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Hyperspace: A Scientific Odyssey Through Parallel Universes, Time Warps and the Tenth Dimension

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Author: Michio Kaku
Publisher: Oxford Paperbacks
Category: Book

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Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

13 reviews
Sales Rank: 76408

Media: Paperback
Edition: New Ed
Pages: 384
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.6
Dimensions (in): 7.6 x 5.1 x 1.2

ISBN: 0192861891
Dewey Decimal Number: 530.142
EAN: 9780192861894
ASIN: 0192861891

Publication Date: October 5, 1995
Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
Condition: Slight marks on cover

Also Available In:

•	Paperback - Hyperspace: A Scientific Odyssey Through Parallel Universes, Time Warps, and the 10th Dimens Ion
•	Hardcover - Hyperspace: A Scientific Odyssey Through Parallel Universes, Time Warps and the Tenth Dimension

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Customer Reviews: Read 8 more reviews...

5 out of 5 stars

a gem November 20, 2007
I stumbled accross this book in a second hand shop and must admit that I had limited understanding the first read around, but I persevered and came out somewhat wiser at the end. Since then I have read it three more times and each time I become more enlightened. Michio has a way of allowing you to visualise complex issues making him an excellent story teller. I would recommed this as a must for anyone interested in popular science.

4 out of 5 stars

An Introduction to Hyperspace November 15, 2007
This is an odyssey into the history of development of the concept of hyperspace that includes fourth and higher spatial dimensions to account for the riddles and unsolved problems of unified field theory. Since the postulation of special theory of relativity, Einstein and subsequent physicists until now have struggled to explain the four natural forces; the electromagnetic force (explained by Maxwell's field equations for electricity & magnetism); the strong and weak nuclear forces (explained by Yang - Mills field equations for subatomic forces); and the gravitational force (explained by Einstein's field equations of gravitation and relativity) by one unified field theory (theory of everything: String Theory). In other words, unifying the forces of the big, the cosmos, and the laws of the small, the microcosm (subatomic forces) by one single theory. The first part of the book describes how laws of nature become so simple to understand if higher dimensions are invoked; the author gives us a good historical background to build his case for hyperspace concept. The second part of the book describes the evolution of quantum mechanics and String theory. An introduction to wormholes, black holes and the use of these cosmic bodies for interstellar travel is given in the third part. The fourth part rambles through the future of the universe with irrelevant and some times out of focus narrative. The book is entirely free of physics and mathematics; from the point of understanding the basic concepts this approach is welcome. This book also gives an insight into the poignant story of Riemann (p.42) and Ramanujan (p.174) who sustained enormous personal and family hardships to contribute significantly in the field of mathematics. We also get a glimpse of academic rat race that involves professional rivalry, name & work recognition, and personal ego that is prevalent in academics. This is illustrated when Einstein delays Kaluza's paper for publication for 2 years (p.102). Bohr calling Pauli's lecture crazy (p.137); Sheldon Glashow ridiculing t'Hooft's work (p.121); a superior discouraging Mahahiko Suzuki's publication about Euler's Beta function (p.161); and Pauli being furious about Eisenberg's claim, Einstein - Bohr argument, and Schrodinger frustrated with Bohr's interpretation (p.261).

The author rambles about symmetry in arts; what is that got to do with hyperspace? The reader can find this discussion in any art book. Time travel has been described in layman's language in many books in depth; this discussion is unnecessary for this book. Throughout the book, the author refers to standard model and the equations of quantum mechanics as ugly; Equations are not ugly, they are complex or non-symmetrical.

The author could have devoted one chapter to describing the field equations in layman's terms; it would have helped a more enthusiastic reader to build a bridge to physics and tensor calculus. The reader should not be discouraged about mathematics in understanding relativity; many physicists themselves are heading to the library to learn about mathematics in String theory (Part 2). More appropriate title of the book could be hyperspace - a historical development of String theory. Despite the minor concerns, this book has strong points as observed above. I encourage the reader to buy this book; if you are not happy with this book, it is less than two-lunch money.

5 out of 5 stars

Theoretical pyhsics goes ;ogical November 14, 2005
4 out of 6 found this review helpful

This book gives the best explanation for string theory I've read - each time I read this I found myself coming up with new theories regarding the logic of n-dimensional space.

A truly inspirational book, and I hope I can get my lent copy back soon!!

5 out of 5 stars A Capsule Version of How the Universe Works February 9, 2005
15 out of 17 found this review helpful

AM (still on the air but hosted by George Noory). He explained theories of the universe in a rational manner which made complex theories come alive in this listener's imagination. He provided descriptions that were palatable to a lay audience. He even entertained answering questions on the air. This taste led me to buy the book. Mankind has contemplated his or her place in the cosmos and exploring "what lies beyond " or "how the universe functions" since time immemorial. This book provides explanations to enhance the understanding many people seek ...

The most fascinating and intriguing concept in the book refers to the ten dimensions of hyperspace. Basic explanations are given for the strong force, weak force, gravitational force, electromagnetic force but the magic in this book lies in the descriptions of the quest for "unified theory" which will explain the operation of the universe in one single equation to the satisfaction of every theorist. The new geometry first conceived by George Bernard Reimann in 1854 was the most important mathematical conceptual discovery heading in this direction, toward solving this puzzle. This mathematical discovery revealed an equation for the fourth dimension. This revolutionary concept created the geometric patterns possible to explain the existence of higher dimensions in the universe. Space travel, multiple dimensions, parallel universes, superstring theory, black holes, time warps, and paradoxes are explained with lucidity in this book. The "Big Bang" theory is compared to the Biblical explanation. Anyone reading this book who has been mesmerized by viewing stars at night and who has wondered what lies beyond, will benefit from reading this book. The book is now over 10 years old but holds valuable ideas for those interested in this complex subject. Other recommended books are "The Tao of Physics" by Fritjof Capra and "Dancing of the Wu Li Masters" by Gary Zukov. By first listening to Dr. Michio Kaku I was hooked on learning more about the theories of the universe. His book is a great start on this quest. Erika Borsos (bakonyvilla)

5 out of 5 stars Wonder-full January 5, 2005
9 out of 13 found this review helpful

I read this book some two years ago. It had a definite impact on me and I feel I need to share my experience. Being a keen hobbyist in physics with some technical understanding of physics, tensors/general relativity, the book was fantastic at taking me to a new (higher meta-) level. I can only recommend the read as it is truly inspirational! This is by far the best popular science book that Kaku has written (I bought others but there were not as interesting nor challenging). It is also faring extremely well against the competition which is usually less serious due to a more layman's slant. I put it down to the publisher (Oxford) which always produces books that can be useful as side reading for proper undergrad/postgrad students and lifelong learners alike.
I will read this book again!!!! BUY IT!!!!!!!