1. The Wilkinson Microwave anisotropy probe (WMAP) satellite was launched in 2001 giving an unprecedented view of the Universe. The WMAP satellite

2. The age of the Universe is 13.7 billion years.

3. The temperature of space is 2.7249 to 2.7251 degrees Kelvin.

4. 73 percent of the Universe is made of dark energy. Dark energy is thought to create a new anti-gravity field which is driving galaxies apart. Alan Guth inflationary scenario, in the first trillionth of a second, a mysterious antigravity force caused the universe to expand much faster than thought. The inflationary period was unimaginably explosive, expanding faster than light.

5. Andrei Linde proposes self-reproducing inflation or chaotic inflation, tiny patches of a universe suddenly inflating giving birth to a new universe.

6. String theory and M-theory are based on simple and elegant idea that subatomic particles are made up of strings similar to notes one can play on a violin string or on a membrane of a drum head. The strings and membranes exist in ten and eleven dimensional hyperspace.

7. M-Theory has the ability to unify the theory of relativity with quantum theory. Only in ten or eleven dimension hyperspace do we have enough room to unify all the forces of nature in a single elegant theory.

8. A field is a mathematical object that assumes different values at every point in space. The field measures the strength of the magnetic, electrical, or nuclear force at any point in the universe. The fundamental description of electricity, magnetism, nuclear force, and gravity is based on fields. The field theory of strings allows the entire content into one equation.

9. The symmetries of string theory gave it its beauty and power. Strings reside on 2 dimensional surfaces. For string theory to describe both gravity and subatomic world, it meant that strings would on be 10 pow -33 long (planks length).

10. Schwartz and Green showed that string theory is free of anomalies, the theory of everything.

11. Strings can interact by splitting and rejoining, thus the interactions among electron and protons in the atom. Subatomic particles are different vibrations on the string.

12. The lowest vibration of the string, a spin two particle with zero mass, can be interpreted as a graviton, a particle or quantum gravity. The stronger the vibration on the string, the stronger the influence on other gravitons.

13. Kalzua discovered, if you manually separated out the fourth-dimensional pieces contained within the five dimensional equation for the theory or relativity, Maxwell's theory of electromagnetic force tumbles out. Maxwells complex equations emerge effortlessly as the simple vibrations found in the fifth dimension. Higher dimension vibrations reproduced W and Z bosons and gluons found in weak and nuclear forces.

14. Ten dimensions were unstable, six curled up into a ball, and the other four expanded outward in the big bang.

15. In super symmetric theory, all the subatomic particles have a partner: each fermion is paired with a boson. Super symmetric as the potential of unifying all atomic particles into one simple symmetry.

16. Einsteins equations on gravity could become super symmetric if introduce a new field, super gravity. Super gravity was based on point particles.

17. Lisa Randall thought of the universe being a membrane. Randall focused on the fact that gravity is astronomically small. Electromagnetism, weak nuclear force, and the strong force are roughly the same and gravity is wildly different. The masses of quarks are smaller than the mass associated with quantum gravity separated by sixteen orders of magnitude. Randall assumed the universe was a three-brane floating in a five dimensional world. The vibrations on the three-brane corresponded to the atoms around us. The vibrations can not leave the three-brane.

18. The inverse square law of gravity works perfectly for planets, stars, and galaxies. Nowhere in space do we find an inverse cube law for gravity. Dimopoulus suggested maybe the fifth dimension is not infinite but is a millimeter aw from ours. Randall suggested the fifth dimension was infinitely far from us. The three-brane has a gravitational pull preventing gravitons from drifting freely into the fifth dimension. Gravity is diluted and weakened as it leaves the three-brane and drifts into the fifth dimension. Randall introduced the possibility of a second brane where gravity interacts across the two membranes.

Like its predecessor Hyperspace, PW is a fascinating tour of physics at the theoretical cutting edge. MK is an ever lucid and entertaining guide. Though he doesn't always succeed in making abstruse ideas completely intelligible, he does so for the most part. And where he is less successful -- as PW progresses to M-theory and beyond -- he nonetheless spurs his readers' enthusiasm to read on. It's hard to imagine 'headier' stuff than one finds between the covers of PW. My thanks to MK for letting us non-physicists/cosmologists in on all the excitement!

THANK YOU MICHIO FOR AT LAST A

READABLE BOOK ON WHAT THE UNIVERSE

IS ALL ABOUT. I CANNOT RECOMMEND

THIS BOOK MORE THAN FIVE STARS

OR I WOULD.

