Book 7

by Author 7
Book 7 cover
Good Books rating 3.75
Buy online
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 1992
  • Added: 2025-10-11
  • Updated: 2025-10-11
  • Reviews: 2
Reviews
ebay.co.uk · Unknown · 2025-10-20
insightful 4.00

Kip Thorne's book provides an insider's view of the evolution of black hole research, blending physics with the social dynamics of the scientific community. The reviewer appreciates the detailed insights into how scientists work and interact, though they find the prologue less compelling.

Kip Thorne's book offers a unique perspective on the development of black hole research, combining detailed explanations of the physics with an exploration of the social dynamics within the scientific community. The reviewer highlights Thorne's ability to provide an insider's view, thanks to his personal involvement and introspection. The book is praised for its thorough research and comprehensive bibliography, which can serve as a valuable resource. However, the reviewer notes that the prologue, which introduces the physics through a science fiction fable, is not Thorne's strongest suit. Overall, the book is seen as a lucid and insightful exploration of how a scientific discipline evolves over time, with a focus on the interactions and collaborations among researchers.

Quick quotes

    Kip Thorne is one of the most imaginative theoretical astrophysicists of our time.

    Thorne divides his attention between explaining the physics of black holes and writing about the researchers and groupings of researchers who pursue them.

    The book is thoroughly researched and includes a detailed bibliography that can serve...

facebook.com · Unknown · 2025-10-20
intriguing 3.50

The reviewer found 'Black Holes and Time Warps' to be a fascinating exploration of the history and science behind black holes and time warps, though they acknowledge that the complex mathematics involved may be daunting for many readers. They appreciate the book's accessible writing style but recognize that a deep understanding of the subject requires a strong foundation in mathematics and physics.

The reviewer has read extensively on topics like black holes, space-time warps, and cosmology, which has given them a sense of expertise despite not having formal education in the field. 'Black Holes and Time Warps' by Kip Thorne is part of a series of essential reads for those interested in cosmology. The book is praised for making complex topics accessible, but the reviewer notes that the mathematics involved can be overwhelming for casual readers. They mention that while authors like Kip Thorne, Alan Muth, and Lawrence Krauss do a good job of making these subjects understandable, the reality is that most people won't be able to grasp the deeper mathematical concepts without significant study. The book is described as more of a historical account of the discovery of black holes and a discussion on time warps, tracing the chronology from early theories to modern understanding. The reviewer also highlights the challenges faced by scientists like Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar, who had to persist against the skepticism of the scientific community.

Quick quotes

    The first two I’ve read and reviewed; the last is sitting on my bookshelf. Dr. Penrose, despite his reputation of eloquence and accessible reading, has written a book slightly more daunting than the others only in that he has provided more math than the others.

    The Science Channel does a great job of filling our minds with sexy computer generated images of deep-space, very deep-space, and truly mind-boggling deep space.

    Black Holes and Time Warps is more a history of the discovery of black holes and a discussion of time warps.

Appears in Lists

Not yet in any lists.