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Lisa Randall

Warped Passages

Some of the ideas floating around in theoretical physics seem a bit far out, and the non-expert might wonder whether there is any real substance to them - string theory sounds weird enough, but multidimensional branes seem to be stretching credibility to the limit. In this book an expert physicist describes the work she has been doing on this subject, but does so in a way that is accessible to the novice, skillfully using metaphor to explain each point. Thus we hear about the development of string theory and the standard model, leading on to the latest ideas of why space might seem to be three dimensional when in reality it has more, 'hidden' dimensions.

The book shows use that physicists' ideas aren't just flights of fancy, there are real contraints that have to be satisfied, in particular predicting why particle masses are what they are and not hugely greater. It also shows why the Large Hadron Collider, coming on line next year, is so important.

A word of warning though if you are starting from a position of not having read about the subject before. Although the work is non-technical, there's a lot to take in in this 500 page book, and you might find yourself struggling to keep it all in mind. I feel that the book doesn't have the sort of structure which allows you to read it in parts with breaks to assimilate what you have learned, and it might be better to start off with shorter books on the subject.

Amazon.com info

Paperback 512 pages
ISBN: 0060531096
Salesrank: 39631
Weight:1 lbs

Published: 2006 Harper Perennial

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Paperback 512 pages
ISBN: 0060531096
Salesrank: 737344
Weight:1 lbs

Published: 2006 Harper Perennial

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Amazon.ca info

Paperback 512 pages
ISBN: 0060531096
Salesrank: 18498
Weight:1 lbs

Published: 2006 Harpercollinscanadaltd

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Product Description
The universe has many secrets. It may hide additional dimensions of space other than the familier three we recognize. There might even be another universe adjacent to ours, invisible and unattainable . . . for now. Warped Passages is a brilliantly readable and altogether exhilarating journey that tracks the arc of discovery from early twentieth-century physics to the razor's edge of modern scientific theory. One of the world's leading theoretical physicists, Lisa Randall provides astonishing scientific possibilities that, until recently, were restricted to the realm of science fiction. Unraveling the twisted threads of the most current debates on relativity, quantum mechanics, and gravity, she explores some of the most fundamental questions posed by Nature—taking us into the warped, hidden dimensions underpinning the universe we live in, demystifying the science of the myriad worlds that may exist just beyond our own.

Product Description

The universe has many secrets. It may hide additional dimensions of space other than the familier three we recognize. There might even be another universe adjacent to ours, invisible and unattainable . . . for now.

Warped Passages is a brilliantly readable and altogether exhilarating journey that tracks the arc of discovery from early twentieth-century physics to the razor's edge of modern scientific theory. One of the world's leading theoretical physicists, Lisa Randall provides astonishing scientific possibilities that, until recently, were restricted to the realm of science fiction. Unraveling the twisted threads of the most current debates on relativity, quantum mechanics, and gravity, she explores some of the most fundamental questions posed by Nature—taking us into the warped, hidden dimensions underpinning the universe we live in, demystifying the science of the myriad worlds that may exist just beyond our own.

Four reasons to purchase *****
Lisa Randall is a theoretician working at the front line of modern physics, and this book essentially covers, without maths (an extraordinary achievement) Randall's path. The book starts with a coverage of relativity and quantum mechanics, each in small chapters, explains the role of symmetry and why it is important, and proceeds to the standard model of particle physics. That path is probably common to all physicists, and Randall shows in its simplest form, the standard model is not without problems, e.g. the difference between prediction and observation can exceed by many orders of magnitude the number of elementary particles in the known universe. Fixes are required, and the path then proceeds through supersymmetry, the Higgs particle, and on to multidimensional physics. The absence of maths makes the book eerily readable, but it may also lead to a little uncertainty in interpretation. However, for the non-physicist, this book may offer the only credible way of finding out what this journey involves. That is the first reason to buy the book. The second reason is that it shows how Randall goes about things; this is one of the very few books in which a leading scientist shows some of their own thought patterns, free of pompous self-justification. It is worth it almost for that reason alone. The third reason is that it shows how "brittle" the standard model is. The way Randall puts it, there is very little "wriggle-room" there. In my opinion, there is a very good chance that much of this will eventually be regarded as "quaint", and may be an interesting historical account of a theory that went wrong, and readers will comment about what physicists should have doubted. However, the fourth reason is perhaps the best. In a few hours after writing this, the Large Hadron Collider will be switched on. Assuming it works, various statements will come out, and if you follow this book, you should be able to appreciate, at least qualitatively, what it all means. Thus if, as I suspect, new much heavier mesons are found, then much of the standard model will fall. Alternatively, if the Higgs is found where it is supposed to be and what I suspect will turn up doesn't, then the reader will gratefully realize they understand nature, at least to a point. This book is one of the very few guides available.

