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jayseewhy's review against another edition
4.0
For a book discussing general relativity, quantum mechanics and even string theories this was quite engaging. It managed to convey the wonder and complexity of modern science in a way that wasn’t too dry or overwhelming.
jessicajessica101's review against another edition
4.0
I will not pretend to have understood every single theory explained in this book, because it would be lying. Physics is a very complex subject that requires a University Master to began to understand.
However, this book provides a great general understanding of what physics is, what it is trying to do and how theories have evolved this time. It is also very important in general because it makes physics more accessible to people who can't or won't necessarily take the time to read actual scientific papers.
However, this book provides a great general understanding of what physics is, what it is trying to do and how theories have evolved this time. It is also very important in general because it makes physics more accessible to people who can't or won't necessarily take the time to read actual scientific papers.
bperl's review
4.0
Worthwhile if only to get a condensed overview of physics up through string theory. Did I understand everything? Certainly not. But I understood more than when I started.
selina__gilbert__'s review
I think I need to read the physical book instead of listening to the audiobook - I just couldn’t pay attention even though I have a lot of interest in astronomy. I’m also wondering if I need to read a more recent book on this topic since this was written in 1988…
jimbowen0306's review against another edition
3.0
This isn't a bad book. It covers much of the physics of astronomy in an accessible way, and the first half of this book is easy to understand.
The book starts by explaining the basics of our knowledge of space, what we believed in the past and why we now know it's wrong. From there he builds up to a deeper understanding of new space research, written in a way that your typical layman with a science bent would understand.
My problem with the book starts about three quarters of the way through. As Hawking goes deeper into "string theory," "black holes," "event horizons" and the like, I just found the content more and more boring. If I wanted to have something to put me to sleep, I'd turn to chapters 8 through 12 of this book.
Maybe it's me, I've a science degree, but black holes have never gripped me, and the book didn't help.
The book starts by explaining the basics of our knowledge of space, what we believed in the past and why we now know it's wrong. From there he builds up to a deeper understanding of new space research, written in a way that your typical layman with a science bent would understand.
My problem with the book starts about three quarters of the way through. As Hawking goes deeper into "string theory," "black holes," "event horizons" and the like, I just found the content more and more boring. If I wanted to have something to put me to sleep, I'd turn to chapters 8 through 12 of this book.
Maybe it's me, I've a science degree, but black holes have never gripped me, and the book didn't help.