In this thrilling journey into the mysteries of our cosmos, bestselling author Michio Kaku takes us on a dizzying ride to explore black holes and t...
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Dec 26, 2008
Toomy
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This book is an entertaining and interesting read. Almost no formula, although you still need some basics to get the most out of it. It will update your general knowledge about cosmology to year 2004, when the book was written.
The Large Hadron Collider(LHC) came online this year. Some scientists predicted that LHC could create black hole, which could destroy the earth. We all know what happened now. Dr. Kaku talked about LHC in his book - LHC could only create black hole in subatomic More...
The Large Hadron Collider(LHC) came online this year. Some scientists predicted that LHC could create black hole, which could destroy the earth. We all know what happened now. Dr. Kaku talked about LHC in his book - LHC could only create black hole in subatomic More...
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Apr 29, 2008
Elaine
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I hated Physics when I was a kid, because the teacher who taught me wore coke-bottle glasses, had halitosis, and his spittle flew. He also churned out equations on the board, and expected you to get E=mc2 as if you were born to do so. How can one not understand the elegance and simplicity and total enlightenment that this captured about our physical world? Well, I didn't. Because the physical world -- believe it or not -- was abstract enough not to grasp at the 10,000 foot level.
Ok, More...
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Oct 06, 2007
Nathan
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Michio Kaku is quickly becoming my favorite science writer, and easily my favorite hypothetical or theoretical physicist. His ideas and the way he presents them make fun, easy reading for those of us who were always terrible in math and didn't digest much about astrophysics in school. He deals with a lot of "what if" scenarios, and more than most modern physicists he holds onto his imagination. Kaku's work bristles with excitement, something you can rarely say about a book covering cos
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Feb 05, 2009
Kaku (Hyperspace) teaches theoretical physics at City University of New York. Sound daunting? It is-considering he deals with recent satellite data suggesting that mysterious dark energy makes up nearly three-quarters of the universe. Parallel Worlds, which meshes Kaku's interests in physics and futurology, asks hair-raising questions: Do higher dimensions exist? Can black holes bend time? And if our universe is dying, will we be able to jump ship to another? Kaku runs through the recent history
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Jan 28, 2009
Heini
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I am inclined to see this marvellously inspiring book as consisting of three distinct but entwined parts.
The first part is a an excellent account of the history of modern science told in Michio Kaku's impeccably witty and easily-understood narrative. As such I would recommend this book as a natural continuation of for instance Thomas S. Kuhn's "The Copernican Revolution" or some other similar book about the history of science in general. Parallel Worlds picks up naturally a More...
The first part is a an excellent account of the history of modern science told in Michio Kaku's impeccably witty and easily-understood narrative. As such I would recommend this book as a natural continuation of for instance Thomas S. Kuhn's "The Copernican Revolution" or some other similar book about the history of science in general. Parallel Worlds picks up naturally a More...
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Jan 06, 2009
Jim
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OK- While in various altered states of my own, I've shared rants and raves w a handful of friends on the wonders of string theory. Even one oration to my bemused and frightened mother. One problem- I had no idea what I was talking about- only that I wanted to believe! However, after reading this confounding book by Kaku-one of theories leading PR man- I'm considering believing in God again because it makes A LOT more sense. Einstein believed any theory that couldn't be illustrated so a child cou
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Jan 31, 2012
Maria
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This book, by one of the most talented physics professors of our time, Michio Kaku, is a collection of the leading physics theories and an exploration of the universe. The book focuses mainly on the revolutionary developments in cosmology within the last several years. The author based it on new evidence from the world’s laboratories, the outermost reaches of space, and new breakthroughs in theoretical physics. It is divided into three sections. First, Kaku describes the study of the universe an
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Mar 10, 2011
Gendou
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Kaku starts off by comparing the big bang to the creation in Christian and Chinese mythology. Yuck. He also finishes off the book with a tedious digression into religious inanities.
