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Theories of the Universe
The theoretical physicist shares his latest thoughts on the nature of space and time in this anthology of selections from Princeton University Press. Along with eminent colleagues, Hawking extends theoretical frontiers by speculating on the big questions of modern cosmology.
1 pages, Audio CD
First published January 25, 1996
About the author
Stephen W. Hawking
202 books12.9k followersStephen William Hawking was an English theoretical physicist, cosmologist, and author who was director of research at the Centre for Theoretical Cosmology at the University of Cambridge. Between 1979 and 2009, he was the Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at Cambridge, widely viewed as one of the most prestigious academic posts in the world.
Hawking was born in Oxford into a family of physicians. In October 1959, at the age of 17, he began his university education at University College, Oxford, where he received a first-class BA degree in physics. In October 1962, he began his graduate work at Trinity Hall, Cambridge, where, in March 1966, he obtained his PhD degree in applied mathematics and theoretical physics, specialising in general relativity and cosmology. In 1963, at age 21, Hawking was diagnosed with an early-onset slow-progressing form of motor neurone disease that gradually, over decades, paralysed him. After the loss of his speech, he communicated through a speech-generating device initially through use of a handheld switch, and eventually by using a single cheek muscle.
Hawking's scientific works included a collaboration with Roger Penrose on gravitational singularity theorems in the framework of general relativity, and the theoretical prediction that black holes emit radiation, often called Hawking radiation. Initially, Hawking radiation was controversial. By the late 1970s, and following the publication of further research, the discovery was widely accepted as a major breakthrough in theoretical physics. Hawking was the first to set out a theory of cosmology explained by a union of the general theory of relativity and quantum mechanics. He was a vigorous supporter of the many-worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics.
Hawking achieved commercial success with several works of popular science in which he discussed his theories and cosmology in general. His book A Brief History of Time appeared on the Sunday Times bestseller list for a record-breaking 237 weeks. Hawking was a Fellow of the Royal Society, a lifetime member of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, and a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States. In 2002, Hawking was ranked number 25 in the BBC's poll of the 100 Greatest Britons. He died in 2018 at the age of 76, having lived more than 50 years following his diagnosis of motor neurone disease.
Hawking was born in Oxford into a family of physicians. In October 1959, at the age of 17, he began his university education at University College, Oxford, where he received a first-class BA degree in physics. In October 1962, he began his graduate work at Trinity Hall, Cambridge, where, in March 1966, he obtained his PhD degree in applied mathematics and theoretical physics, specialising in general relativity and cosmology. In 1963, at age 21, Hawking was diagnosed with an early-onset slow-progressing form of motor neurone disease that gradually, over decades, paralysed him. After the loss of his speech, he communicated through a speech-generating device initially through use of a handheld switch, and eventually by using a single cheek muscle.
Hawking's scientific works included a collaboration with Roger Penrose on gravitational singularity theorems in the framework of general relativity, and the theoretical prediction that black holes emit radiation, often called Hawking radiation. Initially, Hawking radiation was controversial. By the late 1970s, and following the publication of further research, the discovery was widely accepted as a major breakthrough in theoretical physics. Hawking was the first to set out a theory of cosmology explained by a union of the general theory of relativity and quantum mechanics. He was a vigorous supporter of the many-worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics.
Hawking achieved commercial success with several works of popular science in which he discussed his theories and cosmology in general. His book A Brief History of Time appeared on the Sunday Times bestseller list for a record-breaking 237 weeks. Hawking was a Fellow of the Royal Society, a lifetime member of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, and a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States. In 2002, Hawking was ranked number 25 in the BBC's poll of the 100 Greatest Britons. He died in 2018 at the age of 76, having lived more than 50 years following his diagnosis of motor neurone disease.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
November 4, 2020
4 stars. Super quick listen. Not my favorite of Hawkins’s work but it was still very interesting and entertaining. I’ve been slacking a little with my physics books this year so I’m glad I listened to this to fill that void. It made me realize how much I’ve missed it. This is great if you want some physics but don’t have time for a super long, detailed, and intense read. This one is pretty easy going and I really enjoyed it.
