Rating: 
Summary: An Introduction to Hyperspace
Review: This is an odyssey into the history of development of the concept of hyperspace that includes fourth and higher spatial dimensions to account for the riddles and unsolved problems of unified field theory. Since the postulation of special theory of relativity, Einstein and subsequent physicists until now have struggled to explain the four natural forces; the electromagnetic force (explained by Maxwell's field equations for electricity & magnetism); the strong and weak nuclear forces (explained by Yang - Mills field equations for subatomic forces); and the gravitational force (explained by Einstein's field equations of gravitation and relativity) by one unified field theory (theory of everything: String Theory). In other words, unifying the forces of the big, the cosmos, and the laws of the small, the microcosm (subatomic forces) by one single theory. The first part of the book describes how laws of nature become so simple to understand if higher dimensions are invoked; the author gives us a good historical background to build his case for hyperspace concept. The second part of the book describes the evolution of quantum mechanics and String theory. An introduction to wormholes, black holes and the use of these cosmic bodies for interstellar travel is given in the third part. The fourth part rambles through the future of the universe with irrelevant and some times out of focus narrative. The book is entirely free of physics and mathematics; from the point of understanding the basic concepts this approach is welcome. This book also gives an insight into the poignant story of Riemann (p.42) and Ramanujan (p.174) who sustained enormous personal and family hardships to contribute significantly in the field of mathematics. We also get a glimpse of academic rat race that involves professional rivalry, name & work recognition, and personal ego that is prevalent in academics. This is illustrated when Einstein delays Kaluza's paper for publication for 2 years (p.102). Bohr calling Pauli's lecture crazy (p.137); Sheldon Glashow ridiculing t'Hooft's work (p.121); a superior discouraging Mahahiko Suzuki's publication about Euler's Beta function (p.161); and Pauli being furious about Eisenberg's claim, Einstein - Bohr argument, and Schrodinger frustrated with Bohr's interpretation (p.261). The author rambles about symmetry in arts; what is that got to do with hyperspace? The reader can find this discussion in any art book. Time travel has been described in layman's language in many books in depth; this discussion is unnecessary for this book. Throughout the book, the author refers to standard model and the equations of quantum mechanics as ugly; Equations are not ugly, they are complex or non-symmetrical. The author could have devoted one chapter to describing the field equations in layman's terms; it would have helped a more enthusiastic reader to build a bridge to physics and tensor calculus. The reader should not be discouraged about mathematics in understanding relativity; many physicists themselves are heading to the library to learn about mathematics in String theory (Part 2). More appropriate title of the book could be hyperspace - a historical development of String theory. Despite the minor concerns, this book has strong points as observed above. I encourage the reader to buy this book; if you are not happy with this book, it is less than two-lunch money (page numbers from 1994 edition).
Rating: 
Summary: Beyond Space and Time: A Hyperspace Odyssey
Review: =====> This book, as author Dr. Michio Kaku says, "is about a scientific revolution created by the theory of hyperspace, which states that dimensions exist beyond the commonly accepted four of space and time." As a result, Kaku explores the world of geometry and space-time--that is, he explores the invisible universe. This book makes accessible to the general but intelligent reader the fascinating research on hyperspace theory. Scientifically, the hyperspace theory goes by other names such as Kaluza-Klein theory and supergravity. But in its most advanced form, it's called superstring theory. This theory predicts the precise number of dimensions: ten. This book, which has a main narrative of about 330 pages, is divided into four parts: Part one (four chapters) develops the early history of hyperspace (which began in the mid-1800s), emphasizing the theme that the laws of nature become simpler when expressed in higher dimensions. For example, in space-time, the laws of gravity and electromagnetic radiation (such as light) each obey a different physics and a different mathematics. However, if a fifth dimension is added to the space-time continuum, then the equations "governing light and gravity appear to merge together like two pieces of a jigsaw puzzle." The main conclusion of this part is that space-time is inadequate or "too small" to describe the forces that shape our universe. When expressed in higher dimensions, however, there is "enough room" to explain these forces. The second part (five chapters) elaborates on part one's conclusion emphasizing that the hyperspace theory may be able to unify the four fundamental physical forces of nature (as well as their collection of subatomic particles) into one major theory (the so-called "Theory of Everything"), a unification that Einstein was unable to achieve. Hyperspace theory suggests the possibility that everything we see around us (such as trees, mountains, and stars) is nothing but vibrations. "If this is true, then this gives us an elegant, simple, and geometric means of providing a coherent and compelling description of the entire universe." Part three (three chapters) explores the possibility that, under extreme circumstances, space may be stretched until it rips and tears. From this, we get the concept of "wormholes" or tunnels that link distant parts of space and time. Thus, time travel via time machines that exploit these tunnels may be possible. Cosmologists have proposed the possibility that our universe is only one among an infinite number of parallel universes. By analyzing Einstein's equations, they have shown that there might exist a web of wormholes that connect these universes. Although theoretical, hyperspace travel may eventually provide the most practical application of