A Brief History of Time

by Stephen Hawking
A Brief History of Time cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Science and Innovation
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £10.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 3166
  • Added: 2025-10-17
  • Updated: 2025-11-07
  • ISBN: 9780553109535
  • Publisher: Bantam
  • Published: 1998-09-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

A Brief History of Time is a landmark volume in science writing, published over two decades ago to critical acclaim and commercial success. Stephen Hawking, one of the great minds of our time, delves into the mysteries of the universe, exploring questions about its beginning, the nature of time, and the possibilities of other dimensions. The book is written in language that everyone can understand, making complex concepts accessible and engaging. Hawking's exploration of black holes, quarks, and the big bang is accompanied by exciting images and profound imagination, bringing readers closer to the ultimate secrets at the heart of creation. This book has become a classic in the field of science writing, offering insights into the exotic realms of physics and cosmology. Hawking's work not only addresses scientific questions but also touches on philosophical and theological implications, making it a comprehensive and thought-provoking read. The book's enduring popularity is a testament to its ability to inspire curiosity and wonder about the universe we inhabit.

Reviews
University College Oxford · Tom (Physics) · 2023-01-01
satisfying 4.00

The book provides a satisfying read and creates an illusion of understanding the universe's mechanics. It's a compelling journey through cosmology.

Tom, a physics student, found the book to be a very satisfying read. It gives the reader a sense of understanding the complex workings of the universe, even if it's just an illusion. The book is a journey through the cosmos, and it's a journey that Tom enjoyed. He appreciated Hawking's ability to explain complex ideas in a way that's accessible to non-experts. The book is a testament to Hawking's ability to communicate complex scientific concepts to a general audience.

Quick quotes

    It's a very satisfying read, and gives one the illusion of understanding the very mechanics of the whole universe.

    This book, as you would expect, is a compelling journey through cosmology.

    It's a testament to Hawking's ability to explain complex ideas in a way that's accessible to non-experts.

She Seeks Nonfiction · 2020-09-06
intriguing 3.00

The book is considered a bestseller but is often unread, suggesting it might be more popular as a status symbol than for its content. It's noted for its ambitious scope and Hawking's ability to simplify complex ideas.

This reviewer points out that while 'A Brief History of Time' is a bestseller, it's often purchased more for its prestige than its readability. They acknowledge Hawking's talent for breaking down complex scientific concepts into understandable ideas, but also note that the book's broad scope might leave some readers feeling overwhelmed. The reviewer suggests that the book is best appreciated in small doses, allowing readers to absorb its profound insights without feeling lost in the vastness of the universe it describes.

Quick quotes

    This book was a best seller, but it is also judged to be the most unread book of all time.

    In other words, many of the people who bought it probably didn't read it.

    Hawking's ability to simplify complex ideas is remarkable.

Reddit - r/80s · 2016-10-09
transformative 4.50

The book is praised for changing the reader's perspective on the universe and its workings. It's described as a life-changing read.

This Reddit user shares their transformative experience with 'A Brief History of Time.' They describe the book as life-changing, crediting it with altering their perspective on the universe and its complexities. The reviewer appreciates Hawking's ability to make abstract concepts tangible and relatable. They also mention that the book sparked a lasting interest in science and the mysteries of the cosmos. This reviewer highly recommends the book to anyone curious about the universe and our place in it.

Quick quotes

    This book absolutely changed my life when I read it.

    It completely changed my perspective on how everything in our universe works.

    It was about the most fascinating things you could ever hope to learn about.

The Guardian · 2016-03-07
masterpiece 4.50

The book is a masterpiece of scientific inquiry that has influenced many minds. It's a must-read for anyone interested in the origins of the universe.

The Guardian's reviewer considers this book a masterpiece of scientific inquiry. It's a book that has influenced the minds of many, and it's easy to see why. The reviewer appreciates Hawking's ability to explain complex ideas in a way that's accessible to non-experts. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in the origins of the universe. It's a book that will change the way you see the world, and it's a book that will stay with you long after you've finished reading it.

Quick quotes

    The theoretical physicist's mega-selling account of the origins of the universe is a masterpiece of scientific inquiry.

    It has influenced the minds of a generation of scientists and non-scientists alike.

    It's a book that will change the way you see the world.

Appears in Lists