Product Description

Already thoroughly familiar to the seasoned science fiction fan, Hyperspace is that realm which enables a spaceship captain to take his ship on a physics-defying shortcut (or "wormhole") to the outer shores of the Galaxy in less time than it takes a 747 to fly from New York to Tokyo. But in the past few years, physicists on the cutting edge of science have found that a 10-dimensional Hyperspace may actually exist, albeit at a scale almost too small to comprehend, smaller even than a quark; and that in spite of its tiny size, it may be the basis on which all the forces of nature will be united. This is the first book for a general audience on one of the latest, most exciting developments in modern science. In the past several years, theoretical physicists--the author among them--have discovered that the universe exists not merely in the four spacetime dimensions (3 of space + one of time) with which Einstein made us familiar, but rather as a ten-dimensional Hyperspace. Once the domain of the science fiction writer or the occultist, Hyperspace has recently been shown to be the only kind of space in which the laws of modern physics can be satisfactorily explained. Amazingly enough, many of the phenomena whose explanations have stymied 20th century physicists and cosmologists can now be perfectly clarified by using the ten dimensions of Hyperspace. Most importantly, Einstein's unfulfilled dream, the work on which he spent the last several decades of his life in vain--the unification of all the forces of nature--now sits waiting on the ten-dimensional doorstep of modern theoretical physicists. Michio Kaku--theoretical high-energy physicist, author, radio talkshow host, and nuclear disarmament activist--is one of the pioneers in the field of String Theory, which states that the basic constituents of our universe are not quarks or protons or electrons, but much smaller entities called "strings" or "superstrings", which vibrate--like violin strings--in 10 dimensional Hyperspace, and whose vibrations in different resonances are manifested in the elementary particles. In his book, Kaku takes the reader on a ride through Hyperspace to the edge of physics. On the way he gives crystal clear explanations of such formidable mathematical concepts as non-Euclidean Geometry, Kaluza-Klein Theory, and Supergravity, the everyday tools of the string theorist. Utilizing fascinating and often hilarious anecdotes from history, from art, and from science fiction, Kaku shows us that writers and artists--in addition to scientists--have been fascinated by multidimensional space for over a century. In fact, many of the weird effects created by such famous artists as Dali and Picasso can be explained and more appreciated with an eye on the fourth spatial dimension. Finally, Kaku shows us why the ability to master Hyperspace may be our only salvation from destruction at the end of space-time. This lively yet authoritative book is spiced with many whimsical illustrations in a style reminiscent of the late science writer George Gamow.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #4354 in Books
• Published on: 1995-10-05
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 384 pages

Danah Zohar, Independent
"beautifully written, making difficult scientific ideas seem accessible, almost easy."

Review
beautifully written, making difficult scientific ideas seem accessible, almost easy. (Danah Zohar, Independent )

About the Author
Michio Kaku is a Professor of Theoretical Physics at the City College of the City University of New York. He is the author of other popular and graduate level books and for the past 10 years has hosted a weekly public-radio talk show on science and current events. He is an experienced and outstanding public speaker.

Customer Reviews

Hyperspace a residence for Beauty and Supersymmetry.
In this superbly written book, Michio Kaku explains it all and "solves" it all by the theory of hyperspace. Basically, it explains the futility of unifying the basic forces of nature in the present concept of 4-D space-time. In fact Albert Einstein had to add the fourth temporal dimension of time to explain the field theory of gravity. Later Theodr Kaluza, while expressing Einstein's field equations in five dimensions came to startling result in which Maxwell's field equations of electro-magnetism was included along with field equations of gravity. So, just by addition of one dimension, two fundamental forces of nature were getting unified. Much later the 11-dimensional supergravity theory encompassed all the forces as well as matter in its expression giving hope of the ultimate theory in offing. It was eventually abandoned because the equations were nonrenormalizable (nonsensical results). Of course, the latest offering is the 10-dimensional superstring theory and its successor the 11-dimensional M-theory. These theories are very promising, seeming to unify quantum theory and general relativity and steering clear of the troubles which beset previous higher dimensional theories. In fact, according to Kaku, at the instant of creation our universe was a 10-dimensional supersymmetric universe with all forces and matter/energy unified into one entity!

This book also delves into the origin and history of higher dimensional concepts, explained lucidly and brilliantly by Mr. Kaku. He explains that higher dimensional objects couldn't be visualized by us(3-D beings) and thus has to be viewed as projections or shadows on our 3-D space or even unravel them in our space(like a "tesseract", which is an unraveled hypercube). Kaku often drives home his point by explaining in terms of 2-D "flatlanders" existing in our 3-D world, which no doubt is a very easy way of understanding these kinds of concepts. This book will also explain theories regarding parallel universes, black holes, worm holes, time travel and death of our universe.

I definitely recommend this book to those who want to have a glimpse of the future and understand and enjoy the various physical concepts which are being brought from the realm of science fiction to our present day reality.

A Capsule Version of How the Universe Works
AM (still on the air but hosted by George Noory). He explained theories of the universe in a rational manner which made complex theories come alive in this listener's imagination. He provided descriptions that were palatable to a lay audience. He even entertained answering questions on the air. This taste led me to buy the book. Mankind has contemplated his or her place in the cosmos and exploring "what lies beyond " or "how the universe functions" since time immemorial. This book provides explanations to enhance the understanding many people seek ...

The most fascinating and intriguing concept in the book refers to the ten dimensions of hyperspace. Basic explanations are given for the strong force, weak force, gravitational force, electromagnetic force but the magic in this book lies in the descriptions of the quest for "unified theory" which will explain the operation of the universe in one single equation to the satisfaction of every theorist. The new geometry first conceived by George Bernard Reimann in 1854 was the most important mathematical conceptual discovery heading in this direction, toward solving this puzzle. This mathematical discovery revealed an equation for the fourth dimension. This revolutionary concept created the geometric patterns possible to explain the existence of higher dimensions in the universe. Space travel, multiple dimensions, parallel universes, superstring theory, black holes, time warps, and paradoxes are explained with lucidity in this book. The "Big Bang" theory is compared to the Biblical explanation. Anyone reading this book who has been mesmerized by viewing stars at night and who has wondered what lies beyond, will benefit from reading this book. The book is now over 10 years old but holds valuable ideas for those interested in this complex subject. Other recommended books are "The Tao of Physics" by Fritjof Capra and "Dancing of the Wu Li Masters" by Gary Zukov. By first listening to Dr. Michio Kaku I was hooked on learning more about the theories of the universe. His book is a great start on this quest. Erika Borsos (bakonyvilla)

The best popular science book I've read for ages.
As an undergraduate physicist, this book has reminded me why I chose the subject!

Kaku's book takes you through all the ideas that have been put forward about multi-dimensional space in a fascinating way. Adding extra dimensions to our universe, instead of the usual three of space and one of time, has amazing consequences. It can unify all the forces in a beautifully simple way, enable time and space travel and maybe even explain paranormal phenomena! The chapters are split down into subheadings and this makes the physics a lot easier to digest.

'Hyperspace' is so enthralling it is extremely hard to put down. It has just the right balance between science and entertainment that makes it perfect for all to read. The ideas within this book really stretch your imagination to the limit and you will find yourself talking about the ideas to others. I would recommend this book, and Kaku's others, to anyone.