Product Description

In this revised, expanded and illustrated edition of "A Brief History of Time", Stephen Hawking includes the most recent developments in the field of cosmology, many of which were forecast by himself. Explaining his complex theories through a visual dimension, the book contains illustrations and computer images of three- and four-dimensional concepts which are designed to help the lay reader to understand abstract ideas. In this way, the "big bang", "wormholes", black holes, particle physics, the vastness of intergalactic space, and matter and anti-matter are introduced.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #120936 in Books
• Published on: 2000-12-01
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 248 pages

Synopsis
In this revised, expanded and illustrated edition of "A Brief History of Time", Stephen Hawking includes the most recent developments in the field of cosmology, many of which were forecast by himself. Explaining his complex theories through a visual dimension, the book contains illustrations and computer images of three- and four-dimensional concepts which are designed to help the lay reader to understand abstract ideas. In this way, the "big bang", "wormholes", black holes, particle physics, the vastness of intergalactic space, and matter and anti-matter are introduced.

From the Back Cover
Stephen Hawking's A Brief History of Time has become an international publishing phenomenon. Translated into thirty languages, it has sold over nine million copies worldwide and lives on as a science book that has reached the status of a classic. When it was first published in 1998 the ideas discussed in it were at the cutting edge of what was then known about the universe. In the intervening years there have been extraordinary advances in the technology of observing both the micro-and macro-cosmic world. Indeed during that time cosmology and the theoretical sciences have entered a new golden age. Professor Hawking is one of the major scientists and thinkers to have contributed to the renaissance.

In this updated, expanded and illustrated edition of his celebrated work he includes the most recent developments in his field, many of which were forecast by him. At the same time, he explains his complex theories through a fresh visual dimension. Over one hundred and fifty stunning color illlustrations have ee n specially commisisioned for this purpose, with computer images of three-and-four-dimensional concepts which help the reader understand what have bcome popular mythic images of our century, but which nonetheless remain difficult, abstact ideas to grasp. This is the territory of the 'big bang', 'wormholes' and the dreamlike landscape of particle physics in which impossibly small events have names such as 'up', 'down', 'strange', or 'charmed'. The reader can now experience the vastness of intergalactic space, understand the nature of black holes, or watch the microcosmic world of particle physics in which matter and anti-matter collide.

Stephen Hawking has written a new introduction specially for this handsome edition of his calssic work,as well as an additional chapter on wormholes and time travel. He has also updated the material throughout his original text, thereby making his knowledge and understanding of the fascinating nature of our universe more accessible to the layman.

Customer Reviews

A picture explains a thousand words.
I'm a scientist, but not a mathematician or a physicist. I have, like many people, an educated layman's knowledge of the universe and am keen to learn more.

As such, I rely on popular versions of some hard thinking to access and enjoy my interests. Reading through the original version, I hit treacle about two thirds through and (from what I'm told) missed a fine climax to an excellent book.

This is different. I've often thought that a great mind can tie together complex ideas and information in a clear and simple way.

This is the result of a truly great mind. It's beautifully written, simple, concise and (although it still requires an investment of thought and time) is far more accessible.

I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone interested in this area.

True Quality
This is a truelly amazing book it has to be said. Anyone interested in space and time travel etc must buy this book. It's not one of those books you buy and then never read, you'll be hooked in no time. Before you know it you will be understanding how space really works. Explained with amazing clarity by the true master of space. A must buy for anyone.

Very good read
I started out with low expectations, i thought i was going to be overwhelmed by incomprehensible facts and figures. I would be lying if i said its an easy book to read, its not, you have to give it maximum attention or else you will miss bits, but for such a complex topic Hawking does an excellent job of making it manageable for those of us who aren't geniuses yet are mildly interested in the subject, and the illustrations make it even more so.