The Biggest Ideas in the Universe: Space, Time and Motion

The Biggest Ideas in the Universe by Sean Carroll is a book with a brilliant premise: that it is possible to write a popular science book that introduces the general reader to the “real stuff” of physics—in other words, equations. The book starts with the equation for momentum (p=mv) and goes all the way to general relativity (Rμν − ½Rgμν = 8πGTμν). It’s a bold endeavour, and we can’t yet confirm whether it’s successful at taking the beginner-in-physics reader the whole way. However, it’s nicely mixed with titbits from the history of physics—for example, that it was Ibn Sina (Avicenna), the Persian polymath, who first proposed the key idea that in the vacuum of empty space, with no air resistance, a moving body would keep moving forever.

Recommendations from our site

“The nice thing Sean has done in this book is respect us as readers. He writes out an almost unintelligible equation, Einstein’s field equation, and says, ‘I’m going to tell you everything you need to know to understand it.’ It does feel, to me, like a completely intelligible, accessible course in gravity and general relativity.” Read more...

The best books on Gravity

James Riordon, Science Writer