all: to save intelligent life, including ours, from the death of the universe by collapse. In the last seconds of our universe's death, intelligent life may escape this collapse by going into hyperspace. The last part (three chapters) concludes with a final, practical question: If hyperspace theory is proven to be correct, then when will we be able to harness its power? Answer: when our civilization develops the technical capability that enables us to harness the immense energy required for manipulating space-time or hope for contact with an advanced technical civilization that has already mastered hyperspace. (Included in this book is a good discussion on extraterrestrial civilizations.) In the meantime, we can calculate the precise energy needed to create a "time-warp" (where space and time are twisted into a "pretzel") or to create wormholes that link distant parts of our universe. This book ends by speculating on the level of technology that's needed for us to perform these feats, a technology that will make us "masters of hyperspace." This is a history book, a storybook (that contains both true and hypothetical stories), a physics book, a mathematics book, and a book of scientific speculation. All physics and mathematics is explained by analogy and with good diagrams. This book as a whole is enjoyable to read but I found it necessary to slow down sometimes to grasp some major concepts. The only prerequisite needed to read this book, in my opinion, is the ability to visualize and to have an appreciation for the power of physics and mathematics. Finally, I recognize that some theories presented in this book have advanced since its 1994 publication but I feel that this book is an excellent starting point to become familiar with key concepts that are needed to understand more advanced topics. In conclusion, Kaku's final words in the book are as follows: "Some people seek meaning in life through personal gain, through personal relationships, or through personal experiences. However, it seems to me that being blessed with the intellect to [understand] the ultimate secrets of nature gives meaning in life." This book exposes some of those "secrets of nature" and makes them understandable. Thus I urge you to go beyond space-time and experience the hyperspace odyssey. <=====>
Rating:
Summary: A Rambling Tour of Modern Phsyics
Review: This book was written ten years ago but it still holds up well. Michio Kaku examines the theories of multi-dimensional space in an entertaining and educational book. His explanations are so clear that 10-dimensional space actually made sense. The book is somewhat a rambling adventure. Kaku takes us on a tour, introducing us to an interesting cast of characters including the sad story of Georg Bernhard Riemann who developed key equations for analyzing multi-dimensional space in the 1800's. The tour differs from a typical physics book in that instead of giving us the basic lecture of the advance of physics, Kaku approaches everything from a slightly different angle. In trying to help us understand multi-dimensional space, he looks not just at science but in art and literature. To emphasize a point he might explain it using something from his own career or from a science fiction story. The main problem with the book is that the author does tend to get off topic and ramble at certain points in the book. Stories about what an intelligent culture might do as the Universe ends doesn't really fit into the flow of the book and since we really have no idea how the Universe will end, it all seemed a bit pointless. I started to get the idea that Kaku had a number of pages in mind and was trying to fill the book with a lot of different ideas he has had floating around to reach that number. But don't let me scare you away. At least two-thirds of this book is brilliant writing that will make you think, help you understand modern theories of physics, and entertain you. I can forgive the author's ramblings when he provides that much in a few hundred pages.
Rating:
Summary: Beyond the Third Dimension
Review: Everyone of us were born to comprehend the 3-dimensional world that we live in, and most of us would view time as the forth. In "Hyperspace", Kaku introduces the concept of dimensions beyond the third, and what these dimensions mean to us. Apart from talking about the possibilities of deriving a unified theory of all physical laws in higher dimensions, wormholes were also described in details as to how they could be used for travelling between different dimensions and universes, and more interestingly, how they could be used to travel through time. Most of the concepts were backed by examples and stories (including those of Kaku's childhood memories) which, not only allows the readers to easily grasp them, but also makes them more interesting to follow. However, one may start to wonder how on earth could Kaku's parents allow (and assist) their child to perform such horrific experiments! This book was written primarily for the general public. Having said this, some moderate background and interests in physics are necessary, but then again you probably wouldn't be reading this review to start with if you weren't interested in "Hyperspace", right? To sum up, I would definitely recommend this book for anyone who wants to find out more about the higher dimensions. Although there were occasions when I felt that Kaku has gone into too much details on the stories he quoted, which themselves could have been another interesting read if I wasn't told of the endings...
Rating:
Summary: Great Book
Review: VERY GOOD book written by the extremely smart and well-rounded scientist. Very easy to follow.
Rating:
Summary: An effective and truly genius approach!
Review: Michio Kaku does an excellent job of mixing a touch of history and introductory ideas with detailed and concrete physics information. Packed with a sort of "timeline" approach to the changing world of physics, from the "mainstream" ideas of Einstein, Newton and Maxwell to newer ideas such as string theory and the multiverse. An excellent addition to any physics library, this book will broaden your physics vocabulary and knowledge of physics history ; including its influences on society and the art world alike. Sure to open up new dimensions of thought in an easy-to-understand format.
