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Summary: Scientific Literacy
Review: In the modern era, natural science is more than a lot of abstract thoughts and boring jargon--it is a leader of society. Newton's theory of physics, Darwin's theory of evolution, Heisenberg's uncertainty principle--all have changed the way we think about the world, influenced other disciplines, and ultimately changed society. Because of this profound effect science has on society, it is important for the general public to understand the ideas and development of science. Unfortunately, it becomes increasingly difficult to do so as science becomes more specialized and technical. Enter Stephen Hawking and 'A Brief History of Time.' The book is one of many great books that increase scientific literacy for ordinary people like me. Only someone who fully understands the basic concepts of theoretical physics could put it into clear and easy prose as Hawking does. He outlines the progress of theoretical physics and the theories that attempt to describe the universe, all in plain English. Hawking paints a picture of the universe--its beginning, its end, the direction of time, black holes-- with the wonder and curiosity of the child plus the style and confidence of a brilliant mind. One of the most brilliant minds in this century, as a matter of fact. The final sentence about knowing the mind of God--"the ultimate triumph of human reason"--reminded me of that timeless scene in the Bible where the serpent convinces Adam and Eve to eat the apple. Figuratively (*figuratively*) , that triumph is what we left Eden for. We have left Paradise for unknown horizons, for questions instead of answers, for a world of wonders. That quest is what A Brief History of Time is about. Do yourself a favor and read this book.
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Summary: The Simple Way to Know More About Our Universe
Review: We have probably all heard of the Big Bang, and all came across black holes in science fictions, but how many of us actually know the theories behind them? Of course, one could go about attending universities and studying tons of equations, etc. to get to know about them, but for the majority of us, a much easier way would be to read this book. Stephen Hawking is recognised as one of the most brilliant theoretical physicists since Einstein, yet at the same time he is gifted to put down what he knows in such a way to allow the lay readers with only the minimum knowledge of physics to understand. As the title suggests, Hawking explains to us in a non-verbose way the evolution of human's knowledge of the Universe, and what role "time" plays in it. Other concepts like black holes and string theories are also covered to a suitable level. In this edition, a new chapter on wormholes and time travelling has been added. Even if you have read this book before, it will be worthwhile to pick this book up again just to update yourself on the new information provided in this chapter.
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Summary: Perfect!
Review: Knowing St. Hawking, we know a physics genious... But after reading this book, we know a great guy! A brilliant writer, with a lovely sense of humour! This book of his is probably worth to be for easy-reading physics books what the Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings are for Fantasy literature! Hawking touches nearly every subject there is to be touched in classic and modern physics, from black holes to time travel, and from wormholes to the Great Unified Theory attempts, he manages to explain it all, and does so in a language that is practically amusing and fun to read! I'd recommend this book to anyone (and I *DO* mean anyone) who's even a little bit interested in knowing how our World works!
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Summary: Well explained and interesting!
Review: This book is very interesting for people who are curious about black holes, the big bang, the big crunch, gravity, the theory of relativity, and many other things. Stephen Hawkings did an excellent job of bringing together so many ideas and putting them in terms that the average person can understand. I enjoyed reading it, despite the fact that I read it during my summer vacation and I'm supposed to try not to learn anything then.
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Summary: Serious sci-fi.
Review: I enjoyed reading this short, non mathematical, history by probably the most well publicised of today's scientific gurus. It was interesting to note how so much of the current elements of sci-fi with regard to black holes, warped space, and so on, are more than sixty years old; and that, the two keystones for all of this, Einstein and Hiesenberg, weren't singing from the same hymn sheet. This lack of agreement like the lack of agreement of whether electromagnetic phenomena are waves or particles falls prey to the dubious justification of observation in our three dimensional realm of existence, making Stephen Hawking's book little more than a veneer of credibility on matters that are essentially conjecture. This book is really a raking over of well known theories, presented in a jaunty style, but with nothing to add by way of clarification. It still hits the buffers, as does everybody else, when it has to deal with explaining, in plain language, the finite, the infinite, and how mass and energy are related to these two extremes. Perhaps a mathematical treatment of incomprehensible complexity is the answer to these shortcomings. But as the journalist Barry Fox once wrote (and I paraphrase): If someone has to show me the math to justify themselves I know they're bluffing.
Rating: 
Summary: A thoughtful book
Review: Since todays science is focused upon external events it becomes a mechanistic science. Therefore Stephens involvment of a conceptualized creator fails. The concept fails at these points. The creator to be an external entity setting up the expected parameters then hitting the create-button wich would make the universes evolvment according to the parameters originally set. Stephens argument of a universe without beginning excludes this creator due to Stephens own concept of the creator. Tho' this book gives a good idea about how the universe proceeds according to thought rules, but could have been more clear upon our own interpretation with our surrounding world. Since we are the thinkers of this world, God would be the concept among those thoughts, but there we also tend to distinct ourself from that source... wich seems irrational.
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Summary: Extrodinarily Refreshing Scientific Text
Review: Before reading this book, I had heard much about how Stephen Hawking is one of the most, if not the most brilliant mind living today. This book is without a doubt proof, as he gracefully is able to bring such massively complex topics into understandable terms for virtually anyone willing to play with the ideas to understand. I expected a voyage through difficult material, but i was pleasantly suprised by the good style of the writing and the appropriate interjections of opinion that accompanied it. Gradually as we move through time with the book the material gets more complicated, but try and understand these concepts anywhere else unless you have a firm foundation in physics. This is a literary monument, and a throughly enjoyable and satisfying trip through modern physics. Refreshing in its approach, enlighting with its delivery of the content.
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Summary: The Cosmos, explained by a master
Review: A Brief History of Time was first recommended to me this summer as a preface to my cosmology course that I am taking this year as a senior in High School. I am also in the midst of my second year of high school Physics. I just finished A Brief History on my third attempt to read it. The first time I only made it to chapter 2; the second time, I made it to about 6, but this time I finally made it through all 11. Hawking is one of the greatest physicists and cosmologists of the late 20th century, and that much is evident in reading his book. Hawking discusses topics of black holes, time travel, the history of the universe, and the large-scale structure of the cosmos. Although Hawking gives a very thourough and informative picture of modern day cosmology and physics, he often gives a slightly TOO complete picture. He also tends to jump right into many of the topics with little or no introduction, leaving the reader lost behind. Hawking's book is a great explanation of the cosmos as we see it today. However, this book is by no means for the faint of heart. Also, I would not recommend this book to anyone without a signifigant knowledge of general physics and cosmology. However, if you're ready for a thick read, jump right in!
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Summary: Truly fascinating
Review: "A Brief History of Time" is an absolute masterpiece in scientific writing. Stephen Hawking is amazing in his ability to explain the extremely complex theories of Physics in such a simple and interesting fashion. A must read for everyone.
Rating:
Summary: A Must Read
Review: This an excellent book for anyone who is interested Science
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