Four reasons to purchase *****

Lisa Randall is a theoretician working at the front line of modern physics, and this book essentially covers, without maths (an extraordinary achievement) Randall's path.

The book starts with a coverage of relativity and quantum mechanics, each in small chapters, explains the role of symmetry and why it is important, and proceeds to the standard model of particle physics. That path is probably common to all physicists, and Randall shows in its simplest form, the standard model is not without problems, e.g. the difference between prediction and observation can exceed by many orders of magnitude the number of elementary particles in the known universe. Fixes are required, and the path then proceeds through supersymmetry, the Higgs particle, and on to multidimensional physics. The absence of maths makes the book eerily readable, but it may also lead to a little uncertainty in interpretation. However, for the non-physicist, this book may offer the only credible way of finding out what this journey involves. That is the first reason to buy the book.

The second reason is that it shows how Randall goes about things; this is one of the very few books in which a leading scientist shows some of their own thought patterns, free of pompous self-justification. It is worth it almost for that reason alone.

The third reason is that it shows how "brittle" the standard model is. The way Randall puts it, there is very little "wriggle-room" there. In my opinion, there is a very good chance that much of this will eventually be regarded as "quaint", and may be an interesting historical account of a theory that went wrong, and readers will comment about what physicists should have doubted.

However, the fourth reason is perhaps the best. In a few hours after writing this, the Large Hadron Collider will be switched on. Assuming it works, various statements will come out, and if you follow this book, you should be able to appreciate, at least qualitatively, what it all means. Thus if, as I suspect, new much heavier mesons are found, then much of the standard model will fall. Alternatively, if the Higgs is found where it is supposed to be and what I suspect will turn up doesn't, then the reader will gratefully realize they understand nature, at least to a point. This book is one of the very few guides available.

Why I was interested in science in the first place *****
From the moment I first saw this book I was intrigued. I have followed developments in high energy physics only occasionally since I graduated 10 years ago. After picking up Dr. Randall's book I started feeling that excitement for science that led me to physics in the first place. Warped Passages is written in a very accessible style, with many analogies attempting to clarify complex and non-intuitive concepts. My favorite was an explanation of the strong nuclear force using events from the Trojan War. While a reader with no background in physics or mathematics will be able to follow the topics presented, exposure to these sciences exponentially increases the amount of information conveyed. The chronological presentation of particle physics history provides a background that is difficult to get otherwise. The inclusion of anecdotes and quotes from the scientists involved with the history is one of the things that makes Warped Passages so readable. This book stands out in that it not only conveys an intuitive understanding of the material, but actually delves into detail about the science. The book is clearly timed well to help build awareness and excitement as the Large Hadron Collider approaches full operation. Readers will likely be much more interested in the events unfolding at the LHC after gaining a deeper understanding of what is being sought.

Why I was interested in science in the first place *****

From the moment I first saw this book I was intrigued. I have followed developments in high energy physics only occasionally since I graduated 10 years ago. After picking up Dr. Randall's book I started feeling that excitement for science that led me to physics in the first place.

Warped Passages is written in a very accessible style, with many analogies attempting to clarify complex and non-intuitive concepts. My favorite was an explanation of the strong nuclear force using events from the Trojan War. While a reader with no background in physics or mathematics will be able to follow the topics presented, exposure to these sciences exponentially increases the amount of information conveyed.