Rating:
Summary: Beyond Space and Time: A Hyperspace Odyssey
Review: =====> This book, as author Dr. Michio Kaku says, "is about a scientific revolution created by the theory of hyperspace, which states that dimensions exist beyond the commonly accepted four of space and time." As a result, Kaku explores the world of geometry and space-time--that is, he explores the invisible universe. This book makes accessible to the general but intelligent reader the fascinating research on hyperspace theory. Scientifically, the hyperspace theory goes by other names such as Kaluza-Klein theory and supergravity. But in its most advanced form, it's called superstring theory. This theory predicts the precise number of dimensions: ten. This book, which has a main narrative of about 330 pages, is divided into four parts: Part one (four chapters) develops the early history of hyperspace (which began in the mid-1800s), emphasizing the theme that the laws of nature become simpler when expressed in higher dimensions. For example, in space-time, the laws of gravity and electromagnetic radiation (such as light) each obey a different physics and a different mathematics. However, if a fifth dimension is added to the space-time continuum, then the equations "governing light and gravity appear to merge together like two pieces of a jigsaw puzzle." The main conclusion of this part is that space-time is inadequate or "too small" to describe the forces that shape our universe. When expressed in higher dimensions, however, there is "enough room" to explain these forces. The second part (five chapters) elaborates on part one's conclusion emphasizing that the hyperspace theory may be able to unify the four fundamental physical forces of nature (as well as their collection of subatomic particles) into one major theory (the so-called "Theory of Everything"), a unification that Einstein was unable to achieve. Hyperspace theory suggests the possibility that everything we see around us (such as trees, mountains, and stars) is nothing but vibrations. "If this is true, then this gives us an elegant, simple, and geometric means of providing a coherent and compelling description of the entire universe." Part three (three chapters) explores the possibility that, under extreme circumstances, space may be stretched until it rips and tears. From this, we get the concept of "wormholes" or tunnels that link distant parts of space and time. Thus, time travel via time machines that exploit these tunnels may be possible. Cosmologists have proposed the possibility that our universe is only one among an infinite number of parallel universes. By analyzing Einstein's equations, they have shown that there might exist a web of wormholes that connect these universes. Although theoretical, hyperspace travel may eventually provide the most practical application of all: to save intelligent life, including ours, from the death of the universe by collapse. In the last seconds of our universe's death, intelligent life may escape this collapse by going into hyperspace. The last part (three chapters) concludes with a final, practical question: If hyperspace theory is proven to be correct, then when will we be able to harness its power? Answer: when our civilization develops the technical capability that enables us to harness the immense energy required for manipulating space-time or hope for contact with an advanced technical civilization that has already mastered hyperspace. (Included in this book is a good discussion on extraterrestrial civilizations.) In the meantime, we can calculate the precise energy needed to create a "time-warp" (where space and time are twisted into a "pretzel") or to create wormholes that link distant parts of our universe. This book ends by speculating on the level of technology that's needed for us to perform these feats, a technology that will make us "masters of hyperspace." This is a history book, a storybook (that contains both true and hypothetical stories), a physics book, a mathematics book, and a book of scientific speculation. All physics and mathematics is explained by analogy and with good diagrams. This book as a whole is enjoyable to read but I found it necessary to slow down sometimes to grasp some major concepts. The only prerequisite needed to read this book, in my opinion, is the ability to visualize and to have an appreciation for the power of physics and mathematics. Finally, I recognize that some theories presented in this book have advanced since its 1994 publication but I feel that this book is an excellent starting point to become familiar with key concepts that are needed to understand more advanced topics. In conclusion, Kaku's final words in the book are as follows: "Some people seek meaning in life through personal gain, through personal relationships, or through personal experiences. However, it seems to me that being blessed with the intellect to [understand] the ultimate secrets of nature gives meaning in life." This book exposes some of those "secrets of nature" and makes them understandable. Thus I urge you to go beyond space-time and experience the hyperspace odyssey. <=====>
Rating:
Summary: A Wealth of Scientific Knowledge
Review: When I bought this book, I expected to read a book that focused on cosmology, quantum theory, relativity, and the like. What I found was a treasure trove of scientific history, facts, and knowledge. Michio Kaku is a venerable walking encyclopedia of science! I was thrilled with the immense diversity and breadth of scientific discussions and information presented in this book. Kaku covers cosmology, quantum theory, superstring theory, relativity, mathematics, the extinction of the dinosaurs, wormholes and blackholes, time travel, numerous scientific and mathematical achievements and achievers, and a plethora of related (and, sometimes, seemingly unrelated) topics! This book is written in terms even readers with a very basic, fundamental knowledge of math and science can understand. It is not a difficult read; it is entertaining, informative, interesting, and lively. I highly recommend this book for anyone who has even the remotest interest in any branch of mathematics or physics.
Rating: 
Summary: A little on the fluffy side
Review: Although "Hyperspace" is fairly easy to read, and does have some interesting ideas in it, it's a little light on the science compared to other books I've read. That might be due to the fact that the subject matter is still in the theoretical stage. But, still, much of the book is anecdotal and many of the analogies used to explain the main theories are repetitive and off-subject. Plus, the book (and the information inside) is pretty out of date. Kaku often refers to things that might happen by the year 2000. This book is more useful for light reading than for really learning about unification theories and multi-dimensional universe models.
Rating:
Summary: Perect Balance Between Ease to read and technicality
Review: I loved this book and continue to go back and read a section or two. It was very thought provoking, yet easy enough to pick up and read. I have to say worth checking out if you are at all interested in this subject matter. One of the best I have ever read.
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