Tough going
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Yes, this is probably a good buy when you want to discover what quantum physics is about (though I've heard that Taking the Quantum Leap: The New Physics for Non-Scientists by Fred Alan Wolf is a strong competitor). Even so, as Gribbin took me further and further into the quantum thicket, I'm afraid I did lose track.
Maybe it's me. Or maybe the book's not quite what it's cracked up to be. Still, I feel it was worth the try. And I must grant the author this: at every step, he's very clear about what he's doing and where's he's leading you.
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Popular physics at its very best
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To put it simply - I have already read many popular science books about physics by many authors, but this is by far the best one I have ever read. John Gribbin has a gift to write about science in a very interesting way - I can't think of any other author with quite the same gift.
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A gripping introduction to quantum mechanics
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Quantum mechanics is a tricky subject to come to terms with, but it's implications are diverse and far-reaching. It's also a fascinating subject to read about, because the quantum world is so counter-intuitive.
John Gribbin writes clearly and concisely, elaborating just enough for you to understand, but concisely enough that you find yourself still asking questions (no bad thing).
The history of quantum mechanics was interesting, but i'm unlikely to re-read, but the implications and explanations of the experiments were enthralling. Gribbin devotes special attention to particularly important experiments (like the double slit experiment) and then goes from there.
When he does depart from fact into speculation (his preference for the many worlds view) he makes this clear, showing it's pros and cons without being biased, just opinionated.
There's hardly any maths, so the layman need not fear, only the basic principles. Indeed, I don't think it's the maths behind quantum mechanics which is so confusing and controversial, it's the plain English implications of non-locality/non-causality which most people find baffling. Especially the Copanhagen interpretation.
Nevertheless, if you're looking for a good introduction to quantum mechanics that will give you a solid framework to ask some deep questions, this is an excellent starting point.
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Schrödinger's Cat is alive and well!
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This book should probably be showing its age by now as it was originally published in 1984 but it remains a superb read.
We are introduced to the most significant characters in the development of quantum mechanics and given an overview of its development. It is written with the layman in mind and is essentially non-mathematical. There is an occasional mathematical formula but no algebra is required to read and enjoy this book. If anything is likely to cause problems it may well be unravelling some of the Feynman diagrams which appear.
In the final chapter John Gribbin does declare his partiality to the `many worlds' view. By now we have been softened up with so many weird ideas that this just becomes another to add to the list!
All in all this is an impressive book. He allows us a glimpse into the world of quantum physics and what a strange world it is.
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A fantastic introduction to Quantum Physics
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I am in the same situation as a previous reviewer, studying Maths, Physics and Chemistry at A-Level with the desire to study engineering at a higher level. I decided to read this book in preperation for university admissions interviews.
Contrary to the previous A-Level student's opinion I found John Gribbon's In search of Schrodinger's cat a brilliant read. I felt that the book provided a firm history of the theories simplified in the classroom. It enabled me to further my school studies by discussing the history of scientists such as Boltzman, Avagadro, Newton, Einstein and Planck, all of whom I had already encountered, and firmly asserted their place in modern day Physics.
Admittedly I am not overly competent at Science but I found the book to be, when I set my mind to it, straightforward and understandable. Admittedly there were a few points at which I had to flick back a few pages just to make sure I had grasped the concepts Gribbin was explaining but that was half the beauty of the book.
Personally I thouroughly enjoyed reading about Schrodinger's Cat and and I eagerly await the arrival of my copy of the sequel Schrodinger's Kittens. If you have a newly developed interest in the basics of quantum mechanics and are unsure of how to begin this is a fantastic start and if you already know the basics it is still a very enjoyable read!
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