There was a time when “universe” meant all there is. Everything. Yet, in recent years discoveries in physics and cosmology have led a number of scientists to conclude that our universe may be one among many. With crystal-clear prose and inspired use of analogy, Brian Greene shows how a range of different “multiverse” proposals emerges from theories developed to explain the most refined observations of both subatomic particles and the dark depths of space: a multiverse in which you have an infinite number of doppelgängers, each reading this sentence in a distant universe; a multiverse comprising a vast ocean of bubble universes, of which ours is but one; a multiverse that endlessly cycles through time, or one that might be hovering millimeters away yet remains invisible; another in which every possibility allowed by quantum physics is brought to life. Or, perhaps strangest of all, a multiverse made purely of mathematics. Greene, one of our foremost physicists and science writers, takes us on a captivating exploration of these parallel worlds and reveals how much of reality’s true nature may be deeply hidden within them.
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"What if the universe as we know it were only one of possibly many? That is the fundamental question behind this latest book by physicist Brian Greene. Greene takes a very simplistic approach to things as he explains how scientists believe that our universe is not alone on its own & also describes the theories behind possible alternate universes & what they might look like. In each subsequent chapter we go further & further in depth into the concepts behind each of these possible variations in the multiverse & experience numbers on both sides of an extraordinary scale. It helps that while you don't have to have a complete understanding of current studies in the world of astronomy, physics or cosmology to make this book make sense. No matter what the thought that there could be other versions of us out there somewhere is still fascinating & proving this will be even more fun. Definitely a read for any of us who've wondered if parallel realities exist."
— Paul (4 out of 5 stars)
" The previous book from brian green is slightly better but still, this is going to be classic... "
— PÅ™emek, 2/17/2014" #50 THE HIDDEN REALITY: Parallel Universes And The Deep Laws Of The Cosmos by Brian Greene: Durfee's top 50 non-fiction books countdown. We exist in over a trillion different parallel universes (in billions of those universes I'm married to Scarlet Johansson, in a billion others I'm married to YOU!). Scientifically; it's as probable as evolution. Logically; makes as much sense as Jesus "
— Brian, 2/12/2014" Good book. Does a very good job covering the subjects. "
— Richard, 2/11/2014" I understood most of it, I think, and it is mind-blowing. "
— Stan, 1/19/2014" This book was only so-so, not as good as his previous ones. I think Brian Greene went a little overboard trying to popularize string theory and in the process ended up dumbing it down too much and sounded more like a cheerleader than a scientist. "
— Sergei, 1/10/2014" Well-done by Brian Greene again. While Greene has written another popular novel about the current theories swirling around in modern physics, you'll finish this one and wonder whether there is really any difference between philosophy and science anymore. "
— Damon, 1/1/2014" A great discussion of the latest theories and ideas in the world of cosmology. It does get a bit technically dense and tedious occasionally, but overall a good read. "
— Ozzieblue, 12/23/2013" As some who has never taken a class in physics, this was bit of a challenge and took a long time but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Its deep and detailed but I like Brian Greene and think he is a great author. I recommend giving it a try. "
— Tyler, 12/11/2013" Interesting for the first half, lost me for the second. "
— Shane, 12/2/2013" Nothing I've read since Walden has changed and strengthened my perspective on our world as this book has. Very highly recommended for multiverse fans out there. "
— L., 7/27/2013" I was fascinated by some of the multiverse ideas (Quilted, Brane and Quantum) while less enthused by others (Holographic and Ultimate). Overall, this book is interesting and Dr. Greene does a wonderful job of explaining concepts and describing each Multiverse. "
— Billy, 7/12/2013" like a gripping sci fi novel, left me in awe. "
— AHAHAHAHA, 5/13/2013" It took me several months to read this book. I got tired of the plausibility arguments, although of course that's all there can be about multiverse concepts. It is very readable. "
— Jay, 10/26/2012" Not his best work. His previous work especially Fabric of the Cosmos is much better and the Hidden Reality represents some recycling on his part. "
— H, 10/11/2012" Definitely heavier reading that Greene's previous books. I probably need to read it a couple more times. Holographic universe was my personal favorite section. "
— Jesse, 11/3/2011" This book really challenges the reader to think about reality. It is not an easy read--I had to re-read several chapters--but it is truly a great book for those interested in physics. It is what I call "Physics for Dummies." "
— Carol, 6/26/2011" An interesting, accessible look at where theoretical physics stands now. Brian Greene is able to make physics intelligible even though I've forgotten enough math to really understand. "
— Polly, 6/21/2011" See, there was a time when I thought I was smart. By the end of this book, I was seriously having trouble keeping up. Well played, Mr. Greene. Well played indeed "
— Sean, 6/11/2011" A difficult book to read. I don't pretend that I understood it. But in general the idea is that we are not central in an order of cosmos, that in the face of infinity our understanding of its structure is very limited. "
— Vicky, 5/22/2011" Audacious idea of parallel universes now becoming mainstream for physicists and mathematicians. Ably explained for the lay person. "
— HBalikov, 5/16/2011" " Take the math seriously " "
— Cavolonero, 5/9/2011" Greene's writing makes things fun and exciting, but multiverse investigations still haven't reached a level of effecting me yet. "
— Stargrave, 5/8/2011" I was fascinated by some of the multiverse ideas (Quilted, Brane and Quantum) while less enthused by others (Holographic and Ultimate). Overall, this book is interesting and Dr. Greene does a wonderful job of explaining concepts and describing each Multiverse. "
— Billy, 4/23/2011Brian 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.