The Cosmic Code

This is a great book which explains fully. in layman's terms. what Quantum Theory is all about and, in addition, the errors of the various comparisons with Eastern Religions that have surfaced from it. In addition, it explains in detail "Bell's Inequality"as it applies to the Quantum phenomenon of "Entanglement" which has been misinterpreted as proof of the existence of what Einstein called "spooky information at at distance," equivalent to Star Trek's "Beam Me Up Scotty!" E.G. Telepathy.

This is the best Quantum Physics book even written for the lay man. Infact, it might even be the best popular science book ever written. I have been a fan of this book for over 15 years and I feel that it is "must read" for every student involved or pursuing any branch of pure science (not necessarily physics).Amazingly well explained concepts that stream you to the miniscule, abstract world of Quantum Mechanics.

I've been a fan of this book since it was published in hard back in 1982 and recent re-reading remind me that it is still one of the best, most accessible lay books on quantum physics that has ever been written. It is a little hard to track down sometimes, but perhaps they will eventually reissue it. Unfortunately, Heinz Pagels died in a mountain climbing accident years ago and won't be able to update this wonderful book. It would be great if one of his many colleagues and admirers would undertake to do it.

It is a shame that this book is out of print. Pagels' lucid explanations of the quantum world are the best within lay science publishing. I also believe that Pagels' rational approach is far and away a better introduction/exploration than the Eastern Mysticism-based books like Zukav's "The Dancing Wu Li Masters" or Fritjof Capra's "The Tao of Physics." Of course, those books are useful as entertainment (as exotic Parallelism) but it should be noted that the connections between Eastern Mysticism and Quantum Mechanics in regards to questions of conciousness and reality are not accepted as valid by any but a minuscule minority of thinkers. Pagels' approach is much more true to the thinking in new physics circles. In regards to a second edition that Mr. Beagle is hoping for, it will not be forthcoming due to the untimely demise of Pagels in a mountaineering accident in the late 80's. He is sorely missed! Also, for the very best in Computer Culture-related lay science (even though it is somewhat dated) I can't recommend his "The Dreams of Reason" highly enough - especially to those familiar with his other works! I've seen both books in used book shops many times.

Be prepared to think and get a few headaches on the first read. But Pagels book *is* accessible to the layman with a minumum of math. Many books of this type go out-on-a-limb with excessive references to buddhism and zen, Pagels sticks to the point with some humor, plenty of easily grasped analogies and some classic illustrations. I first read this book back in 1983 and have now lent my worn paperback copy to my son who is a college freshman and is majoring in physics & computer engineering. For a quick overview of the physics, I would recommend THIS book, I Asimov's "Understanding Physics" and B Russel's "Layman's Guide to Relativity". I wonder when Pagel's will write a second edition?