Universe on A T-Shirt: The Quest for the Theory of Everything

Dan Falk's Universe on a T-Shirt is an informative and entertaining tour of mainstream science-from Democritus to string theory-guided by a single, reining principle: that science is the pursuit of an aesthetic of simplicity, and that the culmination of this pursuit, the theory of everything, will be simple enough to grace a t-shirt. Written in clear, clever, friendly prose, the book is easy to understand yet thorough; it serves as an excellent introduction for novices in the topics of physics and cosmology, but is full of fun facts, amusing anecdotes, and intriguing insights for the more knowledgeable reader. History is brought to life through brief biographical portraits of each scientist and thinker who has played a key role in the ongoing search for the ultimate theory, and the reader emerges from Falk's journey with an exciting sense of not only what is going on in science, but of what science itself is all about. Speckled with illuminating quotes from physicists working in the field, Universe on a T-shirt dares to ask not only where physics is headed, but whether or not it is headed down the right path. Should notions like beauty and simplicity necessarily pave the road to truth, Falk asks. And will the ultimate theory mark the end of physics? Falk doesn't cower from the philosophy that lurks at the heart of physics. Instead, he embraces it, and allows the reader to delve into some of the most fundamental questions about the nature of reality. The author sympathetically writes of the layman's sense of cosmic alienation-perhaps this book can help those afflicted feel at home in the universe, and a part of the inspiring quest to truly understand it.

In this book, the author discusses efforts, from ancient times to the present, towards developing an ultimate theory that explains the physical universe in its entirety - a Theory of Everything. Starting from ancient thought about the perceived workings of the universe and the fundamental building blocks of matter, the author highlights the progress that was made throughout the ages eventually culminating in the current status of a Theory of Everything. The prose is engaging and lively and any specialized jargon is kept to a bare minimum. The analogies used to illustrate potentially difficult points are most useful. In short, this excellent book is most accessible and can be enjoyed by anyone with an interest in science.

This book is about more than scientific formulae. It is about the dream of capturing the profound, fundamental truths behind the physical realities of our Universe, and those who have pursued that dream. And it is told in a light, readable and enjoyable manner. Both mind-expanding and cocktail party fodder at the same time. Great stuff.

"Universe on a T-Shirt" is perfect for anyone who wants a concise, easy-to-read guide to one of the great quests of human civilization: the search for the ultimate laws of physics -- the "Theory of Everything." This quest ranges from the speculations of the Greek philosophers, through relativity, quantum mechanics and the latest developments in string theory. These are forbidding subjects for many physicists let alone the interested layperson, but science journalist Dan Falk has managed the difficult task of getting across their basic ideas, and wider significance, in an entertaining way. The science is leavened with just the right amount of human interest and historical detail. The book is well illustrated with black & white photos, diagrams and cartoons, and includes a recommended reading list for those who want to explore further. It would make a great gift for a high school student interested in science.

Finally, a book for the millions of us who tried and failed (or took forever) to make it through A Brief History of Time. Dan Falk's book is a delight to read.I still couldn't pass a test on string theory, but I'm a whole lot closer than I was a week ago. With an easy conversational style and sense of humour, Universe on a T-Shirt provides proof of one theory that many of us have had our doubts about--that theoretical physics can be great fun.