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Michio Kaku

Parallel worlds

Science fiction presents us with many wacky ideas, and you may wonder whether they have any connection to reality. Well in this book Michio Kaku describes plenty of ideas which seem like fiction but have been given serious consideration by physicists, for instance wormholes, warp drives and time travel. The book is in three parts, starting with a look at the current state of cosmology which is followed by a look at various ideas in physics related to parallel universes. The final part considers how we might reach such a universe. The book is easy to read, and is recommended to anyone wanting to find out more about the strange ideas from science fiction.

However it is a long book and I do think that the readers are presented with too many different ideas to get them clear in their minds. For instance 'Parallel Worlds' may refer to (i) Universes budding off our current one, (ii) Higher dimensions in physics (branes and the like) or (iii) Many worlds quantum theory. Many books fail to distinguish between these, and I hoped that this would do better, but I don't feel that it did. So the book is fine as an inspirational overview of the area, and a must for prospective sci-fi authors, but I would advise a reader wanting a starting point to study the physics to look elsewhere.

Amazon.com info

Paperback 448 pages
ISBN: 1400033721
Salesrank: 4308
Weight:0.85 lbs

Published: 2006 Anchor

Amazon price $10.85

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Amazon.co.uk info

Paperback 448 pages
ISBN: 0141014636
Salesrank: 2496
Weight:0.75 lbs

Published: 2006 Penguin Books Ltd

Amazon price £6.99

Marketplace:New from £4.72:Used from £4.20

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Amazon.ca info

Paperback 448 pages
ISBN: 1400033721
Salesrank: 19328
Weight:0.85 lbs

Published: 2006 Anchor

Amazon price CDN$ 16.75

Marketplace:New from CDN$ 9.08:Used from CDN$ 34.82

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Product Description
In this thrilling journey into the mysteries of our cosmos, bestselling author Michio Kaku takes us on a dizzying ride to explore black holes and time machines, multidimensional space and, most tantalizing of all, the possibility that parallel universes may lay alongside our own. Kaku skillfully guides us through the latest innovations in string theory and its latest iteration, M-theory, which posits that our universe may be just one in an endless multiverse, a singular bubble floating in a sea of infinite bubble universes. If M-theory is proven correct, we may perhaps finally find answer to the question, “What happened before the big bang?” This is an exciting and unforgettable introduction into the new cutting-edge theories of physics and cosmology from one of the pre-eminent voices in the field.

Product Description

In this thrilling journey into the mysteries of our cosmos, bestselling author Michio Kaku takes us on a dizzying ride to explore black holes and time machines, multidimensional space and, most tantalizing of all, the possibility that parallel universes may lay alongside our own.

Kaku skillfully guides us through the latest innovations in string theory and its latest iteration, M-theory, which posits that our universe may be just one in an endless multiverse, a singular bubble floating in a sea of infinite bubble universes. If M-theory is proven correct, we may perhaps finally find answer to the question, “What happened before the big bang?” This is an exciting and unforgettable introduction into the new cutting-edge theories of physics and cosmology from one of the pre-eminent voices in the field.

Excellent Reading For Any Technical Skillset *****
Michio has done an excellent job at describing the current understanding of the Universe, based on the latest proven theories. He has the ability to reach out to all skill levels. This is simply the best book I have ever read regarding the Universe. Thanks to my good friend and colleague, Neal Bailey, for recommending this book.

Excellent Reading For Any Technical Skillset *****

Michio has done an excellent job at describing the current understanding of the Universe, based on the latest proven theories. He has the ability to reach out to all skill levels. This is simply the best book I have ever read regarding the Universe. Thanks to my good friend and colleague, Neal Bailey, for recommending this book.

Well written, covers a lot of material *****
I was quite impressed to find that this book touched on every subject I had expected or just hoped for, and more. Not only does it contain an update on the most current understanding of our universe and the possibilities of a greater "multiverse" of parallel universes; it also gives a historical view of how we got there, including some background knowledge and stories about the great physicists who got us this far. I am a physics student and hence have some background knowledge that aids in understanding, but the author doesn't assume readers to have a physics background and does a good job of explaining things in a down-to-earth manner. I can highly recommend this book to anybody who is curious about what the latest science has to say about any of the following: The universe, its beginning and its end, dark matter, dark energy, wormholes, black holes, multiple theories for parallel universes (relativity, quantum and string theory all suggest them as a possibility), string theory, higher dimensions, possibilities of travelling in spacetime and other dimensions, teleporting, travel faster than the speed of light, development of civilizations and what our future may look like (e.g. how we can manage to escape when our spot in spacetime becomes uninhabitable).

