- A broad look at the major topics on the border of theoretical physics.
- Clear presentation of complex physics topics.
- Attractive illustrations are throughout the book.
- The focus is very direct, covering only the key topics with little elaboration.
- Many of the illustrations are unnecessary and largely decorative.
- Review is based on 2005 hardcover edition, there is also a paperback edition.
- 153 pages, 12 chapters + glossary
- Includes brief biographical entries on Galileo Galilei, Isaac Newton, and Albert Einstein
Even though this version of the book is "briefer" than the original, it's still an expansive look at physics, ranging from the very nature of science to the theoretical work involved in quantum gravity and string theory. Hawking explains quantum physics and relativity briefly, glossing over the key aspects without delving into much depth on them.
Hawking is known for his revolutionary work in the study of black holes, and he takes some time to explore them in this book, and how they relate to the big bang theory and the expanding universe, especially as presented by the inflationary universe model.
That, overall, is the key to this book ... it's an excellent introductory volume, but provides virtually nothing of interest to anyone who has already read books on this topic. This isn't the sort of book you buy for your science geek friend, it's the one that you buy for someone who thinks that science is way beyond them. Or maybe you're the one who thinks that science is beyond them.
A Briefer History of Time won't make the reader a master of physics, but it will explain even the unexplainable concepts.
