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The Fabric of the Cosmos (Abridged): Space, Time, and the Texture of Reality Audiobook
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(4.00) - 10,602 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
From Brian Greene, one of the world’s leading physicists, comes a grand tour of the universe that makes us look at reality in a completely different way. Space and time form the very fabric of the cosmos. Yet they remain among the most mysterious of concepts. Is space an entity? Why does time have a direction? Could the universe exist without space and time? Can we travel to the past? Greene uses these questions to guide us toward modern science’s new and deeper understanding of the universe. From Newton’s unchanging realm in which space and time are absolute, to Einstein’s fluid conception of spacetime, to quantum mechanics’ entangled arena where vastly distant objects can bridge their spatial separation to instantaneously coordinate their behavior or even undergo teleportation, Greene reveals our world to be very different from what common experience leads us to believe. Focusing on the enigma of time, Greene establishes that nothing in the laws of physics insists that it run in any particular direction and that “time’s arrow” is a relic of the universe’s condition at the moment of the big bang. And in explaining the big bang itself, Greene shows how recent cutting-edge developments in superstring and M-theory may reconcile the behavior of everything from the smallest particle to the largest black hole. This startling vision culminates in a vibrant eleven-dimensional “multiverse,” pulsating with ever-changing textures, where space and time themselves may dissolve into subtler, more fundamental entities. Sparked by the trademark wit, humor, and brilliant use of analogy that have made The Elegant Universe a modern classic, Brian Greene takes us all, regardless of our scientific backgrounds, on an irresistible and revelatory journey to the new layers of reality that modern physics has discovered lying just beneath the surface of our everyday world. With 146 illustrations Jacket photograph by DB Image/Brand X Pictures
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"This one is pretty deep. It gives a good foundation for understanding the current ideas in theoretical physics such as string theory, higher dimensions, and the nature of the space-time "loaf" that we all inhabit. It can be difficult to comprehend at times, but Brian Greene is an excellent guide."
— Nick (4 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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“[Greene’s] excitement for science on the threshold of vital breakthroughs is supremely contagious. The Fabric of the Cosmos is as dazzling as it is tough, and it beautifully reflects this theoretician's ardor for his work. In interviews he is sometimes asked where the next generation of physicists will come from. One clear answer: from the brain-teasing, exhilarating study of books like this.”
— New York Times Book Review -
“Perhaps the single best explainer of abstruse science in the world today…Greene has a gift for finding the right metaphor.”
— Washington Post -
“Greene is as elegant as ever, cutting through the fog of complexity with insight and clarity. Space and time, you might even say, become putty in his hands.”
— Los Angeles Times -
“As pure intellectual adventure, this is about as good as it gets…Even compared with A Brief History of Time, Greene’s book stands out for its sweeping ambition…stripping down the mystery from difficult concepts without watering down the science.”
— Newsday -
“The author’s informed curiosity is inspiring and his enthusiasm infectious.”
— Kansas City Star -
“Mind-bending…[Greene] is both a gifted theoretical physicist and a graceful popularizer [with] virtuoso explanatory skills.”
— Oregonian -
“Brian Greene is the new Hawking, only better.”
— Times (London) -
“Greene’s gravitational pull rivals a black hole’s.”
— Newsweek -
“Inexhaustibly witty…A must-read for the huge constituency of lay readers enticed by the mysteries of cosmology.”
— Sunday Times (London) -
“Greene takes us to the limits of space and time.”
— Guardian (London) -
“Greene is an excellent teacher, humorous and quick.”
— Boston Globe -
“If anyone can popularize tough science, it’s Greene.”
— Entertainment Weekly -
“Greene is a marvelously talented exponent of physics…A pleasure to read.”
— Economist -
“Magnificent…Sends shivers down the spine.”
— Financial Times -
“The best exposition and explanation of early 21st-century research into the fundamental nature of the universe as you are likely to find anywhere.”
— Science -
“Holds out the promise that we may one day explain how space and time have come to exist.”
— Nature -
“I recommend Greene’s book to any nonexpert reader who wants an up-to-date account of theoretical physics, written in colloquial language that anyone can understand.”
— New York Review of Books -
“Relish this exhilarating foray into the alien terrain that is our own universe.”
— Booklist (starred review) -
“Highly informed, lucid, and witty…There is simply no better introduction to the strange wonders of general relativity and quantum mechanics, the fields of knowledge essential for any real understanding of space and time.”
