Books most popular in the United States●Astronomy

Release date: 1995-05-16 $15.99

Comments

1. Outstanding!!! - I got this book not long after its release because I had similar questions about why so many civilizations around the world would have decided to build enigmatic and very difficult to engineer, pyramids. This book is an ancient mysteries bible that gets the mind going in so many interesting directions concerning the REAL history of the world! Brilliant!
2023-02-23

2. Searching for Answers - In short, Hancock has done his research and this book reflects that. His seemingly endless and fantastically intriguing references led to a compelling argument that blew my mind every pages. I definitely recommend this book and plan on reading it through again in the near future.
2013-06-27

Release date: 1988-03-01 $9.99

Comments

1. Mind bending revelation of our universe - One of the best books that explains the complexities of our universe in an extremely digestible manner. The elegance of the writing is evident from the very beginning. Without getting into mathematical depths Stephen Hawking is able to simplify the reasoning behind some of the most fundamental principles in the world of quantum physics, theory of relativity and black holes! Buckle up and enjoy the ride!
2020-11-29

2. Review of A Brief History of Time - I enjoyed reading this book although it took me some time as there is quite a bit to absorb. I appreciate that while Hawking is a well known atheist he actually spends very little time discussing God. In fact, it is not until the last chapter that he really has anything to say about God at all. Even then he doesn’t draw the conclusion that God had nothing to do with the creation of the universe. Hawking seems content to let the reader draw his own conclusions. I can’t say that after reading this book I am now an expert on the origins of the universe, and that’s okay. That was never the point of the book to begin with. Hawking simply sets up a road map showing where the current theories of physics came from and possible destinations as to where science in general and physics in particular is taking us. I can see me reading more of Hawking’s books should the opportunity present itself.
2018-06-23

3. Brilliantly written - You don’t have to be a physics geek or a member of mensa to appreciate the brilliant mind behind this book. Read this book if you want a greater understanding the universe, time and what makes it all go around. When you’re done reading it, you may find yourself going back a month or two later to pick up a thread, that’s how good it is. Hawking had a great mind, a strong spirit, and a sense of humility that will leave you laughing in parts. He lost as many bets as he won and some of the payouts were scandalously funny.
2018-06-19

4. A brief history of time - A MUST READ BOOK, WRITTEN BY ARGUABLY THE SMARTEST MAN EVER TO BE BORN AND LIVE ON PLANET EARTH!!! Albert Einstein, I believe is almost as brilliant, but Hawking's can put impossible to fathom and comprohend thoughts and theories into lamen's terms. That way, AVERAGE or SLIGHTLY SMARTER THAN AVERAGE people can understand and hold onto these ideas in their minds without fear of forgetting or misunderstanding them seconds after reading them...... GET AND READ THIS BOOK, THEN PASS ALONG TO A FRIEND !!!!!! William Bowers --
2012-04-07

Release date: 2020-09-08 $1.99

Release date: 2021-01-26 $12.99

Release date: 2014-01-07 $14.99

Comments

1. Mind expanding - This is a great read and is one of my favorite books of it's type. The author has a real talent for explaining complicated physics to the educated layman. I have read many similar books by Brian Greene, Lawrence Krauss, Paul Davis and Sean Carroll. Tegmark's perspective is even more "way out there". However, he really brings it home nicely in the last chapter and explains the significance of life. I highly recommend this book. Read it with an open mind.
2014-08-03

2. Review - This book is a beautifully engaging exploration of the standard model of modern physics and what might lie beyond. I found it personally enjoying to explore Max's ideas about a mathematical reality because of my own musings on the subject and appreciate the risky attempt by him to bring light to these exciting and amazing ideas.
2014-03-02

