Stephen Hawking's a Brief History of Time: A Reader's Companion

by Stephen W. Hawking

Based on a documentary film on Hawking and his work, this reader's companion features candid personal interviews with Hawking's family and friends, personal photographs, and illustrations of his theories. 250,000 first printing. $250,000 ad/promo. Movie tie-in.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, Physics, Biography, Astronomy, History, German Literature

215 pages, Paperback

First published November 14, 1991

About the author

Stephen 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.

Reviews

[Mina Villalobos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, I was kind of pissed because the Spanish edition I have of this has the book cover and back cover of 'A Brief History of Time', but is actually the reader's companion. I didn't think I would like this much, but I have to admit it was pretty fast reading and fairly interesting. This details not only part of A Brief History of Time (or what I think the book covers, I have yet to read it) but also is sort of biographic for Stephen Hawking, with narrations from his family, teachers and friends. It's very humane and you get to read about some of the people that helped such a brilliant mind along the way. I have never seen the film, but the book was very enjoyable.

[Pat Mckee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having just seen the movie "Theory of Everything," I had a strong interest in learning more about Hawking and in reading his book Brief History of Time. Starting with this reader's companion was ideal as it contained a number of brief interviews with people who have been connected with Hawking throughout his life, including his mother and sister. He becomes an even more "real" person through their comments and discussions.

[Dr. Thomas Wasser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book, written in a way that an educated, non-physicist can comprehend. I recommend it for anyone with an interest in physics. I'm a Statistician that has an interest to know more and this book was perfect.

[MJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

So helpful as a companion piece to the book. Counting as one book for the Read What You Own Challenge.

[John Bonilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magnífico. No será el verdadero libro de "Una breve historia del tiempo" sino más bien una síntesis de lo que en verdad es el trabajo de Hawking. Abre la mente a nuevos conceptos y analogías del universo que no son tan fáciles de comprender a simple razonamiento.

Aunque el capitulo 4 fue el más pesado de leer por lo mismo que incluye mucha terminología científica y aspectos abstractos que uno no se puede imaginar con la contaminación visual a la que estamos sometidos, pero es el mejor ya que explica en grandes rasgos como es la teoría del inicio del tiempo (y no del univeros).

Me gusta leer este tipo de publicaciones porque hace abrir más las perspectiva de como es el universo en el que vivimos realmente y, como dice en el libro, no bastarnos con que Dios es la única respuesta a las preguntas difíciles o complicadas de formular, todo tiene su explicación pero aún nos falta mucho para poder entender como funciona o como hacemos que funciones el universo.

[LWF · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've always been interesting in how Mr. Hawkings has survived so long with ALS so when my husband brought this book home from the thrift store, I started reading it immediately. It began as a quick, easy read. About chapter 4, it started going into theories of relativity. I'm not a science wiz but actually liked reading what all this was about. Yes, it was just about in everyday English so I did get the gist of it all. I could have finished this in one day. Will probably finish it tonight.

OK, now I have finished reading this and still feel the same. The book started out very easy almost too easy to read but then went into all the theories so I'm glad I read this to learn something new!

[alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE IT! I learned so much about Universe, Black Holes and Thermodynamics that I never knew before. Great illustrations, very interesting. I like the coffee cup one about the universe contracting into a big crunch. Thankyou, Stephen Hawking for writing such a fine piece of his work in which anyone can understand.
I got a free visitor pass to The Huntington Library in San Marino, CA for submitting a small summary of what this book is about in my local library reading program :)

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Galileo wrote books. Newton wrote books. Stephen Hawking wrote books. A thousand years from now people would look back at Hawking standing in is rightful place among the greatest scientists in the history of the world. The book is a laypersons guide to the complex theories underlying modern astrophysics. My copy is old but there are newly updated editions."

[Baljit · Rating 2 out of 5]

v readable for such serious scientific theories and data. Brought back memories of some of the physics lessons covered in schools but as i set out reading this for pleasure, i have not committed anything to memory. the glossary at the end will be usefule for anyone looking for precise definitions of terms eg black hole, electromagnetc forces.

[Randy Garry · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not grasp all of it. I wouldn't believe anyone who says they did. It did "expand my mind" and I certainly gained some understanding of cosmology.
But the set up of the book was tiresome with all it's short passages by different contributors, Hawking's included. I wish I had just read "A Brief History of Time" instead. That's what I would recommend to anyone considering this book.

