From Powells.com
Staff Pick
True to its title, Carlo Rovelli's Seven Brief Lessons on Physics offers a septet of introductory teachings into the mysteries of physics. "Written for those who know little or nothing about modern science," Rovelli offers cursory explanations of relativity ("the most beautiful of theories"), quantum mechanics, the cosmos, elementary particles, quantum gravity, and black holes. While likely well-familiar to anyone with even a passing knowledge of astrophysics, cosmology, and related sciences, Seven Brief Lessons on Physics is, nonetheless, beautifully composed and Rovelli's wonder and enthusiasm for the subject are quite evident. Recommended By Jeremy G., Powells.com
Don't let the word "lessons" scare you, and don't let the word "brief" make you expect something trivial. With prose that is poetic, in depth, and completely accessible, Carlo Rovelli plumbs the nature of our universe in a way that is enchanting, easily comprehendible, and deeply moving. Recommended By Gigi L., Powells.com
Synopses & Reviews
THE PHENOMENAL INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER
Everything you need to know about modern physics, the universe and our place in the world in seven enlightening lessons
'Here, on the edge of what we know, in contact with the ocean of the unknown, shines the mystery and the beauty of the world. And it's breathtaking'
These seven short lessons guide us, with simplicity and clarity, through the scientific revolution that shook physics in the twentieth century and still continues to shake us today. In this mind-bending introduction to modern physics, Carlo Rovelli explains Einstein's theory of general relativity, quantum mechanics, black holes, the complex architecture of the universe, elementary particles, gravity, and the nature of the mind. Not since Richard Feynman's celebrated Six Easy Pieces has physics been so vividly, intelligently and entertainingly revealed.
Review
“A startling and illustrative distillation of centuries of science.” The Economist
Review
“Lean, lucid and enchanting.” New Scientist
Review
"Carlo Rovelli manages to convey the mystery of very large things and very small things with brilliant effect." Philip Pullman
About the Author
Carlo Rovelli is a theoretical physicist who has made significant contributions to the physics of space and time. He has worked in Italy and the US, and is currently directing the quantum gravity research group of the Centre de Physique Théorique in Marseille, France.