I READ A LOT AND FINDING READABLE

MATERIAL IS NOT EASY.

GENE ADDINGTON

The glossary entry for "anthropic principle" begins "The principle that the constants of nature are tuned to allow for life and intelligence." Tuning something is an activity that demands intelligence.
Actually I think the most intelligent thing the designer ever did was inventing evolution.

I don't have much physics backgroud but found this book very easy to comprehend and easy to read also. The information is astonishing.

Ranges further and is more accessible than Brian Greene's "Elegant Universe." A must read for anyone who is interested in the _very big questions_.

this book is very good view of the physics of the new millenium..michio kaku really knows what he's talking about and im sure this isn't his last book on this topic

this book is very good view of the physics of the new millenium..michio kaku really knows what he's talking about and im sure this isn't his last book on this topic

hello . this book is so facanating it is hard to belive. literly after you read about the quantum paralel worlds part you never ever look at the world in the same way.also i was ten when i read this book and still found it facanating and 100% comprehend able. because of this book and many others by michio ka ku i want to be a theoretical phisisist. i hope you buy this book. happy reading^_^

Michio has done an excellent job at describing the current understanding of the Universe, based on the latest proven theories. He has the ability to reach out to all skill levels. This is simply the best book I have ever read regarding the Universe. Thanks to my good friend and colleague, Neal Bailey, for recommending this book.

I was quite impressed to find that this book touched on every subject I had expected or just hoped for, and more. Not only does it contain an update on the most current understanding of our universe and the possibilities of a greater "multiverse" of parallel universes; it also gives a historical view of how we got there, including some background knowledge and stories about the great physicists who got us this far.

I am a physics student and hence have some background knowledge that aids in understanding, but the author doesn't assume readers to have a physics background and does a good job of explaining things in a down-to-earth manner. I can highly recommend this book to anybody who is curious about what the latest science has to say about any of the following:

The universe, its beginning and its end, dark matter, dark energy, wormholes, black holes, multiple theories for parallel universes (relativity, quantum and string theory all suggest them as a possibility), string theory, higher dimensions, possibilities of travelling in spacetime and other dimensions, teleporting, travel faster than the speed of light, development of civilizations and what our future may look like (e.g. how we can manage to escape when our spot in spacetime becomes uninhabitable).

In this book, Michio Kaku, a leading theoretical physicist, discusses the current state of the search for a unified theory to explain everything, from quantum physics to relativity and everything in between. In layman's terms, he discusses the history of string theory and M-Theory, the current form of string theory, and what it all means in terms of the possibilities of alternate universes, time travel, and the origin of the universe. Kaku discusses the possibilities of more than 3 spacial dimensions, as implied by the theory. Kaku goes on to discuss the ultimate fate of the universe: a continual expansion resulting in temperatures too cold to support life, or a crushing implosion resulting in temperatures too hot to support life. Kaku discusses the possibility that M-Theory may increase our understanding of the universe (or multiverse) enough to be able to travel into a different universe, or back in time, before our universe collapses. Kaku ends with a philosophical discussion on our place in the universe and what the point of it all is.

If you have read Kaku's book "Hyperspace", some of this book will be review, as he includes some of the same concepts of extra dimensions in this book.

Kaku explains the science in such a way that the layperson can understand it fairly well. He doesn't go into much mathematical detail; he only explains enough so that the reader understands what the theory means and doesn't get bogged down with all the details. This is what makes Kaku's writing great. His books, such as this one, are written for those who haven't studied physics in depth but who are interested in what is going on in the field of physics and the search to understand the universe.

The bottom line: Kaku is a great resource for the latest developments in theoretical physics and our understanding of the universe.

Definitely, TWO THUMPS UP!!! This is one of the best book for fun read among all books I have ever read for more than thirty years. The topic is a hard-chew, but Michio Kaku made it so soft you can swallow as easily as milk. It is not a surprise why so many complete physics lay persons read this book and all of a sudden became in the know about modern physics. Yes, this book is that great, very easy to read and at the time very thorough! But, more importantly, perhaps most importantly to me, the book is so much fun to read!!! I have read many sci-fi books, but this book is probably much more fun than any sci-fi's that I know. This is why I used to often read this book whenever I got some headache. It gives very fresh refreshment like rural breeze. I do not often recommend a book for a read to friends because they are just different from me in many points. But, for this book I strongly recommend anybody to give it a try. You will never get disappointed for sure.

