The River of Time [Paperback]

Igor D. Novikov (Author), Vitaly Kisin (Translator)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 13, 1998 | ISBN-10: 0521467373 | ISBN-13: 978-0521467377

The nature of time has long fascinated physicists and lay people alike. As an irresistible flow into which all events are embedded, time cannot be slowed or accelerated. It cannot be undone or turned back. In this marvelous text, Novikov describes how the thinkers throughout history have defined time and how these discoveries demonstrate that we may influence time's flow. He details the development of our views on time, from classical Greece to the modern day. This book describes how time flows in specific regions of the Universe, how it stops in black holes and splashes over the brim in white holes, and how time may convert into space and vice versa. The author explores time's genesis at the Big Bang and describes the current research on the physics of time. He details how recent discoveries indicate that time machine travel might be possible. Accessible to all, the engaging style and wonderful illustrations make this book hugely enjoyable to read. Igor Novikov is the author of Evolution of the Universe (Cambridge, 1983), Black Holes and the Universe (Cambridge, 1990), and E. Hubble, Life and Work (Cambridge, 1992). His extensive body of research begins in the former Soviet Union and his experiences add a unique touch to this book. Currently, he is the Director of the Theoretical Astrophysics Center in Copenhagen.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

C.P. Snow's famous dichotomy of the scientific and literary cultures is evident in this nonliterary work from a former Soviet professor of astrophysics, now affiliated with Copenhagen University. A veteran of 15 books (six of which have been published in English), Novikov begins by comparing his familiar adoptive metaphorAtime as a river "that carries in its flow all events without exception"Ato others that philosophy tried out and discarded in its birthing of a "science of time." He quickly moves on to explain well the relationship between the theories of Newton and Einstein, managing at the same time to show clearly how time, space and gravity are linked. Other high points are explanations of how time takes on quantum properties inside a black hole, and the nature of vacuums. But these serve only to increase the reader's regret at other, missed opportunities. The section on the Fitzgerald contractions of space-time, among others, are not handled well, and the bland cartoon illustrations are by and large not helpful. It's often difficult to see how the author arrives at his conclusions, as the book reads more like an off-the-cuff lecture than a composed work. (The difficulty is increased by a translation that retains many traces of Russian construction and grammar.) Novikov himself comes across as an engaging riverboat captain, but the book will probably manage to carry across only those who already have a good grasp of physics.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Review

"This book, by an eminent theoretical cosmologist, is a rapid, completely nontechnical tour through much of contemporary physics. The central theme is that of how our ideas of the nature of time have changed under the impact of the development of ideas in theoretical physics." Mathematical Reviews

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Product Details

• Paperback: 298 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (September 13, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521467373
• ISBN-13: 978-0521467377
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,726,384 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars some good time but not enough, October 27, 2000

By 

Patrick J.Arloff (Chicago, Il. USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The River of Time (Paperback)

While Novikov did present some good and interesting info on the nature of time, there was not enough. If you are interested in Navikov's personal life in science or some of the history of Russian science, there is much of that here. If you are only interested in the nature of time discussions there is way too much irrelevant material. Yet still the time ideas are worth the struggle through the rest.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Makes you wonder..., July 24, 2000

By 

Jeremy - See all my reviews

This review is from: The River of Time (Paperback)

I'm rediscovering my desire to learn more about the theoretical physics, an interest I had to leave behind while earning degrees in electrical engineering.

Igor has written an amazing book and the English translation is up to the mark. This book is nothing to be scared about, coz without going in mathematical details of tensor analysis! he has presented the complex ideas in plain english. All you have to know is basic high school physics. Igor's writing style is personal and you'd feel an afinity towards him while reading his personal accounts.

The chapters in the end need a bit more concentration but it pays off big and makes you wonder 'can this reallt be! '.

The chapter on time machine is really wonderful, and you might have to read it couple of times to get a better grasp of the concepts.

Like any other subject, you can't learn all about the wonders of quantum physics by reading just one book but it will give you a solid foundation to go ahead and pick the next book on the subject matter.

5.0 out of 5 stars A fantastic voyage into the Mysteries of Time, November 15, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The River of Time (Paperback)

Very well written, especially interesting is the mixture of anecdotes and biographical data on the scientists and their theories. this is not a 'cold' science divulgation book. In just 200+ pages, the author reviews most of moderm Physics, with elegance and simplicity. The speculations and descriptions of Time Machine at the end of the book are simply fascinating, and make your fantasy fly. Very suitable for laic people and also for science students and professionals.