"A splendid, edifying report from the front lines of theorectical physics" (San Francisco Chronicle).

In this illuminating book, renowned physicist Lee Smolin argues that fundamental physics -- the search for the laws of nature -- is losing its way.

Ambitious ideas about extra dimensions, exotic particles, multiple universes, and strings have captured the public's imagination -- and the imagination of experts. But these ideas have not been tested experimentally, and some, like string theory, seem to offer no possibility of being tested. Even still, these speculations dominate the field, attracting the best talent and much of the funding, while creating a climate in which emerging physicists are often penalized for pursuing other avenues. The situation threatens to impede the very progress of science.

With clarity, passion, and authority, Smolin offers an unblinking assessment of the troubles that face modern physics, and an encouraging view of where the search for the next big idea may lead.

"The best book about contemporary science written for the layman that I have ever read." -- The Times (London)

• We started tracking this book on August 28, 2011.
• This book was $8.32 when we started tracking it.
• The price of this book has changed 249 times in the past 4,624 days.
• The current price of this book is $11.99 last checked one day ago.
• This lowest price this book has been offered at in the past 90 days is $2.99.
• This lowest price this book has been offered at in the past year is $1.99.
• The lowest price to date was $1.99 last reached on November 16, 2023.
• This book has been $1.99 20 times since we started tracking it.
• The highest price to date was $14.41 last reached on November 1, 2023.
• This book has been $14.41 one time since we started tracking it.

• Science & Math

• Text-to-Speech: Disabled
• Lending: Disabled
• File Size: 4,013 KB