Well written, covers a lot of material *****

I was quite impressed to find that this book touched on every subject I had expected or just hoped for, and more. Not only does it contain an update on the most current understanding of our universe and the possibilities of a greater "multiverse" of parallel universes; it also gives a historical view of how we got there, including some background knowledge and stories about the great physicists who got us this far.

I am a physics student and hence have some background knowledge that aids in understanding, but the author doesn't assume readers to have a physics background and does a good job of explaining things in a down-to-earth manner. I can highly recommend this book to anybody who is curious about what the latest science has to say about any of the following:

The universe, its beginning and its end, dark matter, dark energy, wormholes, black holes, multiple theories for parallel universes (relativity, quantum and string theory all suggest them as a possibility), string theory, higher dimensions, possibilities of travelling in spacetime and other dimensions, teleporting, travel faster than the speed of light, development of civilizations and what our future may look like (e.g. how we can manage to escape when our spot in spacetime becomes uninhabitable).

An excellent explanation of status quo physics *****
In this book, Michio Kaku, a leading theoretical physicist, discusses the current state of the search for a unified theory to explain everything, from quantum physics to relativity and everything in between. In layman's terms, he discusses the history of string theory and M-Theory, the current form of string theory, and what it all means in terms of the possibilities of alternate universes, time travel, and the origin of the universe. Kaku discusses the possibilities of more than 3 spacial dimensions, as implied by the theory. Kaku goes on to discuss the ultimate fate of the universe: a continual expansion resulting in temperatures too cold to support life, or a crushing implosion resulting in temperatures too hot to support life. Kaku discusses the possibility that M-Theory may increase our understanding of the universe (or multiverse) enough to be able to travel into a different universe, or back in time, before our universe collapses. Kaku ends with a philosophical discussion on our place in the universe and what the point of it all is. If you have read Kaku's book "Hyperspace", some of this book will be review, as he includes some of the same concepts of extra dimensions in this book. Kaku explains the science in such a way that the layperson can understand it fairly well. He doesn't go into much mathematical detail; he only explains enough so that the reader understands what the theory means and doesn't get bogged down with all the details. This is what makes Kaku's writing great. His books, such as this one, are written for those who haven't studied physics in depth but who are interested in what is going on in the field of physics and the search to understand the universe. The bottom line: Kaku is a great resource for the latest developments in theoretical physics and our understanding of the universe.

An excellent explanation of status quo physics *****

In this book, Michio Kaku, a leading theoretical physicist, discusses the current state of the search for a unified theory to explain everything, from quantum physics to relativity and everything in between. In layman's terms, he discusses the history of string theory and M-Theory, the current form of string theory, and what it all means in terms of the possibilities of alternate universes, time travel, and the origin of the universe. Kaku discusses the possibilities of more than 3 spacial dimensions, as implied by the theory. Kaku goes on to discuss the ultimate fate of the universe: a continual expansion resulting in temperatures too cold to support life, or a crushing implosion resulting in temperatures too hot to support life. Kaku discusses the possibility that M-Theory may increase our understanding of the universe (or multiverse) enough to be able to travel into a different universe, or back in time, before our universe collapses. Kaku ends with a philosophical discussion on our place in the universe and what the point of it all is.

If you have read Kaku's book "Hyperspace", some of this book will be review, as he includes some of the same concepts of extra dimensions in this book.

Kaku explains the science in such a way that the layperson can understand it fairly well. He doesn't go into much mathematical detail; he only explains enough so that the reader understands what the theory means and doesn't get bogged down with all the details. This is what makes Kaku's writing great. His books, such as this one, are written for those who haven't studied physics in depth but who are interested in what is going on in the field of physics and the search to understand the universe.

The bottom line: Kaku is a great resource for the latest developments in theoretical physics and our understanding of the universe.

WOW! *****
Definitely, TWO THUMPS UP!!! This is one of the best book for fun read among all books I have ever read for more than thirty years. The topic is a hard-chew, but Michio Kaku made it so soft you can swallow as easily as milk. It is not a surprise why so many complete physics lay persons read this book and all of a sudden became in the know about modern physics. Yes, this book is that great, very easy to read and at the time very thorough! But, more importantly, perhaps most importantly to me, the book is so much fun to read!!! I have read many sci-fi books, but this book is probably much more fun than any sci-fi's that I know. This is why I used to often read this book whenever I got some headache. It gives very fresh refreshment like rural breeze. I do not often recommend a book for a read to friends because they are just different from me in many points. But, for this book I strongly recommend anybody to give it a try. You will never get disappointed for sure.

WOW! *****

Definitely, TWO THUMPS UP!!! This is one of the best book for fun read among all books I have ever read for more than thirty years. The topic is a hard-chew, but Michio Kaku made it so soft you can swallow as easily as milk. It is not a surprise why so many complete physics lay persons read this book and all of a sudden became in the know about modern physics. Yes, this book is that great, very easy to read and at the time very thorough! But, more importantly, perhaps most importantly to me, the book is so much fun to read!!! I have read many sci-fi books, but this book is probably much more fun than any sci-fi's that I know. This is why I used to often read this book whenever I got some headache. It gives very fresh refreshment like rural breeze. I do not often recommend a book for a read to friends because they are just different from me in many points. But, for this book I strongly recommend anybody to give it a try. You will never get disappointed for sure.

Rating for Parallel Worlds *****
I haven't read through the entire book yet - I've only gone through and read parts here and there, enough to know I will really enjoy reading this book. I always see this author on television shows regarding the same and simalar subject matters and became interested enough in his commentaries to purchase this book. I have no scientific background and this book seems easy enough to read and comprehend, and that was a big plus in my opinion! Also, delivery was very prompt and I am very satisfied with this purchase!

Rating for Parallel Worlds *****

I haven't read through the entire book yet - I've only gone through and read parts here and there, enough to know I will really enjoy reading this book. I always see this author on television shows regarding the same and simalar subject matters and became interested enough in his commentaries to purchase this book. I have no scientific background and this book seems easy enough to read and comprehend, and that was a big plus in my opinion!
Also, delivery was very prompt and I am very satisfied with this purchase!

Life, the universe and everything *****
I love documentaries that start talking about the quantum world. Of course there is part of your mind that is shouting "this makes no sense" but instead I listen to the bit that says "I must know more". If you are turned off by phrases like M-theory or cosmological constant then this is obviously not the book for you. If, like me, you love popular science and want to push things a little further without getting bogged down in mathematical formulae which mean NOTHING to me then this is the book for you. Kaku is a great guide through the physics of the very big like red dwarfs and black holes to the subatomic world of gluons and string theory. Whenever there's a danger of losing the reader he uses a simple analogy to help the information make sense. His style is light but serious and his ability to pack so much in without losing a layman like me is impressive. This is a fabulous book about science for the casual adult reader which will get you to look at the world in a very different way. Enjoy the ride.

Life, the universe and everything *****

I love documentaries that start talking about the quantum world. Of course there is part of your mind that is shouting "this makes no sense" but instead I listen to the bit that says "I must know more". If you are turned off by phrases like M-theory or cosmological constant then this is obviously not the book for you.

If, like me, you love popular science and want to push things a little further without getting bogged down in mathematical formulae which mean NOTHING to me then this is the book for you. Kaku is a great guide through the physics of the very big like red dwarfs and black holes to the subatomic world of gluons and string theory. Whenever there's a danger of losing the reader he uses a simple analogy to help the information make sense. His style is light but serious and his ability to pack so much in without losing a layman like me is impressive.

This is a fabulous book about science for the casual adult reader which will get you to look at the world in a very different way. Enjoy the ride.

Beyond Worlds ****
Parallel Worlds is a highly readable account of some of the most advanced and exciting aspects of cosmology and its related disciplines today. Covering everything from Einsteinian relativity, through quantum mechanics and on to the most-favoured current "theories of everything" - string theory and its new variant M-theory - Kaku guides his readers through a potted history of the universe, from its fiery beginning to its cold dark end ... and possibly beyond. The journey is an exciting one, full of sound and fury - from the pattering of quasars and cosmic background radiation to the roar of supernovae - signifying plenty. There are one or two editing mishaps - "googol" becomes "google", Jodrell Bank becomes "Jordell Bank", "Brownian motion" becomes "Browning motion" (leading me to wonder what would have happened if Terrence Rattigan had written "The Brownian Version" - in which a retired schoolteacher must confront his failure as a continuous-time stochastic process relating to the movement of a particle in a gas or liquid) - and someone needs to explain to the prof that "enormity" is not the same as "enormousness" but, these very petty cavils aside, this is an entertaining and informative guide to the nature of our universe and the universes that may exist alongside it.

Beyond Worlds ****

Parallel Worlds is a highly readable account of some of the most advanced and exciting aspects of cosmology and its related disciplines today. Covering everything from Einsteinian relativity, through quantum mechanics and on to the most-favoured current "theories of everything" - string theory and its new variant M-theory - Kaku guides his readers through a potted history of the universe, from its fiery beginning to its cold dark end ... and possibly beyond.

The journey is an exciting one, full of sound and fury - from the pattering of quasars and cosmic background radiation to the roar of supernovae - signifying plenty.

There are one or two editing mishaps - "googol" becomes "google", Jodrell Bank becomes "Jordell Bank", "Brownian motion" becomes "Browning motion" (leading me to wonder what would have happened if Terrence Rattigan had written "The Brownian Version" - in which a retired schoolteacher must confront his failure as a continuous-time stochastic process relating to the movement of a particle in a gas or liquid) - and someone needs to explain to the prof that "enormity" is not the same as "enormousness" but, these very petty cavils aside, this is an entertaining and informative guide to the nature of our universe and the universes that may exist alongside it.

accessible *****
a GENUINELY accessible book, written in layman's (or layperson's as it must be these days) terms. the logic of the format flows easily and the topics covered are fascinating, highly speculative but also logically probable. a book to come back to again.

accessible *****

a GENUINELY accessible book, written in layman's (or layperson's as it must be these days) terms. the logic of the format flows easily and the topics covered are fascinating, highly speculative but also logically probable. a book to come back to again.

The Humanity's Exit Strategy *****
Michio Kaku's "Parallel Worlds" is the best popular science non-fiction ever written. Its breakthrough theories reach out to the most naive reader with such a strength that whatever you've known about the Big Bang or religious essays on the beginning and the end of our world, suddenly becomes a tiny moment caught in the universe yet ever-evolving. It has very logical structure on complex issues such as the essence of non-material dark energy that apparently consists the 73 percent of the energy in our universe, the bubble theories of the existence of parallel universes where the humanity can move to as our planet comes to an end due to the unavoidable universal freeze. Thus, he masterfully presents the idea of multiverses that co-exist in a string, subject to ongoing Big Bangs here and there. As he narrates "...entire universes continually sprout or "bud" off other universes. If true, it would unify two of the great religious mythologies, Genesis and Nirvana. Genesis would take place continually within the fabric of timeless Nirvana". (One has another appreciation for Michio Kaku for his bringing up in a Buddhist family who nevertheless sent him off to a Catholic Sunday School had made him one of the most read scientists.) Decoding Einstein's and Darwin's at their time distant theories on reading "the God's Mind" and the "end of humanity", Michio Kaku unveils the latest developments in the scientific world on the humanity's beginning and future, claiming that even a string of Big Bangs and multiverses would still need an ultimate creator/composer... This book is a definite buy on the most indefinite questions we have.

The Humanity's Exit Strategy *****

Michio Kaku's "Parallel Worlds" is the best popular science non-fiction ever written. Its breakthrough theories reach out to the most naive reader with such a strength that whatever you've known about the Big Bang or religious essays on the beginning and the end of our world, suddenly becomes a tiny moment caught in the universe yet ever-evolving.

It has very logical structure on complex issues such as the essence of non-material dark energy that apparently consists the 73 percent of the energy in our universe, the bubble theories of the existence of parallel universes where the humanity can move to as our planet comes to an end due to the unavoidable universal freeze. Thus, he masterfully presents the idea of multiverses that co-exist in a string, subject to ongoing Big Bangs here and there. As he narrates "...entire universes continually sprout or "bud" off other universes. If true, it would unify two of the great religious mythologies, Genesis and Nirvana. Genesis would take place continually within the fabric of timeless Nirvana".

