Rating: 
Summary: Simple explanations for complex problems
Review: I love this book. This was my first introduction to quatum physics. I am NOT a mathmatical kind of guy, so I really appreciated that it was in laymans terms and not in complex mathmatical hieroglyhics.The author takes his time with explaining the very abstract theories and doesnt rush a reader along and leave us in the proverbial dust. I will admit I had to go back and re-read various theories, but none of it escaped me thanks to the fine writing of this writer. If you ever wondered about advanced quatum theories, but were intimidated by the math then this is the book for you.
Rating: 
Summary: Still a classic...
Review: Get it. Read it. Reread it. And then reread it again. I don't know how the scientific community feels about this book ... but it will open the door on a seemingly complicated (and boring, depending no who taught you in school) subject and let the light shine in. If you are looking for a Eureka! experience, this is definitely one way. It is kind of like reading Be Here Now or The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test (forgive the reference to books about the Sixties) as it spins and winds and twists its way through everything and just when you don't feel like you can put anymore information in your head, it all makes sense and you want to shout Hallelujah! Books can do that. This is one of them. Update: The book seems a little dated as the Eastern religion/science phase of understanding in the world has mellowed and has become more grounded but it is still a heck of a ride for the novice/layman. Check out Victor Stenger's book The Unconcsious Quantum for an opposing viewpoint. ...
Rating: 
Summary: Classic in its time, but...
Review: Its time was 1979. That's a long time ago, now there are better books. Zukav's "Wu Li Masters" is a new-age blend of science, pseudo-science, and Eastern philosophy. It does provide an easy-to-understand and not inaccurate account of quantum theory and relativity theory. Zukav is also correct to point out that these theories, especially quantum theory, helped free intellectuals from the chains of mechanistic determinism. He goes much further than this, and he quietly acknowledges that he is going beyond scientific theories.
People who like Deepak Chopra might enjoy Zukav, because the latter is scientifically more careful. But if anyone is really interested in well-explained theoretical physics, without pseudo-scientific and superficial mysticism, Brian Greene's book is better. It is more well-written, well-explained, and up-to-date. If anyone wants a more intellectually respectable treatment of Zukav's concerns, consider Kafatos and Nadeau, "The Conscious Universe."
Rating:
Summary: Good Intro to Quantum Physics/Relativity
Review: As a physics major, I bought this book hoping to gain an insight into the strange world of modern physics. This book is an excellent segway into more advance studies in Physics. The later section of the book is also very philisophical, which is a welcome addition to a subject which has traditionally been very cut-and-dry, matter-of-fact. It is a book which will make you awe at the wonder of the world in which we live. Reading it once, however, is not enough. It is the type of book that allows you to pick it up again in the middle, and re-read a concept that may have mystified you before. I heartily recommend this book.
Rating: 
Summary: Do Not Believe What It Says On The Cover
Review: The amount of inaccurate information in this edition is finite but it does try to reach infinite proportions. This abridged edition should probably be thrown off a bridge. That would be pure enchantment as it states on the cover.
Rating:
Summary: How appropriate this monster was written by Finkelstein.
Review: I have to admit that Gary Zukav is the best reader you can get, as he has the best understanding of what he is trying to say. It is too bad for the abridgment as the book makes great leaps of faith as it is.
Oh, my mistake I thought this was stitched together by Frankenstein not Finkelstein. Talk about gluten for punishment I read this twice. I swear the person that wrote this does not have a TV. I noticed that some reviewers refer to the "New Physics" is that like "New Age"? 90% of the matter must be missing from this book. Or how else can he take physics out of context and make such fantastic leaps to religions that he knows little of. He even twists the religion around to serve some unknown purpose. Many people say they did not understand physics until this book. Surprises, you still do not. You now know what Zukav wished physics was. Take anti-mater for instants that does not mean the opposite of mater. And the relationship between particles has no correlation with the relationship of dogs and cats. At least get it straight before mixing it up. Try some to these: The Ascent of Man by Jacob Bronowski ISBN: 0316109339 The Upanishads by Eknath Easwaran (Editor), Michael N. Nagler (Photographer) ISBN: 0915132397 Or just about any mainstream material on physics and religion. Then if you still want to mix worlds into one read someone saner: The Tao of Physics : An Exploration of the Parallels Between Modern Physics and Eastern Mysticism by Fritjof Capra ISBN: 0877735948
Rating:
Summary: Thumbs Up
Review: Maybe the criticisms below are warranted. I don't know enough about physics to say. But I DO know that I was scared to death of physics, never imagined myself opening a book with that word in the title...but I read this one, and learned about physics, and was pleased that the read was not intimidating. For a book about physics to keep me turning the pages is a major accomplishment.
Rating:
Summary: The Original, and Truly A Classic
Review: The classic text on "Zen and the Art of High Energy Particle Physics". Back before it was popular to write about this stuff, Zukav and Finkelstein set the stage for a mini-genre by drawing tight the strings (pun intended) separating eastern mysticism and quantum physics. A must-have for any armchair cosmologist's library.
Rating:
Summary: That which this book is, is that which is.
Review: This book was recommended to me from a leading physics' professor while I was his student. The book remained on my list-to-read for long time. Having read many popular science authors including Sagan and Hawking, I was interested in the book but was busy reading physic's papers written for physicists. I picked the book up last week and once I got through the first part (which is a little remedial and dry), I couldn't put it down. The book is a great review for people who are already knowledgable in physics and a superb book for the laymen. The most interesting part of the book is the corellation of Buddhist philosophy and "the new physics." Just because this book is over twenty-years old doens't make it irrelevant, many of the topics covered are still being worked on today. The most exciting information is that Zukav plans to write a book completely on the topic of Buddism and physics (although he sure has waited a long time). This book also sparks an interest in the spirit of someone who has no interest in the Western religions but seeks truth through science. According to this book the West is bringing forth truth using science while the East has brought forth the same through philosophy. I would advise everyone to read this book with an open and beginners mind and relinquish all previous notions of what you think physics is.
Rating:
Summary: One of the best books on physics ever written
Review: I've read the other reviews listed here, and am absolutely agahst that anyone could dislike (not to mention detest) this book. Zukav delivers a powerful performance, dancing masterfully to link the seemingly unrelated fields of eastern philosophy and advanced physics. Not only does he do so with great success, he also demonstrates both subjects independently of each other using easy-to-read language and clear, concise examples while never failing to address the wonder inherent in both topics of discussion. His educational essays on physics and philosophy lead up to the grand climax in the last chapter in the book (I won't spoil the surprise, but the last chapter really blew my mind). This book was the first book to turn me on to this kind of subject material, and I have since then begun to explore other works by Stapp, Hawking, Einstein, Feynman, and others. If you're looking for meaning in your world, are curious about your world, or just want to know more about how your world works, this is the book for you.
| 
