Rating: 
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!
Rating: 
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
Rating:
Summary: The Mind Boggles...
Review: I approached this book some time ago with an apprehensive attitude. Being a person who is extremely curious about the raw fundamental aspects of the 'Big Issue' involving perpetual rivalry between both camps of theology and science; I have found a satisfactory prognosis in this book.Hawking offers a transparent analysis to a wide and well-covered range of subject matter involving the very existence of all universal matter. His impartial research into the realms concerning history, philosophy, science & theology has resulted in a gargantuan quest to unify General Relativity with Quantum Mechanics; in hope of further revealing (in part or whole) generally accepted theory/ies to explain our very existence. An enjoyable book that offers highly intelligent and tactful insights.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent, entertaining, and intellectually stimulating.
Review: This is truly a classic, my only wish is I would have read it when it was first published, then perhaps I would have actually paid attention in both high school and college physics. I can attest to the fact that you don't need to be a physicist to understand this book. Dr. Hawking does an excellent job of giving a simple, yet incredibly thought-provoking overview of many of the modern views of the universe, including: the possibility of time-travel, black holes, the quest for a unified theory of physics, and more. I highly recommend this book to anyone from any field, the implications of the information contained in this book has an impact on not just other physical sciences, but also social sciences, such as philosophy, political science, theology, and law.
Rating:
Summary: Many Different Angles
Review: Most people know that Hawking is a brilliant physicist, but after reading this book, one develops a respect for his other talents as well. Most noticeable is Stephen Hawking's ability to make very complicated ideas seem quite clear through good explanations, clear comparisons to real life events, and a soft humor. The organization of chapers mostly follows a chronological order, which gives a sense of history from Aristotle to present day, yet also establishes concepts in an order that builds on itself. One also realizes that A Brief History of Time was written by a writer, not a scientist who happened to put ideas to paper. This makes a big difference in the enjoyment of a book, since good information in a dry, dull form can be difficult to read (remember trying to keep your eyes open while reading a dull textbook in a subject of interest?). On the other hand, interesting information presented in an interesting manner make A Brief History of Time as much of a 'page-turner' as physics can be. In summary, a fountain of information from galaxies and black holes to quantum mechanics presented in such a way that is not only as easy to understand as it can be, but is an enjoyable experience to read.
Rating:
Summary: a good yet simple book
Review: I found this book revealing, yet remarkably simple. It was easy to read at the age of 11. Anyone who could comprehend simple physics could understand this book. Although some people may think that this book is boring, they have judged it without reading it. It is obvious to anyone with a mind even as young as mine, though i am only a 15 year old, that anyone with any intelligence at all willlove and understand this book
Rating:
Summary: A Brief History of Time
Review: To most teenagers, space is just a boring void. I personally have always liked space, but have never found a book that I can learn from that will keep me intreasted. I found A Brief History of Time to be a great book that was not only easy to understand, but also amuzing. I would recomend this book to anyone who is intreasted in space or physics.
Rating:
Summary: An absolute must have
Review: That a man in a wheel chair, who can only move two of his fingers, could write such a book as this is undescribable. Steven Hawking is among the great fathers of modern cosmology, and ironically one of it's better historians. Lost will be an incredible cache of knowledge when Hawking passes on to the here after. But at least, among his legacy, will be this book. Don't let it's relatively small size fool you. The amount of content in this work will amaze you. I've read it twice now and, and I'm sure I still didn't catch everything. Anything you want to know about Astronomy, cosmology, and the universes' more absurd aspects... Look no further.
Rating:
Summary: A Great "De jad vu"
Review: I can't believe that I had this book as a reader/text in a general science course a "few years back and here it is making another "go round". This time I read it just for fun and without the pressures of class deadlines. The book is by now a classic and I think one learns a bit more each time one reads it. By the way, if you like this kind of book, which takes fascinating science and puts it into an exciting read in layman's terms, try Nabokov's Blues and The Pleasure of Finding Things Out. Both are of the same ilk. When I first read Brief History of Time I found it a refreshing choice for a class supplemental text. I don't think one can read this book without gaining a broader view of ones world and what "makes it tick". It great that so many major scientists take the time to translate the fascinating turf of their trades into the layman's language which we can all find exciting. Looking around, there is some great science reading out there right now. But, this one's a classic. If you haven't read it, or read it only for a class, like I did, read it again.
|
