The Geometric Universe: Science, Geometry, and the Work of Roger Penrose (Hardcover)

by S. A. Huggett (Editor), L. J. Mason (Editor), K. P. Tod (Editor), S. T. Tsou (Editor), N. M. J. Woodhouse (Editor) "Roger Penrose and I were research students together in Cambridge from 1952 to 1955..." (more)
Key Phrases: conformal field equations, conformal geodesics, future black hole horizons, Roger Penrose, New York, Cambridge University Press (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Internationally renowned theoretical physicist Penrose invented twistor theory, a radical new approach to space-time where geometric points no longer enter the theory as primitives. More recently, he has stirred controversy with two books that invoke modern physics to plumb the nature of human consciousness. This festschrift honoring Penrose on his 65th birthday contains survey articles by some of the most eminent mathematicians (Atiyah, Donaldson, Connes, et al.) and physicists (Hawking, Astekar, Veneziano, among others) of our time. Besides browsing the most formidable contributions, undergraduates may particularly benefit from Artur Ekert's introduction to quantum cryptography, Paul Steinhardt's new approach to Penrose tilings, and particularly, biologist Stuart Hameroff's defense of Penrose's theories of consciousness from the charge of merely constituting a 'minimization of mysteries.' Highly recommended. Undergraduates through faculty."--Choice
"This book grew out of a symposium ... honoring Roger Penrose (b. 1931) at the age of 65. Even at an early age, it was noted about Penrose that he 'thinks geometrically.' His geometrical thinking led him, in 1974, to a solution of a problem that had eluded Johannes Kepler and Albrecht Durer, that is, how to cover a surface with motifs of pentagonal symmetry without gaps and overlaps, the Penrose tiling. ... In this volume, Paul Steinhardt ... revisits the Penrose tiling and quasicrystals, reports recent results in modeling, and points out the still unresolved problems. ... The Penrose tiling was an inadvertent discovery, a result of almost idle doodling. The main areas of Penrose's research include time-space, quantum theory, and the workings of the mind ... [and m]ost of the 32 contributions in this book, including Penrose's own Afterword, concern Penrose's main activities. The book is introduced by a brief and charming Laudatio by John A. Wheeler."--The Chemical Intelligencer


Product Description
This collection has been inspired by the work of Roger Penrose. It gives an overview of current work on the interaction between geometry and physics, from which many important developments in research have emerged. This volume collects together the contributions of many important researchers, including Sir Roger himself, and gives an overview of the many applications of geometrical ideas and techniques across mathematics and the physical sciences. From the area of pure mathematics papers are included on the topics of classical differential geometry and non-commutative geometry, knot invariants, and the applications of gauge theory. Contributions from applied mathematics cover the topics of integrable systems and general relativity. Current research in experimental and theoretical physics inspired chapters on string theory, quantum gravity, the foundations of quantum mechanics, quasi-crystals and astrophysics. The collection also includes articles on quantum computation, quantum cryptography and the possible role of micro-tubules in a theory of consciousness.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 456 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA; 1 edition (July 16, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0198500599
• ISBN-13: 978-0198500599
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.4 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,380,331 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A fantastic book for those who can understand it., May 27, 2000

By	"tonyred" (Nashville, MI USA) - See all my reviews

A great book, about some of the coolest and most cutting edge theories out there. Certainly not for the layman though. Most of the chapters are filled with equation after equation however those with advanced math and a good math program will have lots of fun. This book is the real deal! Read it all and you just might fry your brain! It would get five stars if it was better organized. The best use of this book is for quick reference if you have a specific idea or question about the topics contained and don't or can't get to the internet. Not a must buy but worth the money.

5 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars makes a good mousepad, February 7, 2002

By	Ben Saunders (Berkeley, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This book makes the greatest mousepad I've ever had. Good book.