The chronological presentation of particle physics history provides a background that is difficult to get otherwise. The inclusion of anecdotes and quotes from the scientists involved with the history is one of the things that makes Warped Passages so readable. This book stands out in that it not only conveys an intuitive understanding of the material, but actually delves into detail about the science. The book is clearly timed well to help build awareness and excitement as the Large Hadron Collider approaches full operation. Readers will likely be much more interested in the events unfolding at the LHC after gaining a deeper understanding of what is being sought.

Groundbreaking Physics in Beautiful Prose *****
Professor Randall of Harvard has written a truly monumental book for physics and for those interested in science. She has brilliantly bridged the knowledge gap between the scientist and the layperson. With this book, she dispels forever the ridiculous notion that women are somehow less equipped to do science at the highest level. As a theoretical physicist, her work is perhaps the most quoted in recent history - proof that her discoveries, which opens up fresh new thinking, are among the most significant in the history of science. Warped Passages is a book that showcases Professor Randall's skills as a "model builder" in theoretical physics. Using the logic of model building, she deftly wove a tale of how past discoveries finally led to her out-of-the-box insight to use the fifth dimension to explain some of the more vexing modern day problems in physics. She demonstrated for us that with warped space, we may not even see a fifth dimension of infinite size. The book is full of creative analogies to help us understand what the human mind is not equipped to grasp - extra dimensions. It is written simply, elegantly and clearly. Even if you find the more esoteric concepts difficult to understand at a deeper level as I do, she has included at the end of each chapter bullets of key concepts that anyone can understand. After reading the book, you will find yourself able to discuss at dinner parties the more important discoveries in physics such as general relativity, quantum mechanics and extra dimensions with the confidence of a trained physicist. You will also want to learn more about the latest advances in physics. Whether you have a Ph.D. in physics or are someone with a passing interest in science, you will find this book useful, interesting, informative and exhilarating. You will be infected by her obvious enthusiasm in physics and mathematics. Professor Randall has done a great service for the advancement of science and the recruit of students into physics. As a bonus, you will see glimpses of her humanity, humor and wit. This is an exciting time in the history of physics. With this book, you will see why Professor Randall is the chief architect of what makes it exciting.

Groundbreaking Physics in Beautiful Prose *****

Professor Randall of Harvard has written a truly monumental book for physics and for those interested in science. She has brilliantly bridged the knowledge gap between the scientist and the layperson. With this book, she dispels forever the ridiculous notion that women are somehow less equipped to do science at the highest level. As a theoretical physicist, her work is perhaps the most quoted in recent history - proof that her discoveries, which opens up fresh new thinking, are among the most significant in the history of science.

Warped Passages is a book that showcases Professor Randall's skills as a "model builder" in theoretical physics. Using the logic of model building, she deftly wove a tale of how past discoveries finally led to her out-of-the-box insight to use the fifth dimension to explain some of the more vexing modern day problems in physics. She demonstrated for us that with warped space, we may not even see a fifth dimension of infinite size.

The book is full of creative analogies to help us understand what the human mind is not equipped to grasp - extra dimensions. It is written simply, elegantly and clearly. Even if you find the more esoteric concepts difficult to understand at a deeper level as I do, she has included at the end of each chapter bullets of key concepts that anyone can understand. After reading the book, you will find yourself able to discuss at dinner parties the more important discoveries in physics such as general relativity, quantum mechanics and extra dimensions with the confidence of a trained physicist. You will also want to learn more about the latest advances in physics. Whether you have a Ph.D. in physics or are someone with a passing interest in science, you will find this book useful, interesting, informative and exhilarating. You will be infected by her obvious enthusiasm in physics and mathematics. Professor Randall has done a great service for the advancement of science and the recruit of students into physics. As a bonus, you will see glimpses of her humanity, humor and wit.

This is an exciting time in the history of physics. With this book, you will see why Professor Randall is the chief architect of what makes it exciting.