[Ashley Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such a good read. it was a great understanding of his conclusions and work. It was also sad to read about his disease and how difficult things came to be for him. In the end, he is a brilliant scientist.

[André · Rating 3 out of 5]

Don't remember much about it right now... I don't like it in particular. There are many interviews with fellow scientists, which got me quite confused. Hmm...

[Pete · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice introduction to Relativity and special physics for the non-mathematical.

[alina sultani]

i am just reading it 4 the first time
instead of psychological buks .

[Aryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

one of the best books i ever read..its a small summary of how universe works...working of universe in such a simple way !! hats off dr.hawkings !

[Nabeel Tahir · Rating 5 out of 5]

For those interested in reading about Black Holes, space, time and it's relation to gravity or you watched Interstellar and want to understand what happened, this is the book for you.

[Judith]

I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/13483650

[Néstor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Es la historia de una vida y la investigación de la cosmología contemporánea narrada con testimonios de diferentes personas, la primera siendo contada por sus familiares y amigos cercanos y la segunda por investigadores y adeptos.

Respecto de la parte biográfica, es interesante y, a diferencia de la película, no se centra en su enfermedad ni en su relación con su pareja, sino en sus años antes de decidirse por la investigación en física. Y sobre la parte divulgativa, hay conceptos que son muy bien explicados, pero otros que cojean, lo cual es entendible ya que la aplicación de la relatividad general y la mecánica cuántica a la cosmología no es poca cosa, sin embargo, eso no quita que pudo haberse beneficiado de un ritmo más pausado y/o una mayor extensión.

La recomiendo para quienes quieran conocer más sobre la vida de Hawking, mas no como un libro divulgativo. Aunque para eso, tal vez sea mejor leer su libro "Breve historia de mi vida"

[Martin Ridgway · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is really the transcript of a documentary made after the publication of A Brief History of Time. It is stronger on biography than the material in the previous book.
OK but it's really reading a load of talking head pieces strung together (well). I think I'll try Travelling to Infinity: My Life with Stephen (the basis for the film The Theory of Everything) instead for those biographical aspects.

[Dr Muhammad Zafar Iqbal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been a good read. The author has put a lot of time and effort. Being a writer myself, I find it commendable. The content is decent and keeps you hooked for a long time. And some parts are simply minds blowing. I look forward to reading more books like this. All in all, a good experience for an avid reader like me.

[The_J · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read on the Date to live in Infamy, the wrap up to a negligible book. This was filled with the written snippets from the film documentary about Hawking and his book. A few cute insights, but the further that I get from the original book, the dimmer those recessed images get.

[Moaiz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book

[Ron Grimes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good read about the people in Stephen Hawkings' life.

[Thomas Niessen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good should be ob your list of the 100 books you need to read.

[Judy]

A Book about the film about the book

[Abi Parslow · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this so I could flirt with Tom

[Aaron Wolf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sehr interessant, wenn man Hawking-Fan und/oder interessiert an (Quanten-) Physik ist :)

[Marisol Maldonado Olmos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Me gusto mucho por conocer más de Stephen ✨

Pero pensé que sería más de ciencia pero es más de su vida, muy bonito conocer de él y aprender de un personaje como él.

Me gusto 🍒✨

[Dulce Espinosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Este es el acompañante del lector de Breve historia del tiempo, no Breve historia del tiempo del profesor Hawking pero aún así muy muy interesante leer algunas vivencias y claro, en explicaciones breves lo que son las teorías de los físicos más respetados del mundo.

Ahora me siento más preparada para lo que es considerado uno de los mejores libros de divulgación científica porque no sólo es para científicos y personas super inteligentes sino para todo el mundo, para que en un lenguaje que aunque no entendamos del todo no se nos haga aun más difícil el entender el origen del universo y un sin fin de cosas interesantes, claro que el profesor Hawking pensó en que aun así sería difícil pero como él mismo dijo: si las personas entendieran del todo lo que he escrito, estarían preparados para un doctorado ;)

por cierto, tengan cuidado cuando encuentren este libro en español, el título es engañoso y ahí sí aplica lo de las letras chiquitas.

[Brianmoss · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book for its time but outdated now