The syrupy and hyperbole-riddled language is guaranteed to cause misunderstanding in anyone unfamiliar with cosmology, and irritation in anyone already familiar with cosmology. But hey, it's a popular science book, you sort of expect that.
Kaku attributes the "discovery" of dark matter More...
The syrupy and hyperbole-riddled language is guaranteed to cause misunderstanding in anyone unfamiliar with cosmology, and irritation in anyone already familiar with cosmology. But hey, it's a popular science book, you sort of expect that.
Kaku attributes the "discovery" of dark matter More...
Oct 09, 2010
something_
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Amazing! I forgot how much I loved reading science books!
This book is very understandable, even for someone who does not have a lot of knowledge in physics. I loved the theories and the speculation a quite a lot too. "Is our Universe in a cd-rom?", "Is there a purpose to the Universe?", are questions that are posed at the end of the book, matters that I love to think about. Understanding the string and the M theory, as well as many others, was also very rewarding! More...
This book is very understandable, even for someone who does not have a lot of knowledge in physics. I loved the theories and the speculation a quite a lot too. "Is our Universe in a cd-rom?", "Is there a purpose to the Universe?", are questions that are posed at the end of the book, matters that I love to think about. Understanding the string and the M theory, as well as many others, was also very rewarding! More...
Nov 30, 2009
Melmoth43
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Albeit a comprehensive and informative history of Physics, I'm afraid the author and I parted company with the introduction of the String and M theories. To quote Einstein, "If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough." At this stage, String and M are simply hypotheses, with little or no hard evidence to prove their validity. That may happen, but as of now, in their present form, I find them lacking in two features all great discoveries have: simplicity and eleg
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Dec 27, 2010
John
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This book is great for imparting a general overview of the history of cosmology, as well as for giving readers a general idea as to the current (as of 2004) scientific trends and ideas being hashed out by physicists all over the globe. For that purpose, the book is easy to recommend. If, however, you are looking for solid scientific FACTS that modern cosmology has unearthed, you will likely be disappointed. Since Einstein, most highly-regarded theories in the realm of cosmology have been pure
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Nov 23, 2009
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Jul 29, 2011
At the end of the day, any GUT is going to be some sort of a mathematical construct. Trying to verbally explain it is always going to be messy. Still, the author does a great job explaining post-relativity cosmic world. That said, one can buy more dimensions and even multiple universes with their own scientific laws/realities but it is more difficult to accept alternative quantum universes than even the most illogical of religious theories (why - there should be googleplex or so new possibilitie
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Oct 24, 2010
Steve
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An awe-inspiring read that tackles what must surely be one of the most exciting - albeit speculative - areas of modern physics. Kaku is the ideal scientist to take us on the journey: clearly well-read, he slips in a medley of references to literature, art, history and philosophy, all of which help to liven up the narrative. To the extent that popular science should educate and inspire, Parallel Worlds is a success.
The first few chapters get the reader up to speed with the basics of co More...
The first few chapters get the reader up to speed with the basics of co More...
Jan 07, 2010
Michael
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Kaku tells the story of the universe which includes everything and the kitchen sink.
He approaches advanced topics in physics from the perspectives of art, music, and literature. I was shocked to learn that Edgar Allen Poe was an amateur physicist who first proposed some legitimate theories.
Overall, it's very interesting, though Parallel Worlds often seems to suffer from it's own form of paradox. It tries sometimes to be too approachable: repeating simple concepts most s More...
He approaches advanced topics in physics from the perspectives of art, music, and literature. I was shocked to learn that Edgar Allen Poe was an amateur physicist who first proposed some legitimate theories.
Overall, it's very interesting, though Parallel Worlds often seems to suffer from it's own form of paradox. It tries sometimes to be too approachable: repeating simple concepts most s More...
Jul 04, 2011
Holly
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This book isn't exactly light reading. It's not what I'm accustomed to reading, either, but science has always been one of those topics I love to watch on tv, but flounder at in class. But I wasn't being graded on Parallel Worlds so it worked out fine!
