- Hardcover: 176 pages
- Publisher: Bantam Press; Revised edition edition (23 Sep 2005)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0593054970
- ISBN-13: 978-0593054970
- Product Dimensions: 23 x 15.4 x 2.4 cm
- Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 239,236 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Product Description
Book Description
The science classic made more accessible and more concise. Illustrated. Updated with new research.
Product Description
Stephen Hawking’s worldwide bestseller, A Brief History of Time, has been a landmark volume in scientific writing. Its author’s engaging voice is one reason, and the compelling subjects he addresses is another: the nature of space and time, the role of God in creation, the history and future of the universe. But it is also true that in the years since its publication, readers have repeatedly told Professor Hawking of their great difficulty in understanding some of the book’s most important concepts. This is the origin of and the reason for A Briefer History of Time: its author’s wish to make its content accessible to readers — as well as to bring it up-to-date with the latest scientific observations and findings. Although this book is literally somewhat ‘briefer’, it actually expands on the great subjects of the original. Purely technical concepts, such as the mathematics of chaotic boundary conditions, are gone. Conversely, subjects of wide interest that were difficult to follow because they were interspersed throughout the book have now been given entire chapters of their own, including relativity, curved space, and quantum theory. This reorganization has allowed the authors to expand areas of special interest and recent progress, from the latest developments in string theory to exciting developments in the search for a complete, unified theory of all the forces of physics. Like prior editions of the book—but even more so — A Briefer History of Time will guide nonscientists everywhere in the ongoing search for the tantalizing secrets at the heart of time and space. Thirty-eight full-colour illustrations enhance the text and make A Briefer History of Time an exhilarating addition in its own right to the literature of science.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
23 of 23 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I don't agree with Ken at all. OK so the book is short, but do all books have to be 500 page blockbusters? It is printed with large print and wide (not double) spacing, making it a joy to read. The 'illustrations' are incredible full colour graphics. The graphic showing the earth spiraling into the sun might, perhaps, have been left out, but most other graphics are far from trivial and really add to the text. For instance, the electron interference graphic/picture will make you think you've been teleported to CERN.
Kemp's review is much fairer. I have a physics degree and read through this book quickly, without having to re-read anything. OK, you might say, you have a physics degree. But I stumble in other 'popular' books - I'm having to reread(even rewrite!) Polkinghorne's 'very short introduction to Quantum Physics' to get anywhere at all!
I would have no hesitation in buying this book as a great Xmas present for a 14 or 70 year old who wanted to know something about physics.
Kemp's review is much fairer. I have a physics degree and read through this book quickly, without having to re-read anything. OK, you might say, you have a physics degree. But I stumble in other 'popular' books - I'm having to reread(even rewrite!) Polkinghorne's 'very short introduction to Quantum Physics' to get anywhere at all!
I would have no hesitation in buying this book as a great Xmas present for a 14 or 70 year old who wanted to know something about physics.
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
The first time I read this book I was left feeling dissapointed. However after re-reading certain sections of the book a few times, the ideas become easier to grasp and really blow your mind when you realise what they mean. Anyone who would like to know what the theory of relatively is, have an idea of the classical views on the universe, or a little about quantum mechanics without studying them in great detail should consider reading this book. It is a very rewarding read.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I never tried Hawking's original, so I can't make comparisons....but the general consensus seems to be that it is pretty inpenetrable. I have however read a number of other "popular science" books on the subject of the Quantum world etc. I'm a graduate chemist but most proved rather hard going .. with an over reliance on jargon.
I found this to be by far the most lucid explanation of what are some pretty difficult concepts. I personally found the illustrations to be very helpful. It is not an overly long book (hence not too intimidating) & whilst perhaps not getting in to too much detail, it does seem to cover all the significant issues.
An outstanding book!!
I found this to be by far the most lucid explanation of what are some pretty difficult concepts. I personally found the illustrations to be very helpful. It is not an overly long book (hence not too intimidating) & whilst perhaps not getting in to too much detail, it does seem to cover all the significant issues.
An outstanding book!!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
A briefer history of time
Really interesting read, the fundamental concepts are well explained and there are some good pictures/diagrams. Read more
Published 3 months ago by TheCremeEgg
More accessible but less for it
For those looking for a more accessible version of a 'brief history' you could try it, but it has less to offer than A Brief History Of Time: From Big Bang To Black Holes. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Ecosurfer
Briefer History of Time
At 162 pages, it is a fairly short book as science tomes go but it does not suffer because of that and he does remind us of that in the introduction, pointing out the two letter... Read more
Published 8 months ago by RR Waller
Another name dropper by Leonard Mlodinow
Mlodinow appears to have discovered a profitable line in 'ghosting' books by famous physicists. This title is almost a re-run of Some time with Feynman, one of the few books I... Read more
Published 16 months ago by Stickler
A Better History of Time
I'm more an English Lit and History kind of man, and I found A Brief History of Time impenetrable. This version however has benefitted from some careful consideration on someone's... Read more
Published 18 months ago by David N. Esq
interesting but not satisfying
it is probably a good idea to issue this book as a short version. I'm sure you will learn everything a layman needs from this. Read more
Published 19 months ago by Neil Carmichael
Excellent read
Bought this book as I'd always meant to read "A Brief History of Time" but had never gotten round to it. Read more
Published on 1 Sep 2009 by Stephen McDonald
A Briefer History of Time
This is a fantastic book for anyone who is a little interested in whats going on out there, or what has occured :)
I studied A level physics and its been about 3 years... Read more
I studied A level physics and its been about 3 years... Read more
Published on 8 Aug 2009 by M. Fellows
Solid and balanced
First of all, I must point out that I'm reviewing the audio-book version of this book. I haven't even looked at the illustrations although I know that they're present in the 4th CD... Read more
Published on 25 Mar 2009 by Sergio Henrique
A Briefer History of Time
I actually bought this book for my Husband, who struggled to read the original, however, he has read and taken in the content of this much easier and more understandable edition. Read more
Published on 5 Feb 2009 by Mrs. J. A. Barnett
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