Release date: 2017-03-21 $13.99

Release date: 2020-04-07 $13.99

Release date: 2020-02-18 $13.99

Comments

1. Thoroughly Terrifying and Riveting! - This is definitely not bedtime reading. What Professor Greene has achieved is nothing short of astonishing. I am not a trained scientist but do possess an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. I found this work to be thoroughly terrifying yet riveting, as are the absolute best mysteries ever written. The author writes with the accuracy of the devoted scientist yet communicates with the delicacy of a poet. I am already confident that reading “Until the End of Time” will stand as one of the most transformative experiences of my life - however long that may be.
2020-05-14

Release date: 2011-10-04 $20.99

Release date: 2010-09-07 $14.99

Comments

1. M-theory gravity space energy Nothing caused the universe spontaneously - Multiverse M-theory (with no evidence that it exists or of what caused it) law of gravity (a law can not cause anything) space filled vacuum energy (which is not nothing) nothing caused the universe spontaneously. It’s not surprising the book claimed philosophy is dead. Common sense & philosophers are exposing the contradictions, false arguments & conclusions & the total lack of evidence for the multi-verse or the space filled vacuum energy from before the universe’s beginning. Only an atheist who needs to believe that the universe came from mindlessness to validate their atheist faith will believe such selfcontradictory nonsense coated in scientic jargon. What caused the multiverse? What caused the space filled vacuum energy? What caused the law of gravity? How does nothing (the absence of anything/non-being) cause a universe? Where is the evidence of the multiverse/space filled vacuum energy? If you can propose a M-theory without any evidence then you can also propose a SM-theory (Super Mind theory ie a super intelligent mind beyond the universe caused the universe) without evidence. What’s the difference?
2016-03-21

2. A great opportunity - Reading this book was a great opportunity for me to refresh my thoughts about the fundamentals of physics, something not so easy to do even within the best circles of friends. Thank you for taking your time to put all these ideas together! Mary de Sa : Science teacher in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
2012-01-15

3. Very interesting read - If you're interested in physics and the origin an workings of the universe, then you'll love this book. Complex quantum physics theories are toned down in order to grasp the general ideas although I believe a general knowledge of physics is still required to follow along. Still not an easy read but definitely worth taking the time to understand the concepts. I highly enjoyed it.
2011-05-03

4. Read this when I was - Great book. His depictions of scientific experiments is amazing. Unlike "A Brief History of Time", he doesn't make stretches for the possibility of some scientific ideas. I also was strongly convinced by his description of the multiverse theory. His discussion of the dimensions wasn't very passionate in comparison to his other discussions. I am taking a liking to the M-theory, but I have troubles going after ideas with little to no evidence. Must be why I'm an atheist.
2011-04-30

5. A comprehensible glimpse into thinking leading up to M-theory - ...but definitely challenging at times as a few of the ideas were a little too conceptual for someone like me who was a science major way back in the th century it seems ( dimensions? Of course!). I am hoping that time away from it then a second read will help close the % (ok %) or so that I struggled with. That said, overall a very enjoyable and stimulating read, with many efforts to simplify and use examples, analogies, with some monty python moments thrown in.
2011-03-23

Release date: 2023-05-09 $16.99

Release date: 2019-04-02 $2.99

Release date: 2016-04-05 $2.99

Release date: 2023-02-14 Genre:Science & Nature $19.99

Release date: 2009-12-15 Genre:Science & Nature $15.99

Release date: 2022-04-04 $7.99

Comments

1. A conversational guide rich in information and infectious in enthusiasm - Gordon Telepun shares the best of his fascination with eclipses in a format that I really enjoy. A novice wondering what’s so special about an eclipse will get a clear answer here and an expert will gain from Gordon’s time spent learning the nuances of eclipses.
2023-02-15

2. More Than Just Totality - I had the pleasure to observe the solar eclipse with Dr. Telepun’s group. He made the early stages of the eclipse interesting, right up to the final fascinating thing, observing shadow bands! This book reminds me of that “eclipse day” and all the things I enjoyed as an observer only. This book is great for novices like me. But for those who want details there is more here than you can imagine. I am not an eclipse photographer, but when I skim that information in the book I can tell it’s comprehensive. My advice is to get it now and start preparing for ! LC
2022-08-03