I haven't read through the entire book yet - I've only gone through and read parts here and there, enough to know I will really enjoy reading this book. I always see this author on television shows regarding the same and simalar subject matters and became interested enough in his commentaries to purchase this book. I have no scientific background and this book seems easy enough to read and comprehend, and that was a big plus in my opinion!
Also, delivery was very prompt and I am very satisfied with this purchase!

Michio Kaku is one of the most significant theoretical physicists of our day, and this is his signature work. Besides providing a basic history of astrophysics knowledge and concepts, Dr. Kaku discusses the possibility of parallel universes, multiple dimensions, and even time travel. Our universe may in fact be an offshoot of another universe, possibly from a (theoretical) white hole. Once regarded as science fiction, many of the concepts Dr. Kaku discusses in this book are increasingly becoming accepted by scientists as plausible facts.

Most of this book will be easily understandable for the average lay person. However, much of the book is spent on string theory. If you don't have at least some education in college level physics, some of this may be difficult to understand (not to mention a little dry). That said, Dr. Kaku does a better job than most in explaining in. All in all, this is an important book explaining some of the most cutting edge theories and concepts in modern physics. I highly recommend it for anyone interested in astronomy or astrophysics.

I am in the midst of reading this right now, and so far am finding it wonderfully accessible in ways that Hyperspace was not. I think Kaku has really found his voice for the lay person with this effort. I seem to be 'getting it' in ways that are very gratifying and rare. I had been rereading Hyperspace when this book arrived. How nice to feel I'm understanding some concepts very clearly!

I am in the midst of reading this right now, and so far am finding it wonderfully accessible in ways that Hyperspace was not. I think Kaku has really found his voice for the lay person with this effort. I seem to be 'getting it' in ways that are very gratifying and rare. I had been rereading Hyperspace when this book arrived. How nice to feel I'm understanding some concepts very clearly!

The first two parts of the book, contains the history of cosmology up to today. The third and most interesting part brings up the controversy of God in the creation of the universe. Kaku gives prospective of the top cosmologist as well as his view in the part. Also in this last part a very inspiring talk on mankind, where we are and where we are trying to go.
I found this book very informative and inspiring.

I am not a scientist; the last science class I took was freshman biology for non-majors. I enjoyed Simon Singh's Big Bang, however, and wanted to read more about emerging science and cosmology. I had watched The Universe on the History Channel, and thought I'd pick up one of Michio Kaku's book. I have quite enjoyed this detour into physics.

Kaku is masterful at explaining a broad array of concepts to the lay person. I have no background in science and was able to understand what he presented without having to re-read what Kaku wrote, which is an achievement.

I will forewarn readers: this is not a science vs. God book, despite the first line (and one or two pages in the middle of the book). It is instead a delightful treat into pure theorhetical physics.

The book gives a understandable review for the curious layman of the exciting ideas in cosmology and correlated areas , like string theory
it is spiced with personal details about the scientist involved

All over it is a exciting expirience and a highly recomended book

This book is actually to be a Christmas gift, so I haven't opened it. It arrived very quickly and in good condition. Thank you for expediting it.

I truly enjoyed this book. It covers very profound subjects in a manner that the average layman can understand. With this book, I had to read it in small bites. Each page was packed to thought provoking ideas. After reading a little, I wanted to just sit, think and reflect. It is good book to read with others. The ideas need to be discussed to be absorbed.

I enjoyed the cosmology, the string theory, M-theory, and the standard model. I had heard about them but I never knew much about them. The author lets you know which areas are hotly debated in the science world. Most books about this subject have too much math for me to work through.

The ending was a little too much.

Michio Kaku has created a scenario of possibilities in the evolution of this world. Kaku explores the potentials of parallel worlds and realities. In quantum physics anything is possible. Kudos for Kaku. Bettye Johnson, award-winning author, Secrets of the Magdalene Scrolls.

Kaku has an agreeable, engaging writing style that makes some of the more challenging physics and mathematics accessbile to the layman. Where I felt my interest waning, however, was in the section where he discusses at considerable length various exit strategies from the universe trillions of years from now when it will come to an end. A page (at most) would have sufficed to cover this scenario; instead he went on and on about the various possibilities for intelligent beings to escape from our universe into parallel worlds. The death of our universe is too distant an event for us to be expending too much brain power now on devising contingency plans.

