The Particle Hunters

by Yuval Ne'eman and Yoram Kirsh

Book Overview

From the recent discovery of the top quark to the search for the Higgs particle, the frontiers of particle physics beckon the imagination. Exploring in detail the full history of particle physics, Yuval Ne'eman and Yoram Kirsh explain in an engaging, nonmathematical style the principles of modern theories such as quantum mechanics and Einstein's relativity, and they brilliantly succeed in conveying to the reader the excitement that accompanied the...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0521476860
• ISBN13: 9780521476867
• Release Date: April 1996
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Length: 316 Pages
• Weight: 1.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.7" x 9.6"

Customer Reviews

One of the best books in particle physics for non-physicists

This book gives an overview of the developement of particle physics. It did a great job of explaining the motivations of developing those theories. Also it did a great job to explain abstract phenomona in simple ways. If you are really interest in particle physics but don't have the mathematics techniques to deal with a regular particle physics book, this book is a great step stone for you!

A great summation of particle physics...

I've owned this book for many years now and revisit it often. It goes into excellent detail about the history of particle physics and the cast of characters but it also gives great explanations that make the complexity of the field quite clear.From the discovery of the electron to the current understandings of the Standard Model (current as of the date of publication), the mysteries of the hidden world of particles is brought to life in lucid detail. It is not oversimplified yet it is not overly complex. The examples clarify things in layman's terms yet there is enough to keep the person interested in the more technical and mathematical also occupied. While I am no scientist nor am I mathematically inclined, I did not feel left out reading this book. In fact, if one is feeling compelled to dive in a bit more deeply, this book has the information.The graphs and the photos enhance the text. Of all the books I've dabbled in pertaining to the field of particle physics, this is the one that has perhaps grounded me the most. I never feel too 'esoteric' in my understanding nor did I become bogged down by technical language. On top of that, there is a bit of a sense of humor on the part of the authors that is quite refreshing. A good book if you are interested in diving in a bit deeper than many of the more general books in the field.

Best book on particle physics

This is definitely one of the best books I read in particle physics. It is written for non-experts by a well-known authority in the field. The book has sufficient details, along with historical perspectives and anecdotes, to satisfy the curiosity of a non-expert in the field. Contrary to most other popular science books, one can actually learn something from reading this book. I am a computer engineer by profession and I understood the material well. Reading this book is a thoroughly enjoyable experience.I wish more books were written for non-experts in a similar style with as much details.

A very good explanation of subatomic particles

Particle Hunters goes into enough detail for me, a mechanical engineer, to understand appropriately. It has just about the right amount of history to support the details of the particle's development. I found the book at the library and checked it out and read it. Now I am going to be buying it soon for a reference.