Release date: 2012-01-10 $14.99

Comments

1. Something from nothing - The question of why there’s anything at all is anxiety inducing to say the least. In this book, the author makes a compelling argument that something is a natural progression from nothing. While the matter may not be settled, this gives a clear line of reasoning for why there is something naturally.
2021-11-16

2. A Great Book! - This book definitely kept me reading. The topic is facinating and the author lays out facts in a way that keeps you wanting to know what’s on the next page. And although it is a very technical topic, this book was written so that the common man (like me) can easily understand what he is saying.
2013-10-25

3. Proof in the pudding - Krauss lays out clearly what we actually know. Flights of fancy, personal opinions and discussion on religion all report for duty, but that isn't the meat here. The lesson is that in our human dive to know it all, what is out there - is out there, with or without us and unrelated to our stubborn belief in mathematical beauty or easy answers. The universe doesn't care if we understand or not. While some of the science is hard to swallow, it's the truth, it's happening and if we don't like what we find? As Feynman said, "Go to another universe where the rules are simpler."
2013-02-04

4. Somethin for Nothin - Mr. Krauss' book for the most part explained to a layman like me a lot of the intricacies relating to empty space, inflation, relativity and much more. And it was done in an enjoyable format. Two books that compliment his arguments would be Irreligion by John Allen Paulos, a very short but to the point logical presentation against some of the arguments Krauss mentions about reasons to believe, or not believe, in a supreme clockmaker. The second book, The Infinity Puzzle by Frank Close, gives an outstanding presentation of how science got from Bohr to The Higgs particle, presenting all the key players and their contributions.
2013-01-15

5. Another great one! - I find it hilarious how one reviewer states how Krauss should stick to what he knows and not talk about subjects he knows nothing about (god). As if there is one person on this earth who knows more about that subject than any other, you wouldn't say the same for the tooth fairy, would ya? As far as the content, there aren't many scientists who have the ability to convey their wealth of knowledge to the lay person as Dr Krauss can. A fascinating read. Buy it, read it, and learn your true orgins.
2012-07-16

6. A conclusion from nothing! - The author offers many exciting and interesting theories about the Universe which are fun to read and ponder. However, he uses his interesting theories in a sophomoric attempt to disprove that God exists. The parts of his book about God are like reading a movie review by a critic who has never seen the movie he is reviewing. The author should stick to what he knows about instead of wandering off into areas he actually knows very little about. His conclusions are meaningless because he obviously has a very limited knowledge base about the subject he is criticizing.
2012-02-24

7. Must Read - Let the philosophers and theologians complain all they want. Krauss does not make the mistake of getting bogged down too much in the philosophical side of "nothing". Instead he concerns himself with the reality of nature and explores how a universes can emerge from empty space. In the process, he gives the reader lots of information on the state of the art of astrophysics. This book contains scientific information. No, it doesn't point to a Creator, but so what? I want to know the true nature of the universe. Thank you Mr. Krauss for making this information accessible to the general public.
2012-02-19

8. Interesting, funny - The book is very interesting and funny. The comment Krauss made about not asking American high school students a previous reviewer mentioned was funny if you knew that American high school students don't rank well internationally. It was a joke! Lighten up people. Some of the book was a little dense and hard to understand, but reading the book was well worth it because a lot of the information is really amazing. Please physicists, find out more because I am dying to know these unanswered questions of the universe.
2012-02-01

Release date: 2021-03-02 $13.99

Comments

1. Great telling of a story we need right now - Rocket science really is rocket science. Rocket scientists really are people, just very smart and dedicated. Read this story. It will make you feel good about what is possible with dedicated people and inspiring leaders (with a lot of money to get started). It’s about putting it all on the line and pulling together to reach goals “everyone” said weren’t possible. It’s a story about a team, in all the best ways.
2021-09-25