— Discover
Awards
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A New York Times bestseller
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One of the 2004 New York Times Book Review 100 Notable Books for Nonfiction
The Fabric of the Cosmos Listener Reviews
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" A very challenging read, at least for me. I am not a physicist, so the book lost me regularly. However, the parts I understood were so mind-blowing it was worth it. "
— Joel, 2/20/2014 -
" An accurate account of the cosmos. "
— James, 1/30/2014 -
" Fabric of the Cosmos by Brian Greene opens your eyes to string theory, m theory, and the multiverse theorem using simple concepts that build up to the main point. The book is structured point by point, and is divided into 3 sections. Each section has about 3-4 chapters, and each chapter illustrates a concept. I liked this book, because as you read it, things come to you that you figure out. "
— Artur, 1/15/2014 -
" Very good over view of contemporary astrophysics, written with an easy style. A bit hard to comprehend in some places-but it's astrophysics, it should be. "
— Abigail, 10/25/2013 -
" Where accessible, it paints a really nice picture of modern physics. Many parts are sadly lost to the layman reader, though. "
— Bogdan, 10/24/2013 -
" I love physics and cosmology books and this one is really good, though I have to re-re-read passages sometimes to make sure I'm understanding it, since I'm just a layperson when it comes to physics. :) "
— Sonja, 10/6/2013 -
" Fascinating and terribly complex ideas. Greene explains them well for the unstudied. I'll definitely read more into these and similar topics. "
— Rhyan, 9/7/2013 -
" Physics that won't put you to sleep. Instead will keep you up and expand your mind. "
— Don, 6/20/2013 -
" A very good book for someone who does not have a strong background in science but is interested in Physics and Cosmology. "
— Michael, 5/1/2013 -
" Einstein was right. Physics is in its infancy. Brian Greene humanizes science. "
— Fred, 4/22/2013 -
" Amazing book. The clearest physics book I've ever read (must have been because I actually finished it!). He gives lots of analogies, trying to explain several ways each idea until you feel you get the drift. Using Chewbacca and Bart Simpson isn't a bad idea either ;) "
— Jude, 12/29/2012 -
" these is no better writer of contemporary physics, if you want the broad strokes, this is the book for you. "
— m., 12/7/2012 -
" good, very academic and I have to admit that I sometimes have trouble reading "academic" type books... "
— Wendy, 11/30/2012 -
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nai saeturn, 11/4/2012
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" Great for the physicist and the layman! Great work for anyone ingested in space, time, or reality. "
— Jay, 9/30/2012 -
" As you read it, you realize you are living in an imaginary illusive time, and only theoretical physics brings us closer to the reality of time. "
— Subhani, 5/10/2012 -
" Picked it up just after the Elegant Universe.. so a bit repetitive but loved it nevertheless.<br/> "
— Swapnil, 6/26/2011 -
" A mind opening and puzzling book on String Theory, The Theory of Everything, Multi-dimensional universe, etc. Some of these theorems of physics sent shivers down my spine. One of the most enthralling reading experiences. "
— Piotr, 6/4/2011 -
" The one physics book everyone should read :) "
— Atti, 5/19/2011 -
" Well, don't get me wrong, the book is good, it is extremely wel-written and all, but tome it's way too simple, even thought I am not he one with technical education, it still bored me with too many explanations and too much repeating "
— Sieg, 5/6/2011 -
" This is a great read, albeit, a thinking read. Not even close to my usual, stretching my brain out a little. "
— John, 4/2/2011 -
" Difficult stuff to fathom, but very interesting. Lots went over my head and as an audio book it is hard to stop and think about everything that is being said. "
— Kendar88, 3/27/2011 -
" Excellent, although pretty heavy going in some chapters. "
— Cameron, 3/25/2011 -
" a fascinating discussion of the arrow of time and geometry of the universe. plus, not as much repeated material from THE ELEGANT UNIVERSE as i expected! "
— jonathan, 3/7/2011 -
" Boring at the beginnig. However, at the end, he exposes INTERESTING ideas about the theory. "
— Manuela, 2/15/2011 -
" Interesting but almost a direct copy of steven hawkings book. "
— Tom, 2/3/2011 -
" Engrossing and informative. Definitely going to pick up The Elegant Universe. "
— Luke, 1/28/2011
About Brian Greene
Brian Greene received his undergraduate degree from Harvard University and his doctorate from Oxford University, where he was a Rhodes Scholar. He joined the physics faculty of Cornell University in 1990, was appointed to a full professorship in 1995, and in 1996 joined Columbia University, where he is a professor of physics and mathematics. He has lectured at both a general and a technical level in more than twenty-five countries and is widely regarded for a number of groundbreaking discoveries in superstring theory. He lives in Andes, New York, and New York City.
About Erik Davies
Erik Davies is an accomplished audiobook narrator and voice-over actor. His stage credits include G.R. Point, Unpublished Letters, and Flats Fixed. Some of his television and film appearances include ER, Third Watch, and a starring role in the hit indie comedy High Society: A Pot Boiler. His audiobook narration has won three AudioFile Earphones Awards.