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

Rating:
Summary: Low brow, bore the socks of anyone else.
Review: If you are mathematically challenged, to the extend that the line equation y = ax+b is beyond your understanding, but interested in cosmology, this may be the very book you need. For the rest, it's a complete waste of time and money. This large tome (448 pages) could be comfortably compressed by a factor 5, which makes the current book slow, tedious and dull . On the positive side, it proved to be a good soporific, hence the one crown I gave it as a mark. Seriously, to give Mr Green his dues, he does know the subject, and there are kernels of interest, but the style is pedantic (not to be confused with rigorous) to the point of absurdity (his treatment of clocks is painful), without adding anything to the illumination of the actual subject. I would have given you a typical quote, but it would take a full page, and although I'm writing this to try and save you some money, well, I'm not that dedicated. I wouldn't recommend this book to my friends or even to innocent strangers. You can skip the rest, as it contains a few related but non relevant thoughts. Most of the enjoyment I get from reading in this subject is derived from two main sources: - Learning something interesting about developments in the field. - Pausing from time to time and enjoying undirected thought about what I've just read, anything from Gammov to images from Hubble come to mind. The type of thought which may cause me to calculate the mass of my cat at some large fraction of C, or putting a general calculation of related relativistic calculations into a spreadsheet. Why am I telling you this, you guessed right, this book gave me none of the above.

Rating:
Summary: An elegant book
Review: Brian Greene has a gift for simplifying complex physical theories and transferring his enthusiasm for the workings of the universe to those of us who are on the outside of the latest discoveries. Clear, concise and replete with down-to-earth metaphors and analogies the book is a joy to read. The author's humble approach to some of the most current, mystifying theories of the physical world leaves the reader stunned and informed about the work being done to discover the secrets of the multiverse. He makes clear that altho he's writing about the "final theory" it is definitely only another stepping stone to understanding where it/we all came from. An excellent read!

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Summary: Excellent cosmological explanation of how we are here.
Review: This is an in-depth and clearly defined explanation of the hows of our existence. I found it to be thought provoking, informative and enlightening. I highly recommend it to those seeking a better understanding of our place here on earth and in the universe.

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Summary: Very well written
Review: Comprehensive even to the non-scientist people among us

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Summary: Great easy to understand book!
Review: Brian Greene makes understand complicated theories easy and fun. He offers learning to all levels of knowledge. For people uneducated in the present theories he offers a quick tour, and for the science majors he offers a deep understanding of the string theory, that capitvates you mind.

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Summary: Have read the first chapter........
Review: Have only read the first chapter but it looks like Greene has some good ideas going. I can't wait to see what the next few chapters unfold.

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Summary: Ultra Fantastic
Review: This is an excellent guide and instructor in the vast space of endless time...out there. Easy to read and ultra informative...could there be a better book?

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Summary: veliskovsky one more time
Review: Nice poetry; bad science. This can be filed right next to Mickey Spillane under 'H' for hack. Greene couldn't shine Steve Weinberg's penny loafers. Physics for know-nothings - one energyless neutron star.

Rating:
Summary: A Wonderful Book
Review: Brian Greene uses analogy, metaphor, and story- as an artist uses a palette-to paint the thrilling landscape of 20th century physics, from relativity to superstrings. The Elegant Universe is a true gem of science writing.

Rating:
Summary: An excellent book for anyone interested in physics.
Review: I highly recommend this book for anyone with an interest in physics. He makes the cutting edge of physics understandable and enthralls you with his enthusiam for this subject. He starts with the best primer on Relativity and Quantum Mechanics I've ever read then takes you through the discovery process that led to superstrings. I found it very hard to put down.