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

Probably not a book for the very beginner but anyone who has read popular accounts of particle physics and relativity should gain a lot from reading this book. In places not an easy read, not for style reasons(which was generally very easy) but simply for the difficulty of some of the concepts involved. Superstring theory may or may not be the theory of everything but this book will certainly tell you what we think we know so far. Definitely recommended but don't expect to read it in a weekend. --Simon Goodwin

A wonderful read.


Great, enjoyable read   January 5, 2005
GregorSamsa
12 out of 13 found this review helpful

This book is great for a first time reader into the foray of modern physics. The book starts of by introducing the reader to the history and ideas of Relativity and Quantum Mechanics then goes on to use these to explain the theory of Superstrings and then later the M-Theory.
As an A-Level student, I found this book to be very easy and enjoyable to read, Greene conveys his points very well and uses real world examples to do so. The book involves very little Mathematics and for the more advanced readers there are a multitude of formulae included at the back.

I would definitely recommend this book for a little side reading to a Physics A-Level or for anybody generally interested in Science.


Relativity, Quantum Mechanics and strings. It's got the lot.   June 4, 2000
5 out of 5 found this review helpful

I purchased "The Elegant Universe" on recommendation from my PhD studying brother. Since then it has won the Aventis Prize for Science. Brian Greene's lucid writing style instils into the reader a good understanding of the basic concepts of Einstein's relativity and Quantum Mechanics. The author then builds upon this in such a way that the reader can begin to understand the subtle differences between the two theories and appreciate the need for a more fundamental theory, strings in this case.

A fine explanation of string theory then follows which left me absolutely amazed that a book could so clearly and succinctly explain to me the foundations of one of the most complex theories ever attempted in science. Indeed, this book is so well written that my interest in popular science and the progress of string theory is now greater than ever.

I have read a lot of popular science books based on physics and cosmology, but not has ever left me quite so fulfilled and happy with the tricky concepts involved as this one. A truly fine work. Now that I have finished this book, I can't wait for the scientists to finalise string theory so Brian can write the sequel!


A stunning journey from relativity to M-theory   February 15, 2002
4 out of 4 found this review helpful

Starting with the basics of relativity and gently leading you through the maze of quantum mechanics, this book eloquently lays out the power of string theory and M-theory in terms perfect for the lay reader. I've never read such a fascinating and well-written account of modern theoretical physics. It was with regret that I read the last page. A gem!


The most lucid account of theoretical physics   July 21, 2002
4 out of 4 found this review helpful

Its a book that puts "a brief history of time" to shame. Brilliantly written, with examples that shed light on general theory of relativity, quantam mechanics & geometry and strings. Equations, if you're interested, are available in the end notes.

This book was recommended by a friend, after I found that the brief history of time was such a dissapointing read. Now I would definitely rate "The Elegant Universe" as a benchmark on how such a difficult subject can be handled with such clarity