Product Description

Can we change the past? The surprising answer to this question can be found in the final chapters of this book. Examining the history of the study of time and presenting in detail the modern state of physical research on the subject, this book is a superb overview of a fascinating subject. The figures who have helped to shape our views on time are presented as real people, in the context of their own times and struggles: from Socrates’ troubles in Athens, to the experiences of physicists under the former Soviet Union. In addition Novikov details his own experiences with great Russian and Western physicists, such as Sakharov, Zeldovich, Rees and Hawking. Details of modern theories in fields such as the possibility of time machines, anomalous flows of time (at black or white holes) and the possible source of The River of Time are described with authority and clarity.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #962295 in Books
• Published on: 2001-05-31
• Released on: 2008-08-21
• Original language: Russian
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 298 pages

Review
‘… insights into the nature of time pepper Novikov’s delightful book … It’s all mind-boggling stuff, but Novikov, a brilliant Russian astrophysicist, breaks up the brain twisting theory with personal reminiscences of his life.’ New Scientist

‘… Novikov’s account, translated from Russian, is like a family walk along the High Street, with regular trips down interesting side streets and into intriguing looking shops! … The book is well within the grasp of the intelligent A-level student … Back to the future, here we come!’ School Science Review

‘… easy and enjoyable to read.’ Bill Unruh, Physics World

Customer Reviews

If you ever asked yourself what the time is, then...
The River of Time is much better book than A Brief History of Time (S. Hawking) thanks to Igor's overview of historical development of human sciences from ancient Greeks to the present day, focusing on physics fortified by philosophy and mathematics, but also on social environment of mentioned scientist. This book will help you understand the time (and its passage) much better than other book around.

The real history of time
One of the best books around if you want to learn about the true nature of time and space. The book contains a clear treatment of the subject of time from the ancient times on, and gives a number of amazing examples of time-warping effects. One of the few books that can so easily explain the physics of time travel as well. The comparison with 'a short history of time' is inevitable. Although less easy-to-read than ASHOT, 'The river of time' is more 'complete', more focused on the subject of Time. I would suggest to anyone who has read the ASHOT and needs more answers to read this book. (DO expect it to be more difficult to follow at times, though)