The Elegant Universe : Superstrings, Hidden Dimensions, and the Quest for the Ultimate Theory

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Summary: I loved this book!
Review: As a physics novice I found this book to be an excellent, lucid introduction to the world of general relativity, quantum physics and the unifiyng realm of string theory. Brian Greene's clear, beautiful syntax proved to me to be a catalyst of wanting to know MORE!

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Summary: Great summary of modern physics and where its headed
Review: "The Elegant Universe" is the best book on modern physics that I've read and does a magnificent job of summarizing all of physic's problems and solutions of the past century (Maxwell's, Special Relativity, General Relativity, Quantum Mechanics and how these theorems resolved the flaws of the theories that came before in addition to explaining these theories in a very concise and clear manner). The author then explains how the number one problem of modern physics today (the dirty little secret that both General Relativity and Quantum Mechanics cannot both be right even though they both work extremely well in there respective arenas - the very large and the very small) is being resolved by Superstring theory. It's a very compelling book and the first two chapters alone are worth the price of the book.

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Summary: Great book!
Review: This was a very interesting book! Explains most everything quite clearly. Easy enough for a 15-year-old high-school genius to read!

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Summary: Expanded my universe!
Review: How do you even begin to review a book like this? It was fantastic! Professor Greene explains complex theoretical physics concepts in a way that any lay person can understand. I found myself completely absorbed, and I am not an engineer, math genius, or academic, I'm a graphic designer. I found it very compelling, entertaining, and at times funny. It can be a tough read at times, though, especially in the area of Quantum Mechanics, but it's worth it. Now I can't get enough of the subject, and I even went to see Dr. Greene lecture!

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Summary: Nicely written and easy to understand for the non-scientific
Review: This is one of the most interesting readings I have read on the beginnings of the universe.

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Summary: Clarity with Scientific Integrity--A Great Work
Review: So many science books for the general reader avoid discussing the most exciting developments of cutting-edge research, fearing that they cannot be faithfully communicated in an inteligible manner. Such authors should read, re-read, study, and emulate Greene's book. With sharp, insightful, (and even sometimes humorous!) analogies and metaphors, Greene takes the reader from 1900 right up to the present---shedding new light on old ideas, and opening up the exciting search for the unified theory to the lay public. This book is a wonderful gift to the world.

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Summary: Good history and introduction -- no math
Review: If you have been reading lay physics books, about half of this one will be review. The rest is a great presentation of where string theory is up to 1999. I would have liked to see more equations, (about the only math in the book are in the footnotes, and those are well-known formulas) but Greene is clearly wary of frightening the average bookstore browser off. It is also possible (he does mention this) that the math is so complicated that there is no way to provide a cohesive introduction. Still, I would very much recommend this book to anyone who is the slightest bit interest.

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Summary: Truly for the Layman who wants to know
Review: I would have loved to have Greene as a teacher. He offers many different perspectives. I could not put this book down until I was finished.

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Summary: Amazingly clear and easy to understand
Review: I've never been interested in reading science books before, and I was hesistant when my friends who are interested in the field of cutting edge physics told me I really needed to read this book. But, now I'm a convert. This is a funny, smart, exciting book...and it truly got me interested in Hidden dimensions. Who knew? Really, this book is great.

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Summary: Excellent explanation of String Theory - compelling read
Review: This is the best science book I've ever read. Dr. Greene is one witty and extraordinarily smart guy. This is complicated stuff...and I actually understood it!! READ THIS BOOK!!!