2. Wonderful and engaging - Everything about this book is amazing. The story is compelling, the real life people are inspiring, and the writing is superb. Reading through this book is like watching the best Netflix documentary. Every paragraph has meaning and is captivating. I normally steer clear of books like this but I could hardly put it down. Honestly I haven’t felt this sad to finish a book in decades because I don’t have anything comparable to read now
2021-04-12

3. Gripping Read - Exceptionally well written account of SpaceX. I found this to be an addictive “Page Turner” in every way as well as a great comparative back drop to lessons and strategies in businesses we’re presently a part of. Definitely recommend this read to anyone fascinated with Elon and Space, but perhaps even more, trying to start or lead a disruptive company or organization.
2021-03-20

Release date: 2013-02-05 $7.99

Release date: 2016-06-20 $44.99

Release date: 2016-10-18 $3.99

Release date: 2021-02-09 Genre:Science & Nature $10.99

Release date: 2018-10-16 $13.99

Comments

1. ANSWERS TO THE BIG QUESTIONS - It is a rare experience to read information in a book, that is new and fresh. I read a lot of non-fiction books for learning and find most of the information is something I already know, but every once in a while I find a gem of new insight and creative thought. STEVEN HAWKING has never disappointed me.
2019-07-26

Release date: 1980-10-12 $14.99

Comments

1. This is the Bible of science - It is the most comprehensive summary ever done for the human endeavor of knowledge. A brilliant point of view in the history of science, it’s contribution to the human societies and civilization, as well as the ways that it should be used im the future, for the prosperity of all the species of planet Earth.
2020-02-20

2. best "popular science" work - This book should be in everyone's library. I would like to see pictures as they appear in the original edition, though I love the book. It truly can be an introductory course in science that you or I would take in college but never know a teacher like Carl Sagan could teach. The reviewers know what they were saying about it when I read it. The best science book of the th century, it is.
2015-10-25

3. No Photos - Description is incorrect - They must've copied the description without looking at the actual digital edition. I'm happy to have the digital edition but THERE ARE NO PHOTOS - there are some maps, but the gorgeous photos in the full color hardback edition are SO not here despite the description that made me want to buy the book. A lesson to look at the reviews before buying. :(
2013-06-19

4. Love it, but... - I love this book, but where are the pictures? Don't get me wrong I am a huge, longtime fan of Sagan's. The thing is I can remember reading and flipping thru this book back when it first came out. I remember all the pics. that should be here but are not. Please please please correct this otherwise you are guilty of false advertising. Either stop claiming are many beautiful pictures in this book or fix it. I would rather have it fixed. Thank you.
2012-11-24

5. No mis-interpretation here.... - Void of censor, Mr. Sagan speaks of what he is taught prior to - upon publication. No, the as-promised images do not appear on our iPads today, BUT, if you are to purchase this to be a picture-book; you are purchasing it for incorrect reasoning. This is a legendary read in the Universal world. Do not dis-credit.
2012-06-28

Release date: 2008-07-07 $10.99

Comments

1. The Black Hole War - A brilliant discussion of the very complicated subject of entropy, energy, gravity, quantuum mechanics and the modern mathematics being developed and applied to address theoretical quantuum gravitiy and the search for a unifiing theory for all of physics. The book traces the fascinating story of thoretical physicists' attempts to understand black holes at a level that demystifies the process that has been imbedded in a very deep mathematical discussion and lost to the public for over twenty years. A must read for anyone with a curious scientific background who want to learn how physics and mathematics has evolved over the last half century.
2016-02-25

2. Great For Enthusiasts - A great book in the sense that it helps us visualize the strange concepts of the complicated physics that it talks about through the use of some clever analogies... If you enjoyed books such as "The Universe In a Nutshell", you're certainly going to like this. It makes us simple humans feel capable of questioning some very advanced physics. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!
2010-07-04

