A Brief History of Time by Carl Sagan, Stephen W. Hawking (1988, Hardcover, Reissue)

I decided to purchase Professor Hawking's book because I am very much interested in astronomy and Einstein's Theory of Relativity in particular, but unfortunately lack the mathematical background required for this. Professor Hawking explains this material for people like me, interested lay persons, and even though it is not a book that I can read in the bus or other places where I am easily distracted, I can kind of understand it well when I read it quietly at home. Another book about this topic: "The First Three Minutes" by Professor Steven Weinberg, has also helped me a lot. It is pleasant that geniuses like these scholars take time and effort for "simpletons" like me!

Very interesting and quite a compelling argument. However, it would be nice if a more updated version was written that took into consideration today's further technological and scietific advances...this was, afterall, written in 1988.

the item was in very good condition almost new i liked the fast shipping i would definitely buy from this seller again and again

Explains physics in plain English...well, at least in as plain as physics can get! Drags in some places, but overall, a worthwhile read.

Examines everything that is so mysterious and breaks it down in terms that most can understand. I would recommend getting the updated version though.

This is the best book for someone wishing to gain a look into the mechanics of the way the universe functions. It goes into the math behind everything just enough for you to gain an appreciation of it but not so much that it is impossible to enjoy the book. It is very well written.

Stephen Hawking is the man!!

First of all, I caught myself reading this book in Steven Hawkings electronic voice, and I think it helped me understand some of the theory and thoughts laid forth in this book. I really did enjoy reading about black holes, and string theory, but of course, who doesnt? Overall, an excellent read, sort of highbrow and longhaired in spots, but kewl all said.

Im very happy. I got the book quick and it was in good condition. The book is interesting and just tough enough to make it a good challenge.

I loved that it came right away. the book is facinating. thank you so much!I have already started reading the book and I love it! I especially liked that it wasnt very expensive.

THE CHURCH DOES NOT WANT YOU TO READ THIS.

"May our heterosexist, religious & materialistic friends find an open sexuality, a real god and the joys of nature".(Anon).

ABOUT THE BOOK:

It does not matter that the author feels the Big Bang started the Universe, or others think the Universe is created by the Steady State or Oscillating Universe theories, or even Sir Roger Penrose's new theory, or even String Theory. However, Hawking's does a brilliant job explaining Astrophysics and some Quantum Physics - worlds apart - yet both mysterious. So mysterious that I have often thought the energies these scientists talk about, are god - one and the same entity. The drawings are great, the ideas easy to grasp, and the book is entertaining.

OTHER BOOKS OR COMPANION BOOKS TO THIS BOOK:

Biological Exhuberance by Bruce Bahgemihl (heterosexuality not a natural norm).
Jesus and the Shamanic Tradition of Same Sex Love by Will Roscoe.
In Quest of the Hero by Lord Raglan, Rank & Dundes (Jesus myths before Jesus).
David loved Jonathan by Tom Horner (Adam & Steve long before Eve - and more).
The Secret Gospel by Morton Smith (Jesus's male lover/s)
The Christ Myth by Arthur Drews.
The Gnostic Gospels by Elaine Pagels.
Eros and the Mysteries of Love by Julius Evola.
The Man Jesus Loved by Theodore W. Jennings, Jr.
Jacob's Wound : Homoeroticism in Ancient Israel by Theodore W. Jennings, Jr.
The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins (a must - god's hatred & world suffering).
Tao of Physics by Fritjof Capra (if ever a bible of the universe it's this).
From Pre-Socratic Philosophers to Plato(first section of any philosophy book).
Homosexual Behaviour in Animals by Volker Sommer & Paul L. Vasey
A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawkings

The Da Vinchi Code has some helpful insights, however its heterosexist stance that Jesus was married to Mary Magdalene is quite out of keeping with the homosexual hero stories and homosexual religious masters who have spanned history and prehistory. If anything, Jesus had a male lover, which is well-explained in several of the books above.

DVD's

The God That Wasn't There (see how religion harms people and the environment).
Stephen Hawkings Universe (big bang and more).
The Unknown Jesus (there were many Jesus's).
The Einstein of Sex (learn about sexual behaviour).
Kinsey (learn about homosexual behaviour, and Plato's good, beauty & truth).
The Power of Myth (careful of Joseph Campbell's heterosexist interpretations).

SO YOU'RE HOOKED ?

If you want to know more about debunking religion, heterosexism and greed (which serve as handmaidens to each other), or about Homosexuality and how it relates to Spirituality and Plato's 'Good, Beauty & Truth', then read my other Reviews & Guides on these Subjects, and see book list above.

Tidbit: One of the closest similarities to Jesus and the "Youth" is that of Hercules and his male lover, Hylas, with parallels like the river, a cave, nakedness, man lying upon man, wearing a loin cloth, asking the older one for love, etc.

KEY WORDS FOR THE HOMOSEXUAL HEROES & RELIGIOUS MASTERS TRADITION:

Hercules, Orpheus, Appolonius, Hadrian & Antonionus, Mithras, Osiris, Dionysus, Buddha, Jesus, Moses, Savior/Saviour Gods, Mystery Schools, Resurrection Myths, Sacred Sex, Carpocrates, Gymno Gymnos, Gnostic Gospels, Mythology, Shamans, Ancient Heroes, Homosexual Heroes, Greek Heroes.

I'll read anything Hawkings writes. His views are unlike anyone elses and he can articulate those ideas in laymens terms.

Easy to understand - and opens new "windows".
Bought by common knowledge of the author.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Okay philospy later guy in wheelchair,very clever no doubt, goes to Cambridge, gets disease, in wheel chair now, writes some stuff about how his theoretical theories, fit the observable universe, ummm, for me thats the wrong way round, later, anyway, lots of less clever guys belive it and cos Hawking can shout the loudest, well he cant really cos hes got a computer voice but you get the point, it remains what pseodo intellectuals will spout, never got past page 48 I bet, and will no doubt change,as it did when the observeable universe didnt quite fit our theories and we could walk round the earth and not fall off!!!

philosophy bit er rrr eeer eeerr

this is an onion and we are not to know the whole thing till we can cope with that knowledge, god knows when that will be??


allright book though

An all-classic for any science-fiction fan or Stephen Hawking fan! It helps to explain the basic fundamentals for elementary physics.

A must!

One of the few comprehensