Product Description

The two towering achievements of modern physics are quantum theory and Einstein's general theory of relativity. But, almost a century after their advent, most people haven't the slightest clue what either is about. Did you know that there's so much empty space inside matter that the entire human race could be squeezed into the volume of a sugar cube? Or that you grow old more quickly on the top floor of a building than on the ground floor? Get set for the most entertaining science book of the year.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #3336 in Books
• Published on: 2008-09-04
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 224 pages

Review
'Readers will experience happy eureka moments.' --The Times

Review
'A must-read for anyone who wants to better understand this crazy universe we live in. Superb.'

Review
No need to be scared. Expect to be thoroughly entertained. Thoroughly recommended.

Customer Reviews

Quantum Theory CAN hurt you - but you're OK in Mr Chown's hands.
I've come across quantum mechanics before a couple of times, and it has always been a big puzzle. However, since it seems to keep coming up all the time, I've always wished I knew more - and having read this book I do! This book is very user-friendly. It tells you about quantum mechanics in ways anyone can understand and makes it interesting and appealing. Quantum Mechanics doesn't seem like anything else - not like 'old' physics at all. It is weird and astonishing, for instance time is variable, light bends, photons can be in two places, and sometimes one photon can 'tell' what a partner is doing. I don't think I shall ever really understand quantum mechanics but through reading this book I know it won't hurt me, and I feel happy with what I do know...and when I see TV programmes like Einstein and Eddington I know what they're talking about which makes me feel extremely clever. I now feel brave enough to try Richard Feynman. Quantum Theory is an excellent read and I highly recommend it.

An excellent non-specialist account
This is a first-rate book. If you're looking for an account of the current state of Quantum Mechanics and Relativity which is accessible to a non-scientist and takes you from the basics through to most recent developments, this is for you. It is easy to read, but doesn't fudge issues or patronise and has real intellectual weight beneath a thoroughly good-humoured surface. Marcus Chown has been one of our best scientific writers in journals like New Scientist for many years and has already written several really good books. This is well up to standard and I recommend it without reservation. A cracker.

The most complex topic in the easiest way to read
After sometime of looking for a reading about quantum theory and relativity and after trying to read few books, I can tell now: I understand quantum theory and relativity. Previously, I tried some books but always the reading was so in the sky. This book lands all these complex concepts through simple examples giving you a clear view of the wonders that are hidden from our daily lives but keep our world running together.