Release date: 1997-06-02 $12.99

Release date: 1992-03-27 $14.99

Release date: 2013-06-18 $10.99

Release date: 2020-09-15 $14.99

Release date: 2023-04-18 $14.99

Release date: 2019-10-08 $24.99

Release date: 2019-05-07 $11.99

Release date: 2019-02-19 $10.99

Release date: 2022-12-07 $0.99

Release date: 2005-09-27 $15.99

Comments

1. Interesting and Simple - When I first saw this book was by Stephen Hawking, you could say I was a bit intimidated. The thing is he actually dumbed it down for average people to be able to understand. And the concepts talked about in the book weren’t simple; there was string theory and he got my mind to think in different viewpoints. Although it was a simple read, it had me really thinking about some interesting concepts, like how did the universe really start? I mean, I didn’t fully grasp quite a few of these concepts, that might be because of his writing or because I’m not scientifically inclined, and I got a bit lost in his words at some points, but it did dumb some things down for me to understand and I appreciate that. Everyone should be able to understand key concepts such as the ones mentioned in this book, and I’m happy to see something that gives normal people this opportunity.
2019-10-07

2. Not really what I expected - Has some interesting parts. Nice and short, thought it would be more scientific I guess. Too many instances of talking in circles. Good overall review of what theories and ideas we've had and have today. If you watch enough science/history channel and have gone on some YouTube binges watching basic physics videos then you've heard this all before.
2015-03-19

Release date: 2012-02-27 $12.99

Comments

1. A Celebration of Space! - Degrasse Tyson cares deeply about our current direction in space exploration. He clearly lays out the history of how our space program got to this place, where its going, and what it means to all of us. His humor and passion are infectious. If you're a space person, you'll love this book. It's time to double NASA's budget to the full penny, light a creative candle under our best talent, and restore our innovation on the forefront of discovery! I came away from the book recognizing the universe expects more of us; you will too.
2012-04-17

Release date: 2004-02-10 $14.99

Release date: 2007-11-17 $11.99

Comments

1. A great book if you're interested astrophysics. - I am a huge fan of Neil Degrasse Tyson and his work in astrophysics, and his work in helping to convey science in a very fun and exciting way. This book in all honesty will help you think about the universe in ways you never expected my whole thinking about the universe is definitely broader after reading this book.
2014-02-22

2. Very very good - One of the best astronomy books I have ever read. I'm not a big astronomy buff but I like to know what's going on, and this book explains things in the scientific terminology then he breaks it down into English. I own the physical book and when I seen it in the book store I had to have.
2011-03-10