(One has another appreciation for Michio Kaku for his bringing up in a Buddhist family who nevertheless sent him off to a Catholic Sunday School had made him one of the most read scientists.)

Decoding Einstein's and Darwin's at their time distant theories on reading "the God's Mind" and the "end of humanity", Michio Kaku unveils the latest developments in the scientific world on the humanity's beginning and future, claiming that even a string of Big Bangs and multiverses would still need an ultimate creator/composer...

This book is a definite buy on the most indefinite questions we have.

Wow! *****
This book is mind blowing. Written on a level that makes it accessible to pretty much everybody it covers all aspects of cosmology and their implications regarding time travel, parallel worlds, string theory and black holes. It even covers some of the history behind the major scientists involved (Einstein, Gamow, Schrodinger, Hoyle etc) and includes anecdotes telling of the debates they had with each other concerning some of the major questions. It doesn't matter if you don't fully understand some of the ideas (Quantum theory, for example, is probably fully understood by nobody), there are plenty of other things to keep you interested and its all so well written that it really is close to being impossible to put down.

Wow! *****

This book is mind blowing. Written on a level that makes it accessible to pretty much everybody it covers all aspects of cosmology and their implications regarding time travel, parallel worlds, string theory and black holes. It even covers some of the history behind the major scientists involved (Einstein, Gamow, Schrodinger, Hoyle etc) and includes anecdotes telling of the debates they had with each other concerning some of the major questions. It doesn't matter if you don't fully understand some of the ideas (Quantum theory, for example, is probably fully understood by nobody), there are plenty of other things to keep you interested and its all so well written that it really is close to being impossible to put down.

Good Introduction to Cosmology ****
Dr. Michio Kaku's book Parallel Worlds is a good introduction to the science of cosmology and the events, both theoretical and fact, that occur in the universe. The author also explains the possible exsistence of a popular theory known as "String Theory" which has been currently been combined into a thoery known as "M-Theory". He explains all the topics in a clear manner and even inserts some of his own thoughts about the universe he had throughout his life. The only complaint I have is that he should have used the Metric System throughout the book so people who are not familiar, like myself, to the British System do not have to go on the internet and do conversions!

Good Introduction to Cosmology ****

Dr. Michio Kaku's book Parallel Worlds is a good introduction to the science of cosmology and the events, both theoretical and fact, that occur in the universe. The author also explains the possible exsistence of a popular theory known as "String Theory" which has been currently been combined into a thoery known as "M-Theory". He explains all the topics in a clear manner and even inserts some of his own thoughts about the universe he had throughout his life. The only complaint I have is that he should have used the Metric System throughout the book so people who are not familiar, like myself, to the British System do not have to go on the internet and do conversions!

Great book, entertains while it educates. ****
I really enjoy Michio Kaku in general. Unlike most mainstream physicists, he is willing to entertain the fantastic while remaining true to the tenants of currently held physical concepts. This book, unlike other works of a similar nature, does a great job of introducing a non-technical audience to some of the current research. He then extrapolates this into the fantastic ideas that tend to capture the imagination of his audience. Of all the books on the topics of string theory, relativity, quantum mechanics and etc. this one is by far the one I enjoyed the most. He may not get technical enough in some areas for the avid reader, but he makes up for this by firing the imagination in a way that is usually the realm of the science fiction author. If you are looking for a book of this type and have not read Michio Kaku before, then I wholeheartedly say that this book a great read and a page turner.

Great book, entertains while it educates. ****

I really enjoy Michio Kaku in general. Unlike most mainstream physicists, he is willing to entertain the fantastic while remaining true to the tenants of currently held physical concepts.

This book, unlike other works of a similar nature, does a great job of introducing a non-technical audience to some of the current research. He then extrapolates this into the fantastic ideas that tend to capture the imagination of his audience.

Of all the books on the topics of string theory, relativity, quantum mechanics and etc. this one is by far the one I enjoyed the most. He may not get technical enough in some areas for the avid reader, but he makes up for this by firing the imagination in a way that is usually the realm of the science fiction author.

If you are looking for a book of this type and have not read Michio Kaku before, then I wholeheartedly say that this book a great read and a page turner.