Great topics for a poorly written books *
This book intents to cover lots of topics, and fails miserably. In the first part, the author poorly reviews the development of relativity and quantum mechanics. She fails to convey the rich and puzzling nature of these theories and, in addition, writes in such an appalling style that one is left wondering whether the text had the benefits of an editor at all. The narrative line is repetitive and convoluted. There are some stylistic pearls as "the German-born Max Born". Words are repeated once and again -- has anyone counted how many time the string "later on" occurs in the text? -- and the tone is patronizing of the reader. In the second part,the author describes her own research and related topics. Here the quality of the text improves. Advice: buy only the second part of the book!

Great topics for a poorly written books *

This book intents to cover lots of topics, and fails miserably. In the first part, the author poorly reviews the development of relativity and quantum mechanics. She fails to convey the rich and puzzling nature of these theories and, in addition, writes in such an appalling style that one is left wondering whether the text had the benefits of an editor at all. The narrative line is repetitive and convoluted. There are some stylistic pearls as "the German-born Max Born". Words are repeated once and again -- has anyone counted how many time the string "later on" occurs in the text? -- and the tone is patronizing of the reader. In the second part,the author describes her own research and related topics. Here the quality of the text improves. Advice: buy only the second part of the book!

If Hawking bores you, read this book ***
PROS: Deep analysis of high energy physics. Good job at explaining bizzare ideas/theories. CONS: Although Randall makes many analogies to try to grasp tough concepts, I wish she would have made even more. Also, the book could use more and better illustrations to help the reader understand these extremely complicated ideas. The book loses one star for each of those shortcomings. CONCLUSION: If you've read Stephen Hawking and found yourself wanting to know more, read this book. It's extremely difficult to subject to write about, especially for the layperson. She does a pretty good job.

If Hawking bores you, read this book ***

PROS: Deep analysis of high energy physics. Good job at explaining bizzare ideas/theories.

CONS: Although Randall makes many analogies to try to grasp tough concepts, I wish she would have made even more. Also, the book could use more and better illustrations to help the reader understand these extremely complicated ideas. The book loses one star for each of those shortcomings.

CONCLUSION: If you've read Stephen Hawking and found yourself wanting to know more, read this book. It's extremely difficult to subject to write about, especially for the layperson. She does a pretty good job.

One of the most important nonfiction books of 2005 *****
ne of the most important physicists of our time, Lisa Randall, Professor of Physics, Harvard University, has written a spellbinding account of contemporary physics in her first book "Warped Passages: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Universe's Hidden Dimensions". Hers is a saga that requires no great understanding of either mathematics or physics, though she does provide some equations at the end of her book in a terse appendix, along with a handy glossary of physics terminology. It is a fine popular introduction to modern physics which should appeal to those interested in recent advances in high energy physics, string theory and cosmology for which Randall has earned already much renown. Indeed, I will not be surprised if she is awarded a Nobel Prize in the future for her excellence in research in these aspects of physics. "Warped Passages" is a big tome subdivided into six distinct parts, with individual chapters that start with brief, though often silly, fictional introductions, and conclude with briefer summaries emphasizing the main points of each chapter. Part I. Dimensions of Space (and Thought) covers the possibility of extra dimensions of space from both a Newtownian (Classical Mechanics) and Einsteinian (General Relativity and Quantum Mechanics) perspective. Furthermore, this chapter discusses the limitations of classical mechanics and its eventual replacement by two theories: General Relativity and Quantum Mechanics in the early 20th Century. She also introduces branes - distinct regions of spacetime that occupy slices of space - that have been important to string theory in the past decade. Part II. Early Twentieth-Century Advances is a splendid two-chapter historical review of the development of the theories of General Relativity and Quantum Mechanics. Part III. The Physics of Elementary Particles is an extensive overview of quarks and the search for observable heavier high energy particles, as predicted by the Standard Model of particle physics. "Warped Passages" becomes less of a standard popular textbook on modern physics and more a personal odyssey of scientific discovery in its concluding sections. Part IV. String Theory and Branes not only is an intriguing overview of the importance of branes to String Theory, but is too a succinct overview of string theory research in the past twenty years. Part V. Proposals of Extra-Dimensional Universes describes the important mathematical breakthrough made by Randall and her collaborator Raman Sundrum, during the summer of 1998, whereby they introduced a hierarchical solution to string theory via warped geometry, and places it into context with other current research on extra-dimensional theories. In Part VI. Closing Thoughts, Randall waxes eloquently about how extra-dimensional theories will influence the future of research in physics, with major implications for both high energy physics and cosmology. "Warped Passages" is the best book I have read in recent years by anyone formerly associated with Stuyvesant High School (Speaking of which, it is a sad commentary on the state of intellectual discourse in current American cultural life when our high school is best remembered as the former abode of a best selling memoirist who was once a popular teacher of creative writing there instead of - and I think, much more accurately - as a preeminent American intellectual birthplace for brilliant scientists such as Professor Randall; I also strongly criticize the judgement of the National Public Radio commentator who thought that Professor Randall resembles actress Jodie Foster; not only do I don't see any actual resemblance at all, but if there is indeed a comparison, then without question, Professor Randall is a lot brighter than Ms. Foster. At Stuyvesant High School Professor Randall was the first female captain of the school's internationally acclaimed math team and won first prize in the Westinghouse Science Talent Search for her mathematics research.). Her book is unquestionably one of the most important nonfiction books of 2005. This splendid huge tome may also be remembered as one of the classic works of popular science, with Lisa Randall's prose rising amazingly close to the literary eloquence attained by the likes of Stephen Jay Gould and Carl Sagan. Anyone interested in embracing some of the sense of wonder experienced by Randall in her research will share her infectious enthusiasm for her work by the very end of "Warped Passages".

One of the most important nonfiction books of 2005 *****

ne of the most important physicists of our time, Lisa Randall, Professor of Physics, Harvard University, has written a spellbinding account of contemporary physics in her first book "Warped Passages: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Universe's Hidden Dimensions". Hers is a saga that requires no great understanding of either mathematics or physics, though she does provide some equations at the end of her book in a terse appendix, along with a handy glossary of physics terminology. It is a fine popular introduction to modern physics which should appeal to those interested in recent advances in high energy physics, string theory and cosmology for which Randall has earned already much renown. Indeed, I will not be surprised if she is awarded a Nobel Prize in the future for her excellence in research in these aspects of physics.

"Warped Passages" is a big tome subdivided into six distinct parts, with individual chapters that start with brief, though often silly, fictional introductions, and conclude with briefer summaries emphasizing the main points of each chapter. Part I. Dimensions of Space (and Thought) covers the possibility of extra dimensions of space from both a Newtownian (Classical Mechanics) and Einsteinian (General Relativity and Quantum Mechanics) perspective. Furthermore, this chapter discusses the limitations of classical mechanics and its eventual replacement by two theories: General Relativity and Quantum Mechanics in the early 20th Century. She also introduces branes - distinct regions of spacetime that occupy slices of space - that have been important to string theory in the past decade. Part II. Early Twentieth-Century Advances is a splendid two-chapter historical review of the development of the theories of General Relativity and Quantum Mechanics. Part III. The Physics of Elementary Particles is an extensive overview of quarks and the search for observable heavier high energy particles, as predicted by the Standard Model of particle physics.

"Warped Passages" becomes less of a standard popular textbook on modern physics and more a personal odyssey of scientific discovery in its concluding sections. Part IV. String Theory and Branes not only is an intriguing overview of the importance of branes to String Theory, but is too a succinct overview of string theory research in the past twenty years. Part V. Proposals of Extra-Dimensional Universes describes the important mathematical breakthrough made by Randall and her collaborator Raman Sundrum, during the summer of 1998, whereby they introduced a hierarchical solution to string theory via warped geometry, and places it into context with other current research on extra-dimensional theories. In Part VI. Closing Thoughts, Randall waxes eloquently about how extra-dimensional theories will influence the future of research in physics, with major implications for both high energy physics and cosmology.

"Warped Passages" is the best book I have read in recent years by anyone formerly associated with Stuyvesant High School (Speaking of which, it is a sad commentary on the state of intellectual discourse in current American cultural life when our high school is best remembered as the former abode of a best selling memoirist who was once a popular teacher of creative writing there instead of - and I think, much more accurately - as a preeminent American intellectual birthplace for brilliant scientists such as Professor Randall; I also strongly criticize the judgement of the National Public Radio commentator who thought that Professor Randall resembles actress Jodie Foster; not only do I don't see any actual resemblance at all, but if there is indeed a comparison, then without question, Professor Randall is a lot brighter than Ms. Foster. At Stuyvesant High School Professor Randall was the first female captain of the school's internationally acclaimed math team and won first prize in the Westinghouse Science Talent Search for her mathematics research.). Her book is unquestionably one of the most important nonfiction books of 2005. This splendid huge tome may also be remembered as one of the classic works of popular science, with Lisa Randall's prose rising amazingly close to the literary eloquence attained by the likes of Stephen Jay Gould and Carl Sagan. Anyone interested in embracing some of the sense of wonder experienced by Randall in her research will share her infectious enthusiasm for her work by the very end of "Warped Passages".

A great read. *****
Ok, I bought this book because I fancy Lisa Randall. Prejudice declared. However, I am also a life-long physics nut. I knew what dimensions are, what the standard model is, the four forces, brain theory, string theory, Kaluza Klein modes etc before reading this book, but I still learned an incredible amount all the same. I learned about the art of mathematical model making, about the challenges of high energy particle physics from the perspective of a theorist. I learned that Lisa Randall is more than just a looker, she has a brain to be reckoned with, and a gift at communicating the excitement of the challenge. Since Richard Feynman first showed how it was possible to discuss deeply complex subjects in a way which enthralled the listener, and engaged them, many writers have tried to imitate his brilliance. Lisa goes nowhere near imitating such greatness, and at the same time maybe succeeds in getting closer than anyone else to that reverent (of reality) yet irreverent (of convention)attitude in her writing. I did have to re-read the occasional paragraph when I found that whatever I ws supposed to have picked up on had not gone in, and there might have been an analogy too far here and there, (for my preferences anyway), but these are minor flaws. If you want to understand how Einstein and Shroedinger's world are understood by modern physics - without any of the woo-woo and mumbo-jumbo which often accompanies such exposition - then this book is a great place to start. If you're looking to find out about string theory from someone who both knows it and is critical of it, someone who remains grounded in the reality - and authority - of experiment yet understands and can communicate in lay terms what such theorising is all about, this is the book for you. If you're wondering what the Large Hadron Collider is all about, or even what atom smashing is all about and why it is necessary, then this is the book for you. If you're wondering how all it all comes together, from Einstein to Hawkins, this is the book for you. In short Lisa Randall opens up all of these fields and more, and shows how the modern physicist (both the theorist and the experimentalist) goes about investigating the physical world, from how the questions are framed to testing the models. As such it is also an epistemological powerhouse for anyone needing to get to grips with exactly what science is, and what it does.

A great read. *****

Ok, I bought this book because I fancy Lisa Randall.
Prejudice declared.

However, I am also a life-long physics nut. I knew what dimensions are, what the standard model is, the four forces, brain theory, string theory, Kaluza Klein modes etc before reading this book, but I still learned an incredible amount all the same.

I learned about the art of mathematical model making, about the challenges of high energy particle physics from the perspective of a theorist. I learned that Lisa Randall is more than just a looker, she has a brain to be reckoned with, and a gift at communicating the excitement of the challenge.

Since Richard Feynman first showed how it was possible to discuss deeply complex subjects in a way which enthralled the listener, and engaged them, many writers have tried to imitate his brilliance. Lisa goes nowhere near imitating such greatness, and at the same time maybe succeeds in getting closer than anyone else to that reverent (of reality) yet irreverent (of convention)attitude in her writing.

I did have to re-read the occasional paragraph when I found that whatever I ws supposed to have picked up on had not gone in, and there might have been an analogy too far here and there, (for my preferences anyway), but these are minor flaws. If you want to understand how Einstein and Shroedinger's world are understood by modern physics - without any of the woo-woo and mumbo-jumbo which often accompanies such exposition - then this book is a great place to start.

If you're looking to find out about string theory from someone who both knows it and is critical of it, someone who remains grounded in the reality - and authority - of experiment yet understands and can communicate in lay terms what such theorising is all about, this is the book for you.

If you're wondering what the Large Hadron Collider is all about, or even what atom smashing is all about and why it is necessary, then this is the book for you.

If you're wondering how all it all comes together, from Einstein to Hawkins, this is the book for you.

In short Lisa Randall opens up all of these fields and more, and shows how the modern physicist (both the theorist and the experimentalist) goes about investigating the physical world, from how the questions are framed to testing the models. As such it is also an epistemological powerhouse for anyone needing to get to grips with exactly what science is, and what it does.

Violation of the Law of Conservation of Energy? *****
This is a very educational book for lay readers interested in science, particularly in physics, to know the current scientific understanding of particle-physics and our universe. The author, a Harvard professor of physics, writes at the end of the book: "If, instead, other extra-dimensional models describe the universe, energy will disappear into extra dimensions and we'll ultimately detect these dimensions through the resulting unbalanced energy accounting." I am sure, however, that the author knows the tale of "the missing 21 grams" (which has been also an unaccountable energy loss from "our brain?") of Dr. Duncan MacDougall published in 1907, but just does not take it seriously, maybe because it is too big a loss for her to be true, compared with the loss of gravitons from "our brane."

Violation of the Law of Conservation of Energy? *****

This is a very educational book for lay readers interested in science, particularly in physics, to know the current scientific understanding of particle-physics and our universe. The author, a Harvard professor of physics, writes at the end of the book: "If, instead, other extra-dimensional models describe the universe, energy will disappear into extra dimensions and we'll ultimately detect these dimensions through the resulting unbalanced energy accounting." I am sure, however, that the author knows the tale of "the missing 21 grams" (which has been also an unaccountable energy loss from "our brain?") of Dr. Duncan MacDougall published in 1907, but just does not take it seriously, maybe because it is too big a loss for her to be true, compared with the loss of gravitons from "our brane."

Great book *****
This is a great book with a central idea, and other theories, that will challenge anyone with even the slightest interest or knowlewdge in physics. Whether you agree or not your mind will be going a mile a minute and your imagination will be put into overdrive. a book well worth a read from the worlds leading theoretical physicist.

Great book *****

This is a great book with a central idea, and other theories, that will challenge anyone with even the slightest interest or knowlewdge in physics.
Whether you agree or not your mind will be going a mile a minute and your imagination will be put into overdrive.
a book well worth a read from the worlds leading theoretical physicist.

Hackneyed, turgid, indecipherable... *
Every chapter of this book is prefaced with a terrible sci-fi vignette. They are like sketches for the most hackneyed episodes of the twilight zone. This gives the impression that the author is a bad B movie writer rather than a top theoretical physicist. She also commits the mistake of creating a mathematical appendix, as a sop to Math geeks, but this is too terse to be useful to anybody. I pity the lay reader who is immediately caught between bad science fiction and unedifying trips to a tagged on appendix full of indecipherable symbols. The actual text of the chapters does not improve matters. As John Gribbin says in his Sunday Times review, "Randall is at best a workmanlike writer". Turgid and prolix might be more apt descriptions. The first half of the book is a laboured introduction to relativity and quantum theory, which are covered far more entertainingly, and accurately, by John Gribbin, Paul Davies Brian Greene, and everyone else. She commits another sin of bad popularisers by frequently encouraging readers to skip ahead if the going gets tough. One of these 'skip arounds' produced the most confusing description of the Higgs particle that I have ever encountered and wish I had skipped ahead! This preceded an incredibly stultifying account of the standard model. Around page 220 I skipped ahead to the end of the book... There are far better popular accounts of the topics covered in this book, so I suggest readers look elsewhere.

Hackneyed, turgid, indecipherable... *

Every chapter of this book is prefaced with a terrible sci-fi vignette. They are like sketches for the most hackneyed episodes of the twilight zone. This gives the impression that the author is a bad B movie writer rather than a top theoretical physicist. She also commits the mistake of creating a mathematical appendix, as a sop to Math geeks, but this is too terse to be useful to anybody. I pity the lay reader who is immediately caught between bad science fiction and unedifying trips to a tagged on appendix full of indecipherable symbols.

