the details of subatomic particles, and do so in an engaging fashion that is accessible to interested laypeople.  The breadth of understanding of this vast field, and the ability to describe it coherently are impressive.  The style is clear and direct, with gentle wit, and with reverence for the international group scientists who have contributed to this great endeavor.
2231596
This is a wonderful 1979 Documentary, originally broadcast on Public Television, and in part based on a book by Nigel Calder.  Reasonably simple and for the layman, young sirs interested in physics, but also simply superb [!] as Peter Ustinov leads a discussion of the Theory of Relativity with past luminaries such as John Archibald Wheeler, Irwin Shapiro, and a young, very intelligent, Roger Penrose.  In it Peter visits an Observatory in West Texas, and performs numerous thought experiments of the type Einstein thought up.  This is fun, highly recommended, and a delight to see the charming Mr. Ustinov discuss theoretical physics.  The documentary also exists as a memorial to Albert Einstein himself.
4037884
This is an amazing book. It has so much in it that I do not see how anyone could learn it all. It is encyclopedic. Even the elementary chapters are a pleasure to read, as Penrose has his own insights on the subject. Some of the later chapters are peppered with his views, which may or may not be the mainstream physics views. I have the paperback edition, as that has a lot of errors corrected.
4955809
Stephen Hawking is a very well educated scientist.  The details he goes into about certain events in history is truly amazing.  He gives examples from his lifetime on many of these events.  Hawking is a very talented writer.  He does not use too many big words but in the few incidents that  he doeshe goes into great detail to tell you what they mean and also has a  glossary in the back of the book to allow you to look up words that you are  unsure about.  This book has sold over nine million copies and is still  selling.  Some of the topics he discusses are wormholes, time travel, fate  of the universe, forces of nature, and the expanding universe just to name  a few.  The one topic he discusses the most is the topic of black holes.  He devotes two chapters of the book to them.  The book has recieved great  reviews and i can definately see why.  If you are really into science and  want to learn a whole lot more than I highly recommend A Brief History Of  Time.  On a scale of 1-10 I would give it an 8.  ( The special 10th  anniversary edition contains a new foreword and updated chapters ).  Enjoy!
1713857
_The Elegant Universe_ is the most illuminating popular physics book I've ever read.  For years I've struggled (episodically, I grant you) with understanding special relativity, but after reading the first 50 pages of Brian Greene's book, I think I finally have it.  His crystal-clear use of language and his enlightening illustrations make it hard for the reader _not_ to "get it."  Why does time slow down and space become foreshortened as velocity increases?  For the same reason that we get wood from trees: Because.  It's baked in the cake of our four-dimensional reality.  I'm only a third of the way through his book, but I'm already sorry it's going to end.
1999764
Tony Zee's new book Einstein Gravity in a Nutshell is an excellent new addition to bibliography on this subject.
It is aimed at a population of readers on all scales, from novices making their first steps in the subject to practicing researchers. Great effort is dedicated on pedagogic clarity, examples, exercises and assorted solutions for greenhorns. The book is self-contained, careful enough to include clear introduction to prerequisite topics such as analytical mechanics and the variational principle, basic differential geometry, special relativity and electrodynamics. Serious good students and autodidacts will find this tome very friendly and an efficient guide for self-studying. Experts are rewarded by clear discussions on advanced cutting edge topics for experts. Anecdotes and interesting historical comments are an extra bonus.

Chapeau to Professor Zee for work well done! It's destined to become a major resource on GR and
gravitation for many years to come.
3806561
I saw the excellent Mechanical Universe Television series while I was in high school and I recently purchased this book. I've just finished reading this book and am simultaneously doing problems in Schaum 3000 Physics  problems. This is a great reader to use as it puts the physics in the  historical context and traces the reasoning these great scientists used in  inducing their conclusions in the first place. The explanations are mostly  very clear. Some of the historical interpretations are questionable but  they do not detract from the overall value of the historical approach. This  is how all physics should be taught.