Overall, well worth reading -- for someone really interested in theoretical physics. A lucid book about a difficult subject. Hawking wisely brings in a variety of views about time and the universe(s)and discusses their pro's and con's. One thing I didn't get out of the book was a clear understanding about what time ITSELF really is. Is it acceleration? Velocity? I've long been inclined to think it's distance traveled, relative to your location. It's interesting that we use time everyday without understanding what it is. The average person will probably find the topic a lot of fuss about something that doesn't make much difference to their daily life. Not recommended for folks with a low I.Q. or a closed mind. If you're hung up on religion, this is definitely not the book for you; your closed mind and beliefs won't tolerate anything that disagrees with your cult, so why waste your time and my time? Besides, we've already had more than enough of book burners. Look what that got us.Read full review
I decided to purchase Professor Hawking's book because I am very much interested in astronomy and Einstein's Theory of Relativity in particular, but unfortunately lack the mathematical background required for this. Professor Hawking explains this material for people like me, interested lay persons, and even though it is not a book that I can read in the bus or other places where I am easily distracted, I can kind of understand it well when I read it quietly at home. Another book about this topic: "The First Three Minutes" by Professor Steven Weinberg, has also helped me a lot. It is pleasant that geniuses like these scholars take time and effort for "simpletons" like me!
Could there be a more charming book? A beautifully eloquent and graceful presentation of commonly accepted theories about our universe that doesn't make any presumptions about the reader, save that they are curious about the very world that they live in. Although the book briefly describes the historical legacy of man's quest to explore his own world, the focus is never contaminated with irrelevant or flashy narrative. The humble reverence that this book conveys when tackling some of life's most complex and mysterious questions connects with anyone who reads it. A book best read slowly, with pause for contemplation, within the safety of one's own home...or mind. A notable classic for post age of reason society.
I read this 20 years ago and had a hard time conceptualizing this. I revisited it again and it’s brilliant. SH does a great job explaining highly complex ideas in this book and taking us through humanities growth as knowledge grew. Fascinating view on The Who What Where Why we are.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I bought the Hawking Brief History for a friend of mine and he's very happy with it. I kind of feel bad about not supporting my local independent bookstores but it's hard to beat eBay's price and service.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
This book was a bestseller for several years after it was first published, but it was said that most people who purchased the book never read it. They left it out, conspicuously, on a coffee table for their guests to see, to give the impression that they were actually reading a book on science! I really did read the book. It is nowhere near as difficult as, say, a college textbook on cosmology. Hawking graciously left out "the formulas", but still managed to clearly communicate some very abstract concepts about our universe. As has been observed by others, Hawking may be the greatest theoretical physicist since Einstein. Required reading for anyone who as ever wondered who we are, where we came from, and where we are going.
excellent purchase... I bought this book back in the 80s when it first came out but it got stolen when I was in the hospital, so now I have it back
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Extremely easy read, and very easily explained the best way a genius can.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Incredible content from an impaired genius comparable on the scale of Einstein, & Newton!! Hobbled by Lew Gehrig's disease for over 50 years and virtually disabled for decades! To still envision the math & science involved was true genius on display!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
An excellent book at a great price. Why won't the submit button turn on so I can get this over with?
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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