Release date: 2017-02-07 $14.99

Comments

1. Arguing for a Human Universe - Here's a science book that is of urgent interest to non-scientists, because it can change the way we live by helping us change the paradigm with which we see the world. Throughout Deepak Chopra's career, he has believed that many aspects of everyday life need to be re-examined. He was proved right when he argued for the mind-body connection thirty years ago, at a time when mainstream medicine either rejected or ridiculed the idea that our thoughts influence our bodies. Mainstream physicists might reject or ridicule the concept that our thoughts influence the cosmos, which is the main theme of this book, but the book was written with physics professor Menas Kafatos, so the science is solid. You Are the Universe means what its title says. The reality we inhabit is shaped by our own experience, and if there is such a thing as another reality apart from our raw experience, we will never know it. And what would it even mean to say reality can be independent of experience? Such a radical thesis puts the physics establishment on notice, using its own methods. The book outlines the key mysteries that physics hasn't solved, such as what came before the big bang, which is like asking what happened before the beginning of time. Chopra and Kafatos are bold enough to broach forbidden and politically incorrect questions like whether there is design of the universe (while strictly distancing themselves from any religious view, especially Intelligent Design). What surprised me is how deep the unsolved mysteries go and how credible a human universe actually is. In the tradition of quantum physics, as the authors point out, physical reality was radically revised, and some of the pioneers of quantum physics seriously doubted the things we take for granted about existence--matter, energy, space, and time--are even remotely like what our common-sense ideas of them are. Solid physical objects, for example, turn into clouds of energy at the quantum level before dissolving into probability waves and finally vanishing into the quantum void. The fact that the universe was born out of nothing--the quantum vacuum--opens the way for describing the pre-created state in many ways. Chopra and Kafatos touch on some of the current theories in physics as well. They point out that modern physics theories provide descriptions that are based on arcane mathematics, such as superstring theory, and which have almost zero empirical evidence to prove the case one way or the other. The same holds true for the fashionable multiverse theory, which theorizes trillions of alternate universes that will never be seen or measured. The authors argue that the pre-created state of existence is consciousness, the source of not only everything physical but everything mental as well. While the idea of a conscious universe may not be new, even among some highly-respected cosmologists, but I don’t believe the case has been made anywhere else so thoroughly and so closely directed at personal transformation. Despite the presence of Chopra's name, this isn't a spiritual book. It is highly readable pop science that exposes the hidden presumptions behind subject-object based knowledge, so that the role and presence of consciousness is recognized for what it is. The authors conclude with a plea for a new paradigm based on this reality that can save the planet and open the door to the next step in human evolution. Higher consciousness won't become widespread, they say, until we absorb a deep yet simple truth. Everything in creation is an activity in consciousness, and we humans sit at the center of a universe tailored to our awareness. We are thus co-creators of our own reality, at this very moment. It's an inspiring and an empowering message, that feels more relevant and urgent than ever.
2017-02-26

Release date: 2006-11-02 $5.99

Comments

1. Sagan... - Once again Sagan brilliantly tries to make us understand that our civilization needs to revise conventional wisdom. Humans need to become more critical minded in order to survive self destruction. An astronomical sized thanks to Ann Druyan for bringing Carl back to the masses! Sagan's statements are more actual than ever! Juan Amestoy Basel Switzerland
2010-08-21

2. Poetic - I won't lie. This is one of my favorite books and I've read it cover to cover many times. When I read Sagan, it feels as if he wrote specifically for me. His style is poetic, insightful, and completely non-offensive, as if he's reciting a lullaby. Actually, it's quite hard to explain. I like this collection of works specifically because one can pick up and read this book with just a few minutes of spare time--the sections are short and concise.
2010-06-27

Release date: 2014-07-08 $11.99

Comments

1. Book review of The Universe - Collection of essays by top-rated scientists and other leading thinkers. The breath of topics is extensive, but some articles were first published several years ago and developments have already surpassed predictions. This is not a criticism, but rather an indicator that progress seems to be advancing ever faster. The authors are among those at the forefront of the advance. We owe them much for their contribution. I still grieve when I recall the abandonment of the Supercollider by Congress. Plato's Republic trumps America democracy, but power will have to be taken from the current political class. They flounder in their crude attempts to hold onto personal power. Donald Trump is a modern barbarian, but mainly reminds that a majority of the population are, by definition, below average in intelligence. If America is to survive, we must put as much effort into redeeming our government as theoretical physicists put into their work.
2017-08-07

2. Awesome - Finally! I have a book that is a little mentally challenging. It is great for updating yourself on new theories in physics. As a science book reader, I'm happy this book is deeper than just stars and relativity, and instead gives an even greater picture of our universe and others around ours-from gravitational fluctuations to dimensional energies.
2014-07-31

3. Fascinating, but... - If you’re seriusly into astronomy and physics and all that universe stuff, its a fascinating book. But fair warning: its not the world’s easiest read. You may find yourself having to go back and re-read chapters because the weighty concepts themselves, coupled with the scientific terminology, may not always slide quickly into your mind like a well lubricated suppository. But the effort is worth it. We know an awful lot about the universe now, and there’s an awful lot we still don;t know, and its fascinating to learn the specifics of both.
2014-07-19

