#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERA landmark volume in science writing by one of the great minds of our time, Stephen Hawking’s book explores such profound questions as: How did the universe begin—and what made its start possible? Does time always flow forward? Is the universe unending—or are there boundaries? Are there other dimensions in space? What will happen when it all ends?Told in language we … ends?
Told in language we all can understand, A Brief History of Time plunges into the exotic realms of black holes and quarks, of antimatter and “arrows of time,” of the big bang and a bigger God—where the possibilities are wondrous and unexpected. With exciting images and profound imagination, Stephen Hawking brings us closer to the ultimate secrets at the very heart of creation.
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read Astrophysics for People in a Hurry (Neil DeGrasse Tyson) then go back and read Hawkin’s book. It’s amazing – and a little scary – how much we’ve learned in 50 years. Much of what Tyson talks about in his book, as proven, existing features of the universe is considered as pure theory, some thing that might exist, in Hawkin’s
Both books assume the reader is capable of understanding the ideas and concepts that they talk about. You don’t have to know or understand dark energy. These two authors assume you are capable of understanding why physicists believe it exists.
You will stretch your mind in both books. Tyson’s takes the next logical step after Hawkin’s discussions.
The late Professor Hawking needs no introduction, as they say, and will be sadly missed. His most famous popular work is remarkable in presenting an advanced physics subject in a manner that is so accessible to the general population. Even for an experienced physicist such as myself it acts as a beautiful insight into the workings of the universe. A fascinating and inspirational read.
This was one of the first best-seller that this man, one of the smartest people on the planet, has written. Deeply scientific, but readable.
I found this mind-blowing. I don’t read much non-fiction, but Hawking has a way of writing the most complex content, without going down the For Dummies route, keeping it accessible and intriguing. A Brief History Of Time should be compulsory reading. It’s a mind opener, not for what it tells you about our planet’s past, but for what it makes you consider about our future.
A great way to introduce larger (literally) concepts to the masses. Hawking takes complex ideas and makes them understandable and accessible to all.
Despite of physical differences his level of thinking was so exceptional. his life story is inspiration to all human beings.
Stephen Hawkings’ explanations of his theories reflect his years of teaching. I know I had to reread some of his explanations to get his drift, as it were. I found it an interesting read.
Loved this book. After “Cosmos” it is easily my favorite “hard” science read. Very well written, but some info still flies over my head.
Difficult for me to read because I am not very scientifically minded, it was interesting and I learned a lot about space and time.
I was curious about the book because of Mr Hawkings was such a unique man and from his cameo appearances on “The Big Bang Theory” show he showed humor. The subject is very complex and goes into great detail which I didn’t try to fully capture. Rather, I read it to get a general feel for the extreme vastness of the universe and the techniques used to try and understand it all.
Nearly unfathomable for a nonphysicist, but interesting.
Dense material well presented!!
I learned a lot but also didn’t understand all that I was reading. I definitely need a bit more background to get what Hawking was saying. I’ll provbably read it again someday.
I don’t know anyone smart enough to recommend this book. Lord knows I am not.
Way above my cognitive abilities!
He was certainly a genius!
Words of worldly wisdom from a smart man who made tragic life choices.
A great summary of the current knowledge that astrophysicists have about the creation of the universe from a fraction of a second after the big bang up to the current time.
Makes the questions of physics understandable and even gives some answers. How did it all come into being? Where are we now and where are we going?
A little thin for the topic, but gracefully written and informative.
a classic