In this book you will learn about

1) The Big bang
2) Membrane theory - a theory in support of the big bang. (collision of 2 branes creating the big bang. 2 Branes are like 2 loaves of bread with hyperspace in between them and imagine we are on one of the loaves of bread. For us even with the 3 dimensions, we cant reach out of this loaf of bread and get to the other bread. The the other bread is another brane.)
3) Black holes and white holes
4) worm Hole - Connecting 2 points in the universe, cutting accross the crossection of the universe (The Universe being warped space time)
5) What is hyperspace ?
6) String theory - 11 dimensional space and M theory
7) Time travel - is it possible and what will be required.
8) Negative energy and the casimir effect. Methods of creations of negative energy.
9) Antimatter.
10) Possibilty of Multiple universes just a millimeter away from us.
11) Black hole physics.

Great book !!!!

It will open your mind to newer dimensions of appreciation of particle physics and cosmological mysteries which physicists are working on. All I can say is long live Michio Kaku and the likes of him who popularize esotric concepts and bring it to the level of you and me.



regards, Vikram

The Humanity's Exit Strategy, 4 Jun 2007


Michio Kaku's "Parallel Worlds" is the best popular science non-fiction ever written. Its breakthrough theories reach out to the most naive reader with such a strength that whatever you've known about the Big Bang or religious essays on the beginning and the end of our world, suddenly becomes a tiny moment caught in the universe yet ever-evolving.

It has very logical structure on complex issues such as the essence of non-material dark energy that apparently consists the 73 percent of the energy in our universe, the bubble theories of the existence of parallel universes where the humanity can move to as our planet comes to an end due to the unavoidable universal freeze. Thus, he masterfully presents the idea of multiverses that co-exist in a string, subject to ongoing Big Bangs here and there. As he narrates "...entire universes continually sprout or "bud" off other universes. If true, it would unify two of the great religious mythologies, Genesis and Nirvana. Genesis would take place continually within the fabric of timeless Nirvana".

(Those of you who have also read Simon Singh's "The Big Bang" suddenly have another appreciation of that author as well for his bringing up in a Buddhist family who nevertheless sent him off to a Catholic Sunday School had made him one of the most read scientists.)

Decoding Einstein's and Darwin's at their time distant theories on reading "the God's Mind" and the "end of humanity", Michio Kaku unveils the latest developments in the scientific world on the humanity's beginning and future, claiming that even a string of Big Bangs and multiverses would still need an ultimate creator/composer...

This book is a definite buy on the most indefinite questions we have.

For a long time, I have been in a bind when it comes to buying books about science or mathematics. My bind is this: I am well versed enough in these subjects to find beginner books rather tedious and often a lot of review rather than exposing new ideas, but I am by no means enough of an expert to pick up a high-end theory or textbook and follow it very easily. This has made a lot of science and math books rather unattainable--I am either going to be bored with it or find it too hard.

But Kaku has usually been able to offer good solace, and he does not disappoint with this one. In _Parallel Worlds_, Kaku explores the realms of string theory, quantum universes, time travel, a whole host of experimental physics. Kaku sometimes kowtows to simplifying his subjects to a false degree, but his best analogies explain the wonderful simplicity of an idea as well as its complexities. The issue of dark matter, for example, or what really blew me away was the idea of invisible energy, attraction created between two parallel metal plates not by charge but by an imbalance of virtual particles between the outsides and insides of the metal. Kaku is fine with presenting highly theoretical ideas that have no present means for testing and confirmation, and he is very objective with most about them when it comes to their plausibility and potential faults. Since he has helped develop string theory, he of course has a lot of hope for it, but his overall objectivity and scholarship is enough to trust throughout.

Some parts are worth going slowly through, to follow the train of thought that leads to rather anti-intuitive conclusions, but that is the joy of math and science, after all, and this book is well worth that read.

Book was in good condition and delivery was quick. I recommend this seller

Surely, Prof. Kaku knows his subject matter, and he knows how to write. His explanation of string theory and M theory were understandable for a layman like me.
However, when he applied this to cosmology, it became confusing for me: There seem to be endless possibilities for baby universes, multiple universes.... it almost sounded more like science fiction. Surely, this is due to my limitations, rather than to Prof. Kaku's knowledge of the subject matter. It seems, that a firm understanding of our universe(es)is still far away.

