
Published: 18/02/2020

Al-Khalili’s thrilling book on the pillars of modern physics unravels the fundamental principles of quantum theory, relativity and thermodynamics in clear, equations-free prose.
Shortlisted for the Royal Society Insight Investment Science Book Prize 2020
Quantum physicist, New York Times bestselling author, and BBC host Jim Al-Khalili offers a fascinating and illuminating look at what physics reveals about the world.
Shining a light on the most profound insights revealed by modern physics, Jim Al-Khalili invites us all to understand what this crucially important science tells us about the universe and the nature of reality itself.
Al-Khalili begins by introducing the fundamental concepts of space, time, energy, and matter, and then describes the three pillars of modern physics-quantum theory, relativity, and thermodynamics-showing how all three must come together if we are ever to have a full understanding of reality. Using wonderful examples and thought-provoking analogies, Al-Khalili illuminates the physics of the extreme cosmic and quantum scales, the speculative frontiers of the field, and the physics that underpins our everyday experiences and technologies, bringing the reader up to speed with the biggest ideas in physics in just a few sittings. Physics is revealed as an intrepid human quest for ever more foundational principles that accurately explain the natural world we see around us, an undertaking guided by core values such as honesty and doubt. The knowledge discovered by physics both empowers and humbles us, and still, physics continues to delve valiantly into the unknown.
Making even the most enigmatic scientific ideas accessible and captivating, this deeply insightful book illuminates why physics matters to everyone and calls one and all to share in the profound adventure of seeking truth in the world around us.
Publisher: Princeton University Press
ISBN: 9780691182308
Number of pages: 336
Dimensions: 178 x 114 mm
MEDIA REVIEWS
'A fantastic book . . . [it] helped me to remember what I first loved about the subject.' - Daniel Bennett, BBC Science Focus Podcast
'Jim Al-Khalili's The World According to Physics is a thrilling ride . . . [it] makes cutting-edge physics easily understandable and makes it clear why he fell in love with the subject as a teenager.' - Richard Webb, New Scientist
'Many distinguished physicists have set out to explain their weird and wonderful world to lay readers but few have done so with the simple elegance of Al-Khalili, a physics professor at the University of Surrey best known for his radio and television programmes about science. He calls this book 'an ode to physics'; it is also an ode to joy in science.' - Clive Cookson, Financial Times
'A quantum physicist and BBC host introduces modern physics by explaining its fundamental concepts of space, time, energy, and matter, then describing the field's three pillars-quantum theory, relativity, and thermodynamics.' - Publishers Weekly
'This book is a refreshing, equations-free, occasionally philosophical take on what physics is all about that should appeal to physicists and the public alike.' - Nature Astronomy
'Broadcaster and quantum physicist Jim Al-Khalili is a superb guide to the fundamental principles of quantum theory, relativity and thermodynamics.' - Mail on Sunday
'Ever wanted to get into quantum physics, but been afraid to try? This book might be the answer. Bestselling author and BBC host Jim Al-Kahlili invites us to understand reality and the universe better as he explains modern physics to us.' - Claire Handscombe, Book Riot
'Al-Khalili shows how physics can enrich our understanding not just of the world around us, but of ourselves, too.' - Hannah Shaddock, Radio Times
'People should enjoy physics, says Al-Khalili, and you can't help thinking as you are propelled along through the historical and familiar principles, as well as more recent and emerging ideas, that he is entirely correct. . . . The beauty of [Al-Khalili's] approach is that it keeps open the sense of wonder, discovery and possibility that is so attractive to the non-specialist reader.' - Nick Smith, Engineering & Technology
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“Outstanding read”
As we have to come to expect from Prof Jim, this is another excellent book. An easy to read synopsis. Highly recommended
“What has Physics done for us?”
As a fan of Jim Al-Khalili, I was always going to enjoy this book, but it surpassed my expectations. If I had read this book at school, I would have read Physics rather than Maths at university. Al-Khalili somehow... More
“Readable insight into the power of science”
This lucidly written book has something to offer if you are a reader relatively new to the world of physics or one with some previous experience. For the former it is as readable an introduction to the contribution of... More
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