Stephen Hawking’s A Brief History of Time is undoubtedly one of the classic casual scientific texts one should read to be well aware of the world around them and how it came to be. The author, an English theoretical physicist and cosmologist, seamlessly places the reader in the shoes of a student while diving deep into the questions we have always wondered but have never had the craving to research on our own time. Beginning with the relative basics of discoveries in the past centuries, Stephen Hawking explains in great detail the logic and reasoning behind the evolution of the human understanding of the universe. After getting the base knowledge out of the way, the book quickly dives deeper and deeper into theoretical possibilities and the observations which back them up. Due to the vagueness of the topic, the author helps readers visualize and truly understand the concepts that are being discussed with similes and analogies which relate to the real, observable world and the everyday life of the audience. When talking about the steps that must be taken for a star to transition into a black hole, Stephen Hawking connects the complex series of reasoning to a simple image, helping the reader visualize the theory: “It is a bit like a balloon---there is a balance between the pressure of the air inside, which is trying to make the balloon expand, and the tension of the rubber, which is trying to make the balloon smaller” (85). As a reader, such a vivid comparison makes the discussion of “sufficient gravitational attraction” seem a whole lot simpler and manageable to wrap your head around. Moreover, the lighthearted remarks which are tossed in throughout the text keeps you entertained and encourages you to continue reading, maybe not for the theories Hawking talks about but rather for his clever jokes which connect the material which was just discussed. During his discussion of elementary particles (matter and antimatter), the author includes a lighthearted remark which more or less summarizes the material that was just discussed: “However, if you meet your antiself, don’t shake hands! You would both vanish in a great flash of light” (71). The passage before this comment became complicated and very confusing to follow, however, after reading that joke, I couldn’t help myself but to turn a few pages back and reread his theory – all of this to understand his clever remark.
Thus far, it seems like the perfect scientific book to read – it’s light, clever, and even funny at times. Yet, some parts of the text became extremely complex and impossible to follow. It didn’t help that the author expected the audience to have prior knowledge of the historical events which connect with the theories being discussed: “In fact bursts of gamma rays from space have been detected by satellites originally constructed to look for violations of the Test Ban Treaty” (115). While knowing exactly what the treaty was about is not directly necessary for a comprehension of the ideas in the book, it would undoubtedly be more helpful if a quick snippet of historical information was included in the text. The complexity of the theory’s descriptions, on the other hand, have absolutely nothing to do with the book itself. Stephen Hawking included an abundance of analogies and explained the complicated concepts of wormholes in as simple of language as possible. The issue is not with the author and the writing style – the subject itself makes it challenging to follow the ideas on the paper. If the idea of having to reread the same paragraph multiple times upsets you – A Brief History of Time is definitely not the book for you.
All in all this is an outstanding scientific text, a classic even. The depth of the material that is being discussed in a syntax which an average teenager can understand is unbelievable at times. This book will answer the questions (and raise just as many new ones) you always had about anything to do with universe topics which are never discussed with the general public So, should you read this book? Heck yes.
A Brief History of Time: From the Big Bang to Black Holes
4.6 | 26,876 ratings
Price: 17.03
Last update: 01-18-2025
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Top reviews from the United States
Peter Should you read this book? Heck yes.
Daris LordesA Gateway to the Cosmos
Daris Lordes
Reviewed in the United States on May 7, 2024
What sets this book apart is its ability to transcend typical scientific discourse, presenting theories not just as scholarly facts but as dynamic, pulsating stories that invite wonder and exploration. The reader is taken on a journey through the cosmos, exploring the fundamental questions of existence and our place within it. This is enhanced by Hawking's thoughtful prose that, while deeply informative, remains engaging and surprisingly light.
This edition is well-structured, with each chapter building on the previous, ensuring a coherent flow that aids understanding. The inclusion of diagrams and illustrations helps clarify topics that might otherwise seem daunting, and the quality of the book’s binding and presentation aligns with its excellent content.
For anyone looking to dip their toes into the vast ocean of astrophysics and cosmology without feeling overwhelmed, "A Brief History of Time" is a perfect starting point. It serves as a wonderful gift for a budding scientist or any reader with a thirst for knowledge about the universe’s mysteries.
"A Brief History of Time" is more than just a book; it is an invitation to think deeply about the universe and our spectacular place within it. Stephen Hawking’s legacy as a brilliant mind and communicator shines brightly in these pages, making this work a must-read that is sure to ignite a lasting passion for science.
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