A Brief History of Time is a book by physicist Stephen Hawking, published on April 5, 1988. It deals with the nature of time and the universe. A shortened version for popular audiences was simultaneously published. Hawking wrote the book for non-scientists and sought to explain some of the more complex.
For who is this book for ?
It is for people who are interested in theoretical physics and cosmology, but it is also for people who want to know what Stephen Hawking is all about. This book provides a wide-angle look at the universe, from its earliest moments after the Big Bang to black holes, string theory, and beyond. Explaining difficult concepts with generosity of spirit, clarity, and humor (the publisher calls him “the world’s most famous scientist), Hawking leaves us with a lasting understanding of both the universe around us and our place within it.
Pros :
- The author writes in a clear, concise manner that is easy for the average reader to understand.
- The book provides an overview of current thinking on some of the most complex issues facing scientists today.
- It is well written and entertaining, even for those without a scientific background
Cons :
- It is dense and heavy reading.
- It can be difficult to follow for those who are not familiar with complex scientific theories.
- Despite its title, the book does not provide a very brief history of time or the universe.
Learn more about the author
Stephen Hawking was born on January 8, 1942 in Oxford, England. He studied physics at University College and soon became a leading researcher in the field of cosmology (the study of the origins and evolution of the universe). In 1988 he published A Brief History of Time, an international bestseller that has sold more than 10 million copies worldwide.Hawking’s other books include Black Holes and Baby Universes And Other Essays (1994), The Universe in a Nutshell (2001), On The Shoulders Of Giants: My Favorite Scientific Papers And Why I Chose Them (2002) with Leonard Mlodinow, God Created The Integers:The Mathematical Breakthroughs That Changed History(2006),Travelling to Infinity: My Life With Stephen Hawking(2008) also written with his wife Jane Wilde Hawking ,and most recently Into The Darkest Corner : A True Story Of Wrongful Imprisonment And Survival(2011).He is also the author or co-authorof numerous scientific papers.
Reader Reviews
“A Brief History of Time is an enjoyable, easy-to-read introduction to Hawking’s work. Even if you don’t fully understand everything he discusses, you will come away with a greater appreciation for the workings of the universe.”
“This book is mind-blowing!.”
“This book is simply a masterpiece.”
“I enjoyed this book very much. I am not a physicist, but found the descriptions and explanations of concepts to be clear.”
