Quantum: A Guide for the Perplexed (Paperback)

by Dr. Jim Al-Khalili (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review
The book was reported as the number 5 bestseller for science at Waterstone'sin the Independent 24 May. Jim undertook the General News Service for the BBC, appearing on local radio for Surrey, Suffolk, Cumbria, Stoke, Shropshire, Scotland, Bristol, Essex, Hereford and Worcester on Wednesday 14 May. Portsmouth News, Jim's local newspaper, published a double page spread on his new book and Jim wrote the Don's Diary column re his experiences of publicising a book for The Times Higher Education Supplement 13th June. He appeared on Talk Sport Radio on 26th May. The book was previewed in Publishing News 8 November2002. A review was published in the Fortean Times where the book was rated 8/10, a review in Focus magazine rated the book 4/5 and an excellent review appeared in New Scientist on 7 June. The Guardian has commissioned a review. .... an excellent introduction to the strangest and most vital of scientific fields ..Tim ChapmanFORTEAN TIMES ...excellent and lavishly illustrated book ....Marcus Chown, NEW SCIENTIST ... one of the better introductions you can buy...Richard Wentk, FOCUS Jim gave a lecture to an audience of 350 at the Royal Institution and to over 300 at the Hay Literary Festival plus led a London pub discussion (sciBAr) on quantum physics. He talked about his book at Ottakars in Portsmouth and at the Cheltenham Science Festival. He is due to take part in the Guildford Book Festival in the autumn. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Description
In this lively look at quantum science, a physicist takes you on an entertaining and enlightening journey through the basics of subatomic physics.

Along the way he examines the paradox of quantum mechanics—beautifully mathematical in theory but confoundingly unpredictable in the real world. Marvel at the Dual Slit experiment as a tiny atom passes through 2 separate openings at the same time. Ponder the peculiar communication of quantum particles, which can remain in touch no matter how far apart. Join the genius jewel thief as he carries out a quantum measurement on a diamond without ever touching the object in question. With its clean, colorful layout and conversational tone, this text will hook you into the conundrum that is quantum mechanics.

“Takes readers on a fascinating journey. Al-Khalili [uses] simple and clear language and he provides excellent graphics. This is mandatory reading for undergraduates with or without a science background.”—Library Journal


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Product Details

• Paperback: 280 pages
• Publisher: WN (September 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1841882380
• ISBN-13: 978-1841882383
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 7.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (27 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #176,868 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

74 of 74 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best intro to quantum theory for non-specialists, June 18, 2003

By	J.C. - See all my reviews

This review is from: Quantum: A Guide for the Perplexed (Hardcover)

I became interested in quantum theory after reading Brian Greene's "The Elegant Universe" about six months ago; since then I have gone to some lengths to find a book that would explain quantum theory in a way that was non-formal enough for me to understand but not excessively simplified. Until recently, I hadn't found any thing that fit this description -- until, that is, I ran into this book at my local book store. It is BY FAR the best explanation of quantum theory for someone who is relatively (or even completely) unfamiliar with it. The author explains the theory in a step by step fashion, not leaving anything implied or unsaid, but in no way is insulting to one's intelligence. As a philosophy grad student, I especially appreciated the chapter on the various interpretations of quantum theory, including the 'many-worlds' interpretation that reminded me very much of David Lewis's metaphysical system (in which all possible worlds actually exist somewhere). I bought this book at 10:30 p.m. and had read half of it by the time I went to bed, and finished the rest of it the next day. It is that good! Highly, highly recommended.

31 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars complex topic - wonderful book, August 24, 2003

By	William Tillier "btillier" (Calgary, Alberta Canada) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Quantum: A Guide for the Perplexed (Hardcover)

This book is beautiful in all aspects. It is very well written, interesting and has great illustrations. The author takes a very complex and many times seemingly illogical topic and makes it both understandable and interesting. We are also given alternative views and told when the state of the art falls short of understanding. I would like to see a second edition in 10 years covering new advances in the topic. One of the best books I have seen in science in the past few years.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars No Going Back, September 29, 2005

By	Starcadia (Alexandria, VA USA) - See all my reviews

I knew just about as much as the next person regarding quantum physics before reading this book, and after reading it I feel I know a lot more. It's this kind of book that tends to turn my world upside-down for a little while, but after that discomfort fades I'm glad to know a little more (and that I know less) about the universe and can apply that knowledge, or lack of, to my own perspecive on things.

The book starts out with a quantum "magic trick" to hook the reader - and hook me it did - then proceeds to discuss the history, framework, and future of quantum physics. I found that the magic from the beginning tended to fade by the end of the book, but I still made it all the way through, which for me is saying a lot about whether a book is good or not. I'm not able to grasp mathematics very well - I'm more of a concept person - so the portions of the book that were mathematical were somewhat lost on me. However, the concepts got across to a certain extent. I will say that the Michio Kaku books I've read - Hyperspace and Visions - as well as Carl Sagan's books, did a lot more for me in terms of total amazement, but Quantum: A Guide for the Perplexed I feel was a very solid introduction to the quantum world for those like me who know a little and want to know more.

I really enjoyed the graphic nature of the book; the illustrations are wonderful, and magical in themselves. The general feel of the book is nice, too. A lot of work was obviously done on the design in general, which I feel helped excite the material.

One thing is for sure: Now that I've read this book the universe will never appear the same. There's no going back to thinking classically after learning the truths of what's really going on behind the curtain.

I'm giving the book four stars, subtracting a star for the second half or so of the book that became a little more dry, cumbersome and forced than the first half.

Very recommended.