Dr Isaac Asimov, famed science fiction writer and science popularizer, presents an introduction to the complexities of modern physics.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
89 of 89 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Let me a start of with a word of warning: this is not a simple book. If you are interested in learning what physics is all about but are wary of drowning in equations and technospeak, you might want to start of with Tony Rothman's <<Instant Physics>> or Lary Gonick's <<Cartoon Guide to Physics>>. Both provide a sampler platter of the key concepts in physics. If, however, your appetite is already whetted, then by all means dive into this three-course meal.
Though he is best known for his science fiction, Isaac Asimov is well grounded in science fact. It should be noted that he was originally a professor of biochemistry at the Boston University School of Medicine before becoming a full-time writer. And this book certainly shows he's a master of both teaching and writing.
Like most other books on physics, Asimov starts volume one with the concept of motion and expands on it leading up to a rudimentary introduction to relativity. Volume two begins with the properties of light and ends by tying together the notions of electricity and magnetism. And volume three travels from the electrons on the edge of atoms to the subatomic particles in the nucleus. Each chapter provides a solid foundation for the next, and there are generous notations back to previous concepts if the reader gets lost.
But what I feel is most remarkable about this book, is the attention it pays to the wrong turns taken through the course of history. It's far too easy to think of science simply as facts handed down from on high. Asimov shows us how it's actually a process of stumbling in the mists towards the Truth. Each mistaken belief is examined in its historical context to show us why it was accepted.
... Read more ›36 of 36 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
After engineering school, I finally found that what I was missing most was the fundamental development and transgression of ideas over time. Not understanding the nature of those formulae and equations kept me from doing some better work. If I had read this book prior to (or even during) my education I might well have been more relaxed and entrained on the topics. I found physics to be daunting when in actuality, it is great fun. I highly recommend this book for the beginning student and even for the seasoned engineer (who could still learn a few things after all).
This book makes conversational sense of the topic of physics.
20 of 20 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Hardcover
this book can teach anyone physics. it should be a "must"in all high schools from america to africa. With these other books,Secrets of the universe by paul fliesher,and Physics made simple by ira freeman should make a great introductory course for anyone.
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Back in high school, my physics course was a complete joke. Our teacher was a football coach who was more interested in that than teaching us physics.
Then in college, I was forced to take Physics 101 and 103. I hated them with an undying passion. I didn't understand most of what the textbook was trying to tell me, the teachers were boring and monotonal...I had a real mental block about pretty much anything having to do with physics. I thought I was a hopeless case.
Then, a few years ago, I was browsing the "bargain books" bin at a Barnes & Noble in Birmingham, Alabama. And there it was. A Physics book. By Isaac Asimov.
Isaac. Asimov.
It was $5. I bought it without hesitation and started reading it immediately in the book store while waiting on my friends to get done.
Not only did I understand every word Mr. Asimov wrote, I found that it all made perfect sense. It was as if a locked door had been blown off its hinges.
I avidly read the entire book cover-to-cover. Motion, sound, heat, light, magnetism, electricity, atomic structure...I understood it all. For the first time, my eyes didn't cross when the equations were given. Because Asimov explains the formulae. Explains how they were arrived at. Gives the history of the discoveries. Leads you along WITH the men and women who figured it all out.
Makes it make SENSE.
Because of this book. Because of Isaac Asimov's wonderful ability to write engagingly about topics that would put sugar-laden, hyperactive, caffeine-infused three-year-olds to sleep. I've read many books about physics, math, and such since then, and thanks to the foundations this book laid, I understood them.
If you can find a copy of this, get it. Check the bargain bins.... Read more ›
Then in college, I was forced to take Physics 101 and 103. I hated them with an undying passion. I didn't understand most of what the textbook was trying to tell me, the teachers were boring and monotonal...I had a real mental block about pretty much anything having to do with physics. I thought I was a hopeless case.
Then, a few years ago, I was browsing the "bargain books" bin at a Barnes & Noble in Birmingham, Alabama. And there it was. A Physics book. By Isaac Asimov.
Isaac. Asimov.
It was $5. I bought it without hesitation and started reading it immediately in the book store while waiting on my friends to get done.
Not only did I understand every word Mr. Asimov wrote, I found that it all made perfect sense. It was as if a locked door had been blown off its hinges.
I avidly read the entire book cover-to-cover. Motion, sound, heat, light, magnetism, electricity, atomic structure...I understood it all. For the first time, my eyes didn't cross when the equations were given. Because Asimov explains the formulae. Explains how they were arrived at. Gives the history of the discoveries. Leads you along WITH the men and women who figured it all out.
Makes it make SENSE.
Because of this book. Because of Isaac Asimov's wonderful ability to write engagingly about topics that would put sugar-laden, hyperactive, caffeine-infused three-year-olds to sleep. I've read many books about physics, math, and such since then, and thanks to the foundations this book laid, I understood them.
If you can find a copy of this, get it. Check the bargain bins.... Read more ›
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
By Kerry Smith
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
Everyone knows Asimov was "the man" of Physics and other hard sciences but what makes him stand out to me is that he can communicate in plain english. Lots of people can understand quantum mechanics, very few can explain them in language every man can understand.
This book does just that. I used it as a supplement to all Physics text books in college, when I was unable to catch on to what the book was trying to explain. Asimov has yet to let me down, and though Physics class is long gone, I still refer to and enjoy reading this book.
This book does just that. I used it as a supplement to all Physics text books in college, when I was unable to catch on to what the book was trying to explain. Asimov has yet to let me down, and though Physics class is long gone, I still refer to and enjoy reading this book.
17 of 20 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Issac Asmiov knows how to explain and this book is him at the top of his game. You will learn about Physics and history in a very engaging way. Don't pass up an opportunity to read this book. Even if you don't think you like Physics, this book might just change you mind by showing you the human side of Physics ideas.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Isaac Azimov teaching physics is a fabulous idea.
Although I have not had a chance to get into the material yet, the cursory look showed in-depth material in many subjects of Physics and the properties that make most things work... Read more
Published 5 days ago by Dana H. Coolbaugh
5.0 out of 5 stars
A beast of a book.
Huge 3-in-1 book.
Asimov does a good job at the start of each "book", but then quickly takes off assuming you have the previous information mastered. Read more
Asimov does a good job at the start of each "book", but then quickly takes off assuming you have the previous information mastered. Read more
Published 8 months ago by Grapple
5.0 out of 5 stars
asimov
this is a must have book for reading if your interest is of science and the most enduring aurthor of our age. Read more
Published 16 months ago by BILL WALKER
5.0 out of 5 stars
Physics primer
This is an excellent primer in Physics that covers all major aspects of this science, and written by a great author who explains complicated concepts in ordinary language.
Published 18 months ago by Donald Melcer
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good book for beginners but not newbies
This book is good for beginners in Physics, especially for students in high school who want to learn more. Read more
Published 22 months ago by Huige
5.0 out of 5 stars
The best introduction to physics possible
Despite the views of some that this is too heavy for a casual reader, I would contend otherwise. It is, as all of Asimov's work, highly readable. Read more
Published on November 13, 2010 by Matt Westwood
4.0 out of 5 stars
Surprisingly undated
This book was written in the 1960s but is surprisingly up to date. As I was remarking to my nephew, we still don't know where all the anti-matter is. Read more
Published on March 28, 2010 by An Audience of One
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Everyman's Guide to Physics
Isaac Asimov was a great science fiction writer. But what he was even better at was non-fiction, and his superlative ability to explore science for the non-scientist is on grand... Read more
Published on February 17, 2010 by Steve Curtis
5.0 out of 5 stars
One of Best Physics Books Written!
I used this through high school and college a few years back. Even research physicists consider this book one of the best straight forward discussions of the subject. Read more
Published on October 14, 2009 by T. Prescott
5.0 out of 5 stars
A dilettante's delight!
These three volumes in one are an easy-reading, chatty introduction to the world of physics. Asimov's inclusion of the historical background along with the development of specific... Read more
Published on June 30, 2007 by Hombre
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