great read but chapter on symmetry is too long
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I liked this book a lot but found the chapter on symmetry was too long and at times uninteresting.The chapters on Einstein's General Theory of Relativity are the best I've read from the point of view of a layman.The word layman has been used in other reviews of this book but I think I should point out as a professional physicist that the term "layman" in the context of
Feynman's discussions means someone who is adept at mathematics at least up to A level standard.A great read but not for the feint-hearted.
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This is a review of the CD and book version
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The title of the book gives away the contents. I bought the CD because I have an hour commute to work and don't want to waste time on traffic reports. This was a big mistake for this book unless you have extraordinary powers of visualization. The descriptions are quite clear; however it is like following a map of Europe in your mind and never seeing the original map. The book is quite clear and after reading it you say "Now why did I not think of that?"
After reading the book (that comes packaged with the CD's) the CD's quit helpful in pronouncing words and you can then remember the diagrams you saw. They add a demotion to this collection that is worth the cost; yet, the CD's can not substitute for the book.
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Comprehensive and clear-written
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Consisting of six chapters drawn from his legendary "Lectures on Physics", this is probably one of the best and most exhilarating introductions availiable on the theory of relativity for both laymen and students alike. By reading this book one can really appreciate Feynman's inimitable lucid and humourous writing style, while at the same time gain an accurate and comprehensive understanding of the basic fundamentals of both special and general relativity. The book also discusses the important concept of symmetry in physical laws. It has wonderful analogies that explain difficult ideas, and some mathematical equations for those who want to go one step further from just knowing the theory qualitatively (Though people who are not so sure of mathematics can also skip these without missing any descriptive content). This is a truly great book, something that everyone with an interest in modern physics should possess and enjoy.
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Jack Nicholson Watch Out!
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Feynman at his finest. Presents not so easy arguments in a manner that is at once clear and convincing. Other than a small bottle of advil, nothing but ensthusiasm and curiosity are required to finish these tapes in one long but worthwhile drive towards the apocalypse.
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