Release date: 2013-09-10 $14.99

Comments

1. A bit disappointing. - The title is misleading. I'd expected to learn more of Dr. Hawking as a person, but relationships and such are peripheral. Much of the book repeats observations and concepts already discussed and displayed in past works. Stephen, we wanted to know you! ,are defined by nothing but your work? How sad for you and your family.
2013-09-15

Release date: 2009-10-06 $6.99

Release date: 2012-02-16 $4.99

Comments

1. I love my baby - I confess to a severe case of bias: I work at Simulation Curriculum, publisher of this book. So of course take everything I say with a grain of salt, right? That said, I'm really proud of this book. I think it is filled with excellent content, is well written and makes really good use of this wonderful new interactive book platform. I'm very curious about whether readers of enhanced iBooks will care that it's meg. It feels like kind of a lot for a book, but that's mostly because of the many multimedia elements, which I do think add a lot of value. Anyway, here we go. I hope you enjoy reading "Backyard Astronomy" as much as we enjoyed making it. - sm
2012-03-10

Release date: 2016-08-23 $2.99

Release date: 2005-10-17 $13.99

Release date: 2015-07-07 $7.99

Comments

1. A wonderful book - Clearly written, concise, educational and endlessly inspiring. The most interesting part for me was about the Mars economics and how our iPhones or whatever we will have then may one day be realistically mass manufactured on that planet, from metals harvested on asteroid nearby. Insane! Much recommended.
2017-04-29

2. Reporting on SpaceX's Mars plans - At first I thought this was an advertisement for Elon Musk's SpaceX plans, but it seems that the author is reporting from the only viable source at this time for how to colonize Mars and why. I wish I had $K to be able to move to Mars or at least be on the first flyby trip for couples - what a great marriage retreat!
2016-12-19

Release date: 2008-12-14 $1.99

Comments

1. Unnecessarily Incomprehensible Due to Poor Use of Language - No-one doubts Professor Susskind’s brilliance as a physicist, but his flaws as a writer and/or philosopher of language make this book, and his main thesis, much harder to understand than necessary. My first recommendation, which I wish I’d known enough to follow, is to read the Note on Terminology and the glossary, at the end of the book, _first_. That might make it easier to follow his deliberate misuses of ordinary English. (I think I at least meet the minimum requirements for this book; I didn’t end up as a physics major, but did reasonably well in undergraduate quantum mechanics and philosophy of quantum mechanics, and graduate electrodynamics.) But even so, note that the glossary does not define some key terms, such as “universe,” though he does define “pocket universe” in terms of it. In particular, I’m still not sure when, and with what term, he’s talking about our universe in what I think is the normal use of the term, i.e. a contiguous volume of space in which the laws of physics (in the normal sense) are constant. He does warn us that he’s violating normal usage when he says “The Laws of Physics are determined by the environment.” I’m not sure if he’s deliberately violating it when he writes “But as we move through the Landscape,” or is simply being sloppy with “move.” And any discussion of any aspect of existence is rendered less clear by his early declaration that “… mean by the term exist is that the object in question can exist theoretically.” There are genuine extreme realists about the existence of other universes, not normally accessible from ours, and with different physical laws, e.g. some modal logicians, and some who believe that quantum computing’s supposed power relies on computations performed partly in those other universes. Such a belief is also helpful for some versions of the Anthropic Principle. I still can’t tell whether Professor Susskind agrees with them.
2020-09-15

Release date: 1979-04-12 $4.99

Release date: 2018-01-23 $13.99

Comments

1. Disappointed - As a lifelong NASA-phile, I had looked forward to reading the book. But the energy of the heroism of the crew, and the determination of the volunteers, is lost in a sea of acronyms and nomenclature, and shrouded in a fog of name-dropping. There are nuggets of information which capture the tragedy and Herculean efforts to bring the crew home and get the shuttles flying again. But this is not light reading.
2021-01-12