July 3, 2025
OK, I really liked this abridged audiobook (actually a short list of essays taken from the larger list in the unabridged book), but I am not sure it is for the average person. I've just finished reading a number of books on cosmology and quantum mechanics. Those books went over and over (in much simpler terms) all of the issues discussed in this book. I was already prepared. I'm not sure how much use this book might be to the person just getting started on this subject. I'll list some books that might be a better place to start:
o "The Universe in a Nutshell" by Stephen Hawking - This is a simplified version of "A Brief History of Time". It's not that simple, but it does get to the point more quickly.
o "Brief Answers to the Big Questions" by Stephen Hawking - These are answers to questions readers had after reading "A Brief History of Time".
o "Listening to the Big Bang" by Brian Green - He has a good style, an ability to interest the reader.
o "The Milky Way: An Autobiography of Our Galaxy" by Moiya McTier - Although it is sort of cute from the idea of personalizing the Milky Way, the information is good and provides good background without overwhelming one in details.
There are other books I like but they are difficult to find. And frankly, only the first parts of the books would be reasonable for the beginner to read. They get quite complex after a while.
o "The Anthropic Cosmological Principle" by John Barrow and Frank Tipler - Actually, this is a VERY technical book, but the first four chapters go into a detailed history of science and the past efforts to find out why we are all here. I own a copy, but look in the library for this one.
o "Faster Than the Speed of Light: The Story of a Scientific Speculation" by Joao Magueijo - In the first part of the book he goes through the thinking of Albert Einstein when he hit upon the idea of relativity. It is probably the clearest explanation I've ever seen (with drawings) although I did see a PBS special or Science Channel program (I don't recall the name of the program) that illustrated the idea fairly well. It is something that has to be seen in illustration or video to fully appreciate.
Again... I wouldn't recommend these last two books for the beginner per se except for those small parts within that I mentioned and do the job so well.
o "The Universe in a Nutshell" by Stephen Hawking - This is a simplified version of "A Brief History of Time". It's not that simple, but it does get to the point more quickly.
o "Brief Answers to the Big Questions" by Stephen Hawking - These are answers to questions readers had after reading "A Brief History of Time".
o "Listening to the Big Bang" by Brian Green - He has a good style, an ability to interest the reader.
o "The Milky Way: An Autobiography of Our Galaxy" by Moiya McTier - Although it is sort of cute from the idea of personalizing the Milky Way, the information is good and provides good background without overwhelming one in details.
There are other books I like but they are difficult to find. And frankly, only the first parts of the books would be reasonable for the beginner to read. They get quite complex after a while.
o "The Anthropic Cosmological Principle" by John Barrow and Frank Tipler - Actually, this is a VERY technical book, but the first four chapters go into a detailed history of science and the past efforts to find out why we are all here. I own a copy, but look in the library for this one.
o "Faster Than the Speed of Light: The Story of a Scientific Speculation" by Joao Magueijo - In the first part of the book he goes through the thinking of Albert Einstein when he hit upon the idea of relativity. It is probably the clearest explanation I've ever seen (with drawings) although I did see a PBS special or Science Channel program (I don't recall the name of the program) that illustrated the idea fairly well. It is something that has to be seen in illustration or video to fully appreciate.
Again... I wouldn't recommend these last two books for the beginner per se except for those small parts within that I mentioned and do the job so well.
May 16, 2021
Absolutely spectactular, it was a great dive in the the mind of cosmologists and therorists on the matters of how, when, and where when it comes to the Universe. The string theory was especially interesting.
January 21, 2021
It is a collection of chapters by different physicists. Its very short but extremely dense. There is some stuff in here I might need to revisit.
October 21, 2021
The view on string theory is really interesting. I could definitely revisit this as I felt like it could take a couple of passes but a good quick read for sure.
March 8, 2026
Read it. A companion version to this book ought to be written called “Theories of the Universe: Explained like You’re Five Years Old”
May 13, 2013
I think my audio version was missing files...
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews