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A User's Guide to the Universe:

Surviving the Perils of Black Holes, Time Paradoxes, and Quantum Uncertainty
Front Cover
23 Reviews
Wiley, Feb 2, 2010 - Science - 304 pages
Answers to science's most enduring questions from "Can I break the light-speed barrier like on Star Trek?" and "Is there life on other planets?" to "What is empty space made of?"

This is an indispensable guide to physics that offers readers an overview of the most popular physics topics written in an accessible, irreverent, and engaging manner while still maintaining a tone of wry skepticism. Even the novice will be able to follow along, as the topics are addressed using plain English and (almost) no equations. Veterans of popular physics will also find their nagging questions addressed, like whether the universe can expand faster than light, and for that matter, what the universe is expanding into anyway.

  • Gives a one-stop tour of all the big questions that capture the public imagination including string theory, quantum mechanics, parallel universes, and the beginning of time
  • Explains serious science in an entertaining, conversational, and easy-to-understand way
  • Includes dozens of delightfully groan-worthy cartoons that explain everything from special relativity to Dark Matter

 Filled with fascinating information and insights, this book will both deepen and transform your understanding of the universe.

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Review: A User's Guide to the Universe: Surviving the Perils of Black Holes, Time Paradoxes, and Quantum Uncertainty

User Review  - Birdie Rutterta - Goodreads

It's smartly written, witty, and informative! It perfectly conveys the excitement of (relatively) new physics in a way that everyone can understand. However, it leaves a bit to be desired when it ... Read full review

Review: A User's Guide to the Universe: Surviving the Perils of Black Holes, Time Paradoxes, and Quantum Uncertainty

User Review  - Rajesh - Goodreads

Witty, engaging and lucid - not the adjectives you'd typically associate with a popular science book, but this highly readable tome makes light a fairly involved and complicated subject matter - physics. I loved it and would recommend it to anyone! Read full review

All 17 reviews »

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About the author (2010)

Dave Goldberg is an associate professor of physics at Drexel University, where he works on theoretical and observational cosmology. He earned his Ph.D. in astrophysical sciences at Princeton University and is very interested in the interface between science and pop culture. He has contributed to Slate and appeared on WNYC's Studio 360. He lives with his wife and daughter in Philadelphia.

Jeff Blomquist earned his master's degree in physics from Drexel University in 2008 and is currently an engineer at Boeing Aerospace. He drew the illustrations in A User's Guide to the Universe all by himself! He lives in Philadelphia and has only recently stopped sleeping on a couch.

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