This Author deserves praise for being one of those few science writers that really know how to divulge science to the layperson without oversimplfying it. I find this book rich in information, interresting speculations and intriguing hypotheses. There is also an honest unbiased appraisal of modern theories,from the famous and somewhat over-vaslued "string theory" to the most bizarre "hologram" theory.Carl Sagan and Isaac asimov would have liked this book!

This is a book that follows the style of Carl Sagan, but it is not Carl Sagan ! Dr. Michio Kaku provide a path of light into the M theory. This is not a simple scientific book it is the main stone in the foundation of new knowledge.

This is the first book I have read in this field and I was encouraged to read it when I overheard an NPR discussion with Kaku while washing the kitchen floor one day. For me the power of this book (and of the man himself) is its ability to excite the interest of the layman. As a wannabe teacher, I find Kaku's presentation to be brilliant in terms of his ability to excite his audience and give them 'wow' moments. Sure, maybe he doesn't present a totally complete and unbiased opinion of the subject matter (although I am not one to judge this), but he may spur the interest of a few of the next generation of comologists and to for me that is what is important - keeping people informed and turned-on to science so that they will pursue the subject and generate the next round of discoveries. I recommend this to all who love to learn. I only wish I could attend Kaku's lectures...

I've read most, if not all, of the recent series of published books on this particularly interesting and complicated subject, and this is the one. The most understandable of them all. Clearly written with the non professional in mind. Michio Kaku presents all the information of what isn't the most easily understood of subjects in a fashion which allows for an enjoyable reading experience of the ever changing and sometimes reinvented theory that comes tantalizing close to the much sought after Holy Grail Theory of Everything.

Michio Kaku presents the world of physics and cosmology in a way that casual science fans can appreciate. The primary theme of this book is the ultimate fate of the universe and whether intelligent life will be able to escape its fate. The most interesting theory he proposes is that intelligent beings will be able to escape a dying universe by traveling to a parallel universe which is at a younger stage. When you read this, you'll be really surprised to see that the world of physics is almost alien to the world of common sense. To give an example, string theory proposes that all matter in the universe is nothing but the vibration of strings or cosmic music. I really recommend this for those who would like to get some insight into the world of physics and cosmology, but don't want to burn too many brain cells with the mathematics of the field.

I've read half a dozen books attempting to explain the essentials of cosmology, the big bang, quantum mechanics, string theory, dark energy, and other facinating, but horrendously difficult, concepts. Kaku does better at helping my feeble mind understand the origin, the composition, and the ultimate fate of the universe than any other author I have encountered. Moreover, this book is up-to-date -- published in 2005 -- and given recent developments in theory any book over about 5 years old will be a bit behind the times.

In Chapter One, Kaku summarizes in simplified form what he will discuss in the rest of the book -- and lo-and-behold I could understand it! He then gives a brief history of cosmology and delves into the development of cosmological thought. I stumbled through a lot of the material, but his writing and examples, often drawn from science fiction, were interesting, although not always comprehensible to me.

The most unique part of the book was his speculation that a near infinite number of different universes may exist in different dimensions and that someday, a billion or so years hence, we may learn to pass from one to another. In fact, as he points out, it may become necessary for the survival of the human race when our old star begins to burn out. Confirmed atheists may be offended by his frequent references to what sounds a lot like "God." His speculations on the nature of future civilizations, the possibilities of time travel, and man's search for the "theory of everything" were fascinating.

For the general reader who wants to take a tour of our universe -- its largest and smallest elements -- this is an excellent introduction.

Smallchief

There may come a time when you are at a bookstore and you see Parallel Worlds by Michio Kaku on the shelf. Will you buy it? Yes and no. In one set of universes you do, in another you don't. If you think you might be in one of that first set of realities, you will likely be reading a book that is entertaining and informative, though by no means perfect.

Parallel Worlds is divided into three general parts which move from solid facts to pure speculation. In the first section of the book, we get a good overview of the history of cosmology and see how the Big Bang theory developed and why it is firmly established as the best explanation of how the universe developed. The second section moves into the more theoretical realm of stings and branes; while these theories offer a good mathematical basis for the structure of matter, they have yet to be proven through observation (primarily because such observations are beyond our current technological abilities). The final part of the book deals with the possibilities of alternate universes, time travel, wormhole travel and the future development of civilization.

