The Elegant Universe: Superstrings, Hidden Dimensions, and the Quest for the Ultimate Theory [Paperback]

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 --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Not since the extraordinary success of A Brief History of Time has a scientific book caused such a stir. An eloquent sweep through the history of modern physics and cosmology. - Sunday Times; A theory of physics which defies empirical confirmation, predicts there are ten dimensions and proposes that the fundamental particles of matter are infinitely tiny strings is not the obvious basis for a bestseller, but Greene makes it zip along. - Nigel Hawkes, The Times; The Elegant Universe is a delightful, lucid introduction to the greatest problem in all of physics, the quest to unify the laws of nature. Greene does a masterful job in presenting complex materials in a lively, engaging manner. Highly recommended to anyone who has aver gazed at the heavens and wondered, as Einstein did, if God had a choice in making the Universe. - Michio Kaku; If you want to tangle with string theory then this lucid unweaving of its intricacies and knottiest problems in words and pictures will take you to the frontiers of modern physics. Outstanding. - John D Barrow --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

[A] beautifully crafted account of string theory...a delightful; read for the professional. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

[A] tour-de-force of science writing...peels away layers of detail and reveals the stunning essence of cutting-edge physics. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

In the great tradition of physicists writing for the masses, [Greene] sets a standard that will be hard to beat. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

'Not since the extraordinary success of A Brief History of Time has a scientific book caused such a stir' Sunday Times --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

An admirable job of translating a wholly mathematical endeavor into visual terms. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Brian Greene...makes the terribly complex theory of strings accessible to all. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Compulsively readable....Greene threatens to do for string theory what Stephen Hawking did for black holes. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

As rewarding as it gets....A thrilling ride through a lovely landscape. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

"[Greene] develops one fresh new insight after another...In the great tradition of physicists writing for the masses, The Elegant Universe sets a standard that will be hard to beat." --George Johnson, The New York Times Book Review

In a rare blend of scientific insight and writing as elegant as the theories it explains, Brian Greene, one of the world's leading string theorists, peels away the layers of mystery surrounding string theory to reveal a universe that consists of 11 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.

Green uses everything from an amusement park ride to ants on a garden hose to illustrate the beautiful yet bizarre realities that modern physics is unveiling.    Dazzling in its brilliance, unprecedented in its ability to both illuminate and entertain, The Elegant Universe is a tour de force of science writing-a delightful, lucid voyage through modern physics that brings us closer than ever to understanding how the universe works.

'Not since the extraordinary success of A Brief History of Time has a scientific book caused such a stir' Sunday Times --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Brian Greene is Professor of Physics and Mathematics at Columbia University and Cornell University. (19990728) --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.