In a recent tread Michael asked for recommendations for readable books about quantum physics.
I'm sure others have more to add, but I'd like to get started with a few:
E=Mc2 - A biography of an equation
by David Bodanis
This is a great book which explains how Einstein's equation was founded on many different aspects of physics. It gives a good, general insight into what constitutes this formula and why it became so important for quantum physics.
Three Roads to Quantum Gravity
By Lee Smolin
As the covers says - Smolin is a leading physicist working to unify quantum theory, relativity and cosmology. Readable with illustrations, although perhaps a bit on the heavy side (though heavliy recommended)
Before the Big Bang - The origins of the universe
by Ernest J. Sternglass (
reviewed at Hypography)
Sternglass has his own views of how the universe was born - and it makes for great reading. His theories are not mainstream but this book is a gem.
Hyperspace
by Michio Kaku
This is one great book, covering string theory, time warps, the future of the universe and much more. Kaku is one of the great science writers. All his booksare recommended.
Six Easy Pieces
By Richard Feynman
An introductiory text to relativity and other aspects of quantum theory. Again, Feynamn was an incredible writer. "Six Not-So-Easy Pieces" is a bit more difficult to follow, but his "The pleasure of finding things out" is a joyride through many bits of his wonderful life. Feynman was the physicist who demonstrated that the Challenger disaster was due to bad management, and his dissenting essay in the comittee report can be found by searching though Hypography.
The Origins of the Universe
by John D. Barrow
Mr Barrow is an excellent writer (
read my review of his <SPAN class=overskrift>Theories of Everything: The Quest for Ultimate Explanation</SPAN>) who manages to present very difficult topics in a readable manner. I recommend all of his books - especially "Impossibility", which shows the limits of what we can know, and what we can't.
Since I have specialized in reading popular science (rather than textbooks), you may find that most of these books are not brimful of math, but they all help understand what quantum theory is about and should help you find more books to read after that.
Tormod
