The River of Time

by Igor D. Novikov

Book Overview

Can we change the past? The surprising answer to this question can be found in the final chapters of this book. Examining the history of the study of time and presenting in detail the modern state of physical research on the subject, this book is a superb overview of a fascinating subject. The figures who have helped to shape our views on time are presented as real people, in the context of their own times and struggles: from Socrates' troubles in...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0521008484
• ISBN13: 9780521008488
• Release Date: August 2008
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Length: 300 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.4" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Not a bad alternative to the "Brief History of Time".

This colorful book written by top Russian astrophysicist and cosmologist excels in explaining possibilities of traveling in time. Professor Novikov (Center of Theoretical Astrophysics in Copenhagen) strongly believes that it will be possible to construct Time Machine, as there are no existing physical laws that could prevent it. According to him we could use Black and White Holes as well as time loops, gravitational tunneling and curvature of space-time to achieve it. I truly enjoyed these half scientific, half fictitious theories. His speculations about Black and White Holes and how they could be utilized in the future to help our civilization in obtaining much needed energy, are fascinating. Book contains history of physics and digs into the past when scientists and philosophers started to think about TIME and how its "arrow" affects Universe and everything around us. Author writes about his life in Soviet Union where he graduated, started to work with famous father of Russian cosmologists Yakov Zeldovich and exchanged ideas with Andrei Sakharov. These years (1960-es) where difficult for scientists in Russia - they were quite isolated, having limited possibilities to meet their colleagues from the West. Scientific and historical details are presented in an easy to read, humorous and interesting manner (style). I strongly recommend this book as an alternative to the "Brief History of Time". Novikov's book is as good as Stephen Hawking's masterpiece.

Makes you wonder...

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.

A fantastic voyage into the Mysteries of Time

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.

A fantastic voyage into the Mysteries of Time

Very well written, especially interesting is the mixture of anecdotes and biographical data on the scientists and their theories, so this is not a 'cold' science divulgation book. In just 200+ pages, the author reviews most of moderm Physics, with elegancy 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.