The actual text of the chapters does not improve matters. As John Gribbin says in his Sunday Times review, "Randall is at best a workmanlike writer". Turgid and prolix might be more apt descriptions.

The first half of the book is a laboured introduction to relativity and quantum theory, which are covered far more entertainingly, and accurately, by John Gribbin, Paul Davies Brian Greene, and everyone else. She commits another sin of bad popularisers by frequently encouraging readers to skip ahead if the going gets tough. One of these 'skip arounds' produced the most confusing description of the Higgs particle that I have ever encountered and wish I had skipped ahead! This preceded an incredibly stultifying account of the standard model. Around page 220 I skipped ahead to the end of the book...

There are far better popular accounts of the topics covered in this book, so I suggest readers look elsewhere.

Leading Expert *****
Lisa Randall unravels the mysteries of string theory. To make sense out of string theory, the understanding of how this theory behave's at a strong coupling, which is by now well-established, first came as quite a surprise. One possibility, stated Randall, is that the extra dimensions are rolled-up into sizes so incredibly minuscule that they cannot be measured. nother possibility, proposed by Randall and her colleagues was, an infinite extra dimension that blends in with the others except at a very compact scale. The five-dimensional theory was born, and could answer questions that had tormented physicists since Einstein. Why is gravity so much weaker than the other fundamental forces of physics? Randall explains that much of the gravity field leaks away into another realm, via the extra dimension. Lisa Randall explanations of extra dimensional cosmology give's us this new 11-dimensional phase of string theory, and the various dualities between string theories. Lisa Randall is a leading theoretical physicist, and through her book, we're led to the very exciting prospect that there is only a single fundamental underlying theory. There are additional dualities that arise when more dimensions are consolidated, which Randall discusses only briefly. Lisa Randall is one of the leading experts in the field of string theory. As well as a professor at Harvard for theoretical physics. And though her research may be controversial at times, Randall does know what she is talking about. I recommend this book as a good read.

Leading Expert *****

Lisa Randall unravels the mysteries of string theory. To make sense out of string theory, the understanding of how this theory behave's at a strong coupling, which is by now well-established, first came as quite a surprise. One possibility, stated Randall, is that the extra dimensions are rolled-up into sizes so incredibly minuscule that they cannot be measured. nother possibility, proposed by Randall and her colleagues was, an infinite extra dimension that blends in with the others except at a very compact scale. The five-dimensional theory was born, and could answer questions that had tormented physicists since Einstein. Why is gravity so much weaker than the other fundamental forces of physics? Randall explains that much of the gravity field leaks away into another realm, via the extra dimension. Lisa Randall explanations of extra dimensional cosmology give's us this new 11-dimensional phase of string theory, and the various dualities between string theories. Lisa Randall is a leading theoretical physicist, and through her book, we're led to the very exciting prospect that there is only a single fundamental underlying theory. There are additional dualities that arise when more dimensions are consolidated, which Randall discusses only briefly. Lisa Randall is one of the leading experts in the field of string theory. As well as a professor at Harvard for theoretical physics. And though her research may be controversial at times, Randall does know what she is talking about. I recommend this book as a good read.

Must read, latest inroads to understanding the cosmo *****
I've read numerous books on the topic of cosmology, lee smolin, brian greene plus numerous others, I put this book at the top, two reasons, first, well structured, great summary notes at the end of each chapter, second, Lisa's ability to explain complicated concepts in relatively simple terms, makes the reading really enjoyable Strongly recommend to anyone who wants understand the latest inroads to understanding our universe. bernie lock

Must read, latest inroads to understanding the cosmo *****

I've read numerous books on the topic of cosmology, lee smolin, brian greene plus numerous others, I put this book at the top, two reasons, first, well structured, great summary notes at the end of each chapter, second, Lisa's ability to explain complicated concepts in relatively simple terms, makes the reading really enjoyable

Strongly recommend to anyone who wants understand the latest inroads to understanding our universe.

bernie lock