The first two parts are clearly written and make sense of often complex subjects. Cosmology and quantum mechanics explain the structure of things on completely different levels. With cosmology (and astronomy), we look at the super-large: star systems, galaxies, etc. and the theories of relativity. With quantum mechanics, we are in the subatomic realm. Usually, the two areas are completely separate so the theories don't conflict, but in extreme circumstances, they converge and problems develop. These circumstances include black holes and most significantly, the Big Bang itself. To deal with these conflicts, new theories have been developed, notably string theory. This is a theory that is (to say the least) rather complicated and often requires some very esoteric mathematics, but Kaku does a reasonable job at making it understandable.

The third section, more than anything shows, that Kaku has a not-so-secret desire to be a science fiction writer. His affection for the genre is obvious (based on his references to books and movies), and this section is often so speculative as to be borderline fiction itself. That is not necessarily bad, but it is a departure from earlier text.

I actually think the best readership for this book would be aspiring science fiction writers. For such an audience, Kaku provides a scientifically valid (if still unproven) set of ideas about parallel worlds and other concepts that can be used as a foundation for all sorts of stories. For others who have read similar books in the past (such as Brian Greene's The Elegant Universe or Timothy Ferris's The Whole Shebang), this book doesn't offer much that is new, but rather just presents familiar material in a simpler manner. If you haven't read those other books, however, this is a good introduction to this still-developing area of science.

Serious, scientific, up-to-date, well-written, well-priced, easy-to-read, humorous at times, great writing style for a scientist. Worthy of your time, bookshelf space and money. Kaku digs in very deep without getting tiring or confusing. Highly highly recommended.

Often times we find ourselves getting trapped in our own logic and in our own minds... much like Plato's story of the prisoners in the cave. There really can not possibly be any "minds", but just a mind. The number 1 barrier that face theoretical physicists today is the assumption that a universe was created for them to observe. Some of them know it deep heartidly but still choose a detached viewpoint. "I am here and I am observing the universe out there". Is that really a valid assumption? How can truth be brought to light through such a detached viewpoint of separation when the very definition of truth itself is that it is unchanging and whole.

I've read the entire book and could understand many of the topics of the theoretical physics

Kaku's ability to deliver complex science to the casual reader is rivaled only by his enthusiasm for the topic. Kaku loves his work and it shows. He deftly explains lofty concepts like multiple dimensions, the bending of timespace and wormholes and in a way that can be grasped by those of us without PhDs. Physicists like Kaku are bringing cutting edge science to the masses and that is good for everyone. For me, it's inspiration. I referred to Kaku's work over and over while writing my novel "The Pink Room," the story of a leading physicist who attempts to use the science of string theory to bring his daughter back from the dead.

I usually don't bother writing reviews unless I find something particularly noteworthy or lacking. In this case I have the unfortunate obligation to report that Michio Kaku has completely missed the mark. I have read most of the available fare that covers theoretical Physics and actually requested this one from my family for a Christmas present. Because of the author's credentials, the recent copyright date, and the title of the book, I expected to see some presentation in support or against worm holes based on the latest physics and mathematics. What I found instead can be put into about three categories. The first part of the book is nothing but a brief history of Cosmology. The writing is entertaining but there is nothing new in the presentation and there is no indication before hand that this is a work of history. The second part of the book is an attempt to cover string and M theory. It is particularly light weight, and although he makes the statement that String Theory is the leading theory of "everything", he fails to present it in any detail. Finally, the remainder of the book deteriorates into philosophical and Christian religious ponderings that have nothing to do with the subject of the book. Will, the author wonders, there be concern over whether a clone has a soul? He cites the work of numerous Science fiction authors, all of whom I enjoy but have no importance here. Throughout the book he seems concerned with humanities' need to escape this universe for another as it cools over the next trillions of years, a point worthy of about 1 paragraph. This anxiety alone raises deep concern over his ability to grasp the true scale and scope of what Cosmology really represents. And, as far as "Parallel Worlds" is concerned, there is nothing new or convincing. The author says, "This may sound like science fiction." Indeed. Two stars, only because there are probably still many who are looking for a beginning guide to Cosmology and a mixture of science, religion and philosophy. Not to be considered a work of physics.

Powerful, insightful and tremendously enlightening Parallel Words is an easy an entertaining read.

Powerful, insightful and tremendously enlightening Parallel Words is an easy an entertaining read.