Mr. Kaku is actually one of my favorite guys on History Channel's The Universe (also gotta love Neil deGrasse Tyson) so I was really excited to read his book. I won't lie; it's not a summer beach read, in my opinion, but it's worth the More...
Mr. Kaku is actually one of my favorite guys on History Channel's The Universe (also gotta love Neil deGrasse Tyson) so I was really excited to read his book. I won't lie; it's not a summer beach read, in my opinion, but it's worth the More...
Jun 13, 2009
Lori
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Skip Part III and you’ve got a great read here. Part I and II of this book provide an outstanding overview of quantum mechanics, string theory and M theory, and the state of things in particle physics right up to the LHC. Kaku’s writing style is engaging and fun to read and he cites all the heavy hitters and some of the lesser-known players in the physics community. This is a good starting point to discover other publications on the topic of time, string theory, many worlds theory, and quantum m
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Sep 07, 2011
Samuel
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You should probably go into this one with a modicum of knowledge on quantum physics and other related topics. This book does a good job of explaining things just in case you aren't "in the know", but still is a little advanced for people with a casual interest.
I've read this book twice and found it to be incredibly informative and one hell of an interesting read. There's no doubt that Michio Kaku is a goddamn genius and you can just tell he absolutely loves what he is doin More...
I've read this book twice and found it to be incredibly informative and one hell of an interesting read. There's no doubt that Michio Kaku is a goddamn genius and you can just tell he absolutely loves what he is doin More...
Sep 09, 2011
Bruce
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Professor Kaku explains the latest physical theories of the cosmos in remarkably accessible and lively prose. Summarizing the history of cosmology, he highlights the seemingly contradictory ways in which large things, like baseballs, planets and galaxies act to the way very small things like electrons and quarks behave. He then goes on to black holes, time travel and the theoretical possibility that, in the far future, intelligent beings might escape a cold dying universe into another one, perha
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Jul 23, 2010
Bevans
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Mind-boggling. Not only a great explanation of modern cosmology, particle physics, quantum theory, string theory, and beyond, but also a great history of all the people (who now have buildings and theories and various phenomena named after them) and breakthroughs that made it all possible.
Kaku explains it all in probably the most understandable way possible, and avoids the use of equations completely. Even so, this stuff is very hard to understand, even from such a great interpreter. More...
Kaku explains it all in probably the most understandable way possible, and avoids the use of equations completely. Even so, this stuff is very hard to understand, even from such a great interpreter. More...
Aug 29, 2011
Jeannie
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This book took me three months to complete but at my snail's pace, I understood almost every word I read. This for a person without ever having taken a physics course in her life was a testimony to Dr. Michio Kaku's ability as a teacher and Author. This book is extremely readable and it does not talk down to you, instead, it teaches you.
This book was a complete (up through 2004) look at the theories revolving the subject of Parallel Worlds. Taking us, the reader, through the Big Bang ( More...
This book was a complete (up through 2004) look at the theories revolving the subject of Parallel Worlds. Taking us, the reader, through the Big Bang ( More...
Feb 02, 2012
Paul
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Michio Kaku's Parallel Worlds is a welcome entry in the genre of popular physics. Parallel Worlds tracks recent developments in the realm of cosmology and presents in a wholly engaging and accessible manner.
The book is divided into three broad sections: the first summarizing the evolution and development of cosmology, the second presenting emerging theories - including superstring theory and M-theory - and the third being something of an extended thought experiment that begins with a More...
The book is divided into three broad sections: the first summarizing the evolution and development of cosmology, the second presenting emerging theories - including superstring theory and M-theory - and the third being something of an extended thought experiment that begins with a More...
Oct 27, 2008
Ben
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Michio Kaku is a theoretical physicist who seems determined to bring the complex ideas and theories of his field to a much wider audience, and if the evidence of this book is anything to go by, then it is a field that we as a race should be paying closer attention to.
