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

"[Greene] develops one fresh new insight after another...In the great tradition of physicists writing for the masses, The Elegant Universe sets a standard that will be hard to beat." --George Johnson, The New York Times Book Review

In a rare blend of scientific insight and writing as elegant as the theories it explains, Brian Greene, one of the world's leading string theorists, peels away the layers of mystery surrounding string theory to reveal a universe that consists of 11 dimensions where the fabric of space tears and repairs itself, and all matter-from the smallest quarks to the most gargantuan supernovas-is generated by the vibrations of microscopically tiny loops of energy.

Green uses everything from an amusement park ride to ants on a garden hose to illustrate the beautiful yet bizarre realities that modern physics is unveiling.

Dazzling in its brilliance, unprecedented in its ability to both illuminate and entertain, The Elegant Universe is a tour de force of science writing-a delightful, lucid voyage through modern physics that brings us closer than ever to understanding how the universe works. more

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From: Amazon
Posted: Sep-17-2009

An Elegant Discussion of the Universe

The nature of the universe has always fascinated me, and in this book I have found an excellent description of the one we live in. Green begins by discussing the particles and forces that are the underpinnings of our universe. He then goes on to discuss the nature of light and what he calls...

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From: Amazon
Posted: Aug-10-2009

Surprisingly Accessible

About as exciting and accessible as any book can be on the topic of quantum mechanics and super string theory. Greene boils down excruciatingly complex topics into simple metaphors and figurative examples, helping the reader wrap his/her head around the concept of the existence of 11 different...

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From: Amazon
Posted: Jul-27-2009

Over My Head

Reading some of the other reviews I got the impression that this book was made for the average man - that would be me. I enjoyed the first few chapters but as the book went on it was pretty easy to see that it was far beyond my realm of knowledge.Don't get me wrong, the book had its moments but...

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From: Amazon
Posted: Jul-27-2009

Outstanding beginning, fizzling end

The first half of this book represents the most cogent and accessible summary of the history of physics from Newton through Einstein that I have ever read. Once the author starts discussing String Theory, the putative subject of this book, things take a turn for slightly less amazing. Though...

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From: Amazon
Posted: Jul-25-2009

Two Books In One

For me, this was like two books in one. Let me explain:The first third of the book is truly amazing. This 'book within a book' explains in layman's terms the physics of the universe which is already accepted as 'truth'. These concepts are ordinarily difficult for the non-physicist,...

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From: Amazon
Posted: Jul-15-2009

A Mind Opener!

I came across a Brian Greene lecture when I was researching the theory of a universe beyond the three dimensions we see. I really enjoyed the lecture and decided to read this book which turned out to be extremely informative. At times it can get hard to understand especially when you get into...

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From: Amazon
Posted: Jul-06-2009

great overview of topics in modern physics

Very interesting book. The author has a gift of explaining very complicated concepts in a way that even a person without a physics background can understand. I also liked that the author doesn't dive into string theory until about a third of the way into the book. He prepares the reader for...

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From: Amazon
Posted: Jun-16-2009

Exceptional book.

Second time reading this book and is was just as wonderful as the first time around. Greene pulls you in with this book and visually lets you see the Cosmos through his eyes. I would definitely recommend, for both novices and for intellectuals alike.

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From: Amazon
Posted: May-10-2009

compelling and superbly written but ultimately not very convincing

AN INTRODUCTION BY WAY OF HYPERBOLIC SENTIMENT: The Elegant Universe is "The Bible" of superstring theory[1].I close the covers of The Elegant Universe with powerfully mixed feelings. On the one hand, Brian Greene gives us a lucidly-written layman's-terms explanation for high-concept modern...

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From: Amazon
Posted: Apr-26-2009

A good introduction to string/m-theory

Brian Greene, here presents a 'Discovery Channel' type introduction, or more accurately, a glimpse, to String/M-theory, which is an attempt to unify General Relativity and Quantum Mechanics. The resonances of sub-Planck sized strings vibrating and interacting within (and around!)...

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