I usually don't bother writing reviews unless I find something particularly noteworthy or lacking. In this case I have the unfortunate obligation to report that Michio Kaku has completely missed the mark. I have read most of the available fare that covers theoretical Physics and actually requested this one from my family for a Christmas present. Because of the author's credentials, the recent copyright date, and the title of the book, I expected to see some presentation in support or against worm holes based on the latest physics and mathematics. What I found instead can be put into about three categories. The first part of the book is nothing but a brief history of Cosmology. The writing is entertaining but there is nothing new in the presentation and there is no indication before hand that this is a work of history. The second part of the book is an attempt to cover string and M theory. It is particularly light weight, and although he makes the statement that String Theory is the leading theory of "everything", he fails to present it in any detail. Finally, the remainder of the book deteriorates into philosophical and Christian religious ponderings that have nothing to do with the subject of the book. Will, the author wonders, there be concern over whether a clone has a soul? He cites the work of numerous Science fiction authors, all of whom I enjoy but have no importance here. Throughout the book he seems concerned with humanities' need to escape this universe for another as it cools over the next trillions of years, a point worthy of about 1 paragraph. This anxiety alone raises deep concern over his ability to grasp the true scale and scope of what Cosmology really represents. And, as far as "Parallel Worlds" is concerned, there is nothing new or convincing. The author says, "This may sound like science fiction." Indeed. Two stars, only because there are probably still many who are looking for a beginning guide to Cosmology and a mixture of science, religion and philosophy. Not to be considered a work of physics.

I have been reading this book over the last few days and find it to be both interesting and educational. Dr. Kaku has a unique style of writing that allows him to present profound information in an understandable format. I recently read Dr. Kaku's book, Hyperspace, and enjoyed it also. He makes me want to study the cosmos in greater depth and detail.

Ihave enjoyed all of Kaku's excellent books on physics-he has an overwhelming enthusiasm for the subject that is very contageous. In Parallel worlds Kaku revisits many of the same topics he has in his other books, but with updated info from current scientific research, addressing controversies like the "flatness problem". He has an excellent chapter on black holes I really enjoyed, plus an excellent chapter on quantum theory and the many worlds interpretation. The end of the book is fascinating speculation on the types of advanced civilizations there could be in the universe. And of course he doesn't steer away from his favorite topic-string theory. Definitely read the book. If you get a chance to see Kaku on TV, don't miss it. One time he was profiled on "Big Thinkers" on TechTv and I was blown away by his charasmatic enthusiasm for physics. It would be really nice if there were more physics teachers like Kaku instead of the usual dull variety you find in school.

This book is easy to understand and you really see the basics of cosmology without having to understand equations and the whole physics works. Its easy to read and it totally boggles your mind. It gives you definitions where you need them and it explains to you everything you need to know in the most simplist way. I recommend this book to any beginner or even just the typical reader who finds space and comsology interesting. I, myself, never read about cosmology ever in my life before. When I read this book, it was simple, logical, and really made you think. The author doesn't tell you what to think or believe, he opens your mind to a bunch of different possibilities so you can see the whole picture. He names all the theories and ideas and let's you draw your own conclusions. This book is just a source of interesting facts and info about cosmology without any scientific gibberish that is unpronouncable. It's truly great.

This book is easy to understand and you really see the basics of cosmology without having to understand equations and the whole physics works. Its easy to read and it totally boggles your mind. It gives you definitions where you need them and it explains to you everything you need to know in the most simplist way. I recommend this book to any beginner or even just the typical reader who finds space and comsology interesting. I, myself, never read about cosmology ever in my life before. When I read this book, it was simple, logical, and really made you think. The author doesn't tell you what to think or believe, he opens your mind to a bunch of different possibilities so you can see the whole picture. He names all the theories and ideas and let's you draw your own conclusions. This book is just a source of interesting facts and info about cosmology without any scientific gibberish that is unpronouncable. It's truly great.

I bought Michio Kaku's book thinking I would find new material and insights, given its 2004 publication date, compared to Brian Greene's 'Elegant Universe' from 2000. In fact, Kaku's book seems to me less informative, less well explained, and covering less ground, than Greene's. At some points it seems like you can feel the author giving up before the difficulty of explaining his material without maths.

I bought Michio Kaku's book thinking I would find new material and insights, given its 2004 publication date, compared to Brian Greene's 'Elegant Universe' from 2000. In fact, Kaku's book seems to me less informative, less well explained, and covering less ground, than Greene's. At some points it seems like you can feel the author giving up before the difficulty of explaining his material without maths.