Astronomer Royal Martin Rees called Kaku’s book “an exhilarating romp through the frontiers of cosmology” and that is the best summation of this book that I can find. It is a romp – taking in Newtonian physics, black hol More...
Astronomer Royal Martin Rees called Kaku’s book “an exhilarating romp through the frontiers of cosmology” and that is the best summation of this book that I can find. It is a romp – taking in Newtonian physics, black hol More...
Jul 11, 2008
Richard
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For a long time, I have been in a bind when it comes to buying books about science or mathematics. My bind is this: I am well versed enough in these subjects to find beginner books rather tedious and often a lot of review rather than exposing new ideas, but I am by no means enough of an expert to pick up a high-end theory or textbook and follow it very easily. This has made a lot of science and math books rather unattainable--I am either going to be bored with it or find it too hard.
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Jan 16, 2008
Erlend
rated it:
(NB: English is not my native tongue...)
Ever had that nagging feeling of "not feeling quite comfortable with the status quo of humanity"?
Ever asked yourself the question of "what is to become of us humans on the planet when good ol' Earth can't support all of us any longer?"
Well, Michio Kaku gives us some answers. Answers that span not a human lifetime, but an Earth-lifetime. Through know-how of today's (2005, science moves rapidly) knowled More...
Ever had that nagging feeling of "not feeling quite comfortable with the status quo of humanity"?
Ever asked yourself the question of "what is to become of us humans on the planet when good ol' Earth can't support all of us any longer?"
Well, Michio Kaku gives us some answers. Answers that span not a human lifetime, but an Earth-lifetime. Through know-how of today's (2005, science moves rapidly) knowled More...
Jul 28, 2011
I thoroughly enjoyed this book; it is well written and well explained.
It covers all aspects of cosmology and their implications regarding time travel, parallel worlds, string theory and black holes. Mr.Kaku presents the idea of multiverses that co-exist in a string, subject to ongoing Big Bangs. It is a wonderful book and I recommend to anyone with or without physics knowledge.
It covers all aspects of cosmology and their implications regarding time travel, parallel worlds, string theory and black holes. Mr.Kaku presents the idea of multiverses that co-exist in a string, subject to ongoing Big Bangs. It is a wonderful book and I recommend to anyone with or without physics knowledge.
Jun 04, 2011
Yash
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This book was a really interesting book by Michio Kaku as it proposed ideas based on physics principles and ideas of the universe that seem very interesting, such as the existence of parallel universes. Thus, although I was confused during some sections of the book, it provided a sufficient amount of background information and ideas to enable you to understand the proposed ideas.
Sep 28, 2007
Alex
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This book is the 411 on the history of Cosmology and the current state of progress in the field. The author makes no excuses about loudly banging the string theory drum, but it is at its best painting pictures of science glory in days gone by. The book does a decent enough job of keeping the layperson from getting lost - but it tries too hard to sell a stance that, when all is said and done, is just another viable theory in a long string (pun intended) that come and go. The End of Physics remain
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May 13, 2010
Lorileinart
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This book is a few years old, so some of the information is either dated or borderline defunct. That being said, I still adore Kaku's remarkable ability to bridge the gap between science and science fiction...with authority. I also like the way he "teaches". He reviews earlier concepts and finds ways to re-illustrate them and make them stick.
If you struggle with symmetry & supersymmetry, Kaku is your guy.
If you struggle with symmetry & supersymmetry, Kaku is your guy.
Mar 13, 2010
Chad
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After reading this book, I can finally read and understand the Wikipedia article on string theory.
Though I could do without the first bit, and last couple of chapters (and all the unnecessary references to theology), the middle of the book, which gives an easy to grasp explanation of quantum theory, string theory and m-theory, was excellent.
Though I could do without the first bit, and last couple of chapters (and all the unnecessary references to theology), the middle of the book, which gives an easy to grasp explanation of quantum theory, string theory and m-theory, was excellent.
