Universe on a T-Shirt: The Quest for the Theory of Everything
No scientific quest is as compelling as the search for the key to understand the universe—the elusive unified “Theory of Everything”—a theory so concise it could fit on a T-shirt. Lively and thought-provoking, Universe on a T-Shirt tells the fascinating story of the search for the Holy Grail of physics.

Dan Falk places this intriguing story in its historical context, tracing the quest from ancient Greece to the breakthroughs of Newton, Maxwell, and Einstein, to the excitement over string theory and today’s efforts to merge quantum theory with general relativity. With as much emphasis on history as on science, Falk’s accessible approach is ideal for anyone intrigued by the advances in modern physics but still wondering what theoretical physicists are searching for, and why. Today’s physicists use sophisticated methods, but their goal—the search for simplicity—has not changed since the time of the ancient Greeks. Universe on a T-Shirt is filled with quirky personalities, brilliant minds, and bold ideas—high science and high drama.

"An admirably concise and comprehensive overview of cosmology . . . [that] offers intriguing insights into the philosophic and personal outlooks motivating the scientists involved, from the ancient Greeks through Newton and Einstein . . . [and] Stephen Hawking and Ed Witten.”—Booklist

1100538943
Universe on a T-Shirt: The Quest for the Theory of Everything
No scientific quest is as compelling as the search for the key to understand the universe—the elusive unified “Theory of Everything”—a theory so concise it could fit on a T-shirt. Lively and thought-provoking, Universe on a T-Shirt tells the fascinating story of the search for the Holy Grail of physics.

Dan Falk places this intriguing story in its historical context, tracing the quest from ancient Greece to the breakthroughs of Newton, Maxwell, and Einstein, to the excitement over string theory and today’s efforts to merge quantum theory with general relativity. With as much emphasis on history as on science, Falk’s accessible approach is ideal for anyone intrigued by the advances in modern physics but still wondering what theoretical physicists are searching for, and why. Today’s physicists use sophisticated methods, but their goal—the search for simplicity—has not changed since the time of the ancient Greeks. Universe on a T-Shirt is filled with quirky personalities, brilliant minds, and bold ideas—high science and high drama.

"An admirably concise and comprehensive overview of cosmology . . . [that] offers intriguing insights into the philosophic and personal outlooks motivating the scientists involved, from the ancient Greeks through Newton and Einstein . . . [and] Stephen Hawking and Ed Witten.”—Booklist

10.99 In Stock
Universe on a T-Shirt: The Quest for the Theory of Everything

Universe on a T-Shirt: The Quest for the Theory of Everything

by Dan Falk
Universe on a T-Shirt: The Quest for the Theory of Everything

Universe on a T-Shirt: The Quest for the Theory of Everything

by Dan Falk

eBook

$10.99  $17.99 Save 39% Current price is $10.99, Original price is $17.99. You Save 39%.

Available on Compatible NOOK devices, the free NOOK App and in My Digital Library.
WANT A NOOK?  Explore Now

Related collections and offers

LEND ME® See Details

Overview

No scientific quest is as compelling as the search for the key to understand the universe—the elusive unified “Theory of Everything”—a theory so concise it could fit on a T-shirt. Lively and thought-provoking, Universe on a T-Shirt tells the fascinating story of the search for the Holy Grail of physics.

Dan Falk places this intriguing story in its historical context, tracing the quest from ancient Greece to the breakthroughs of Newton, Maxwell, and Einstein, to the excitement over string theory and today’s efforts to merge quantum theory with general relativity. With as much emphasis on history as on science, Falk’s accessible approach is ideal for anyone intrigued by the advances in modern physics but still wondering what theoretical physicists are searching for, and why. Today’s physicists use sophisticated methods, but their goal—the search for simplicity—has not changed since the time of the ancient Greeks. Universe on a T-Shirt is filled with quirky personalities, brilliant minds, and bold ideas—high science and high drama.

"An admirably concise and comprehensive overview of cosmology . . . [that] offers intriguing insights into the philosophic and personal outlooks motivating the scientists involved, from the ancient Greeks through Newton and Einstein . . . [and] Stephen Hawking and Ed Witten.”—Booklist


Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781611454604
Publisher: Skyhorse Publishing
Publication date: 05/01/2013
Sold by: Barnes & Noble
Format: eBook
Pages: 256
File size: 3 MB

About the Author

Dan Falk is an award-winning science writer and broadcaster who has received the prestigious Science in Society Journalism Award from the National Association of Science Writers and the Science Writing Award in Physics and Astronomy from the American Institute of Physics for his documentary work. He is also the author of In Search of Time: The History, Physics, and Philosophy of Time. He lives in Toronto, Canada.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments viii

Note to the Reader x

Introduction 1

Shadows and Light: The Greek World and the Beginning of Science 7

A New Vision: The Copernican Revolution 25

Heaven and Earth: Galileo, Newton, and the Birth of Modern Science 48

Flashes of Insight: Electricity, Magnetism, and Light 71

Relativity, Space, and Time: Einstein's Revolution 88

Quantum Theory and Modern Physics: Things Get Even Weirder 117

Tying Up Loose Ends: String Theory to the Rescue? 149

What Does It All Mean?: Science, God, and the Limits of Understanding 183

Epilogue 209

Afterword 216

Recommended Reading 225

Endnotes 229

Credits 247

Index 250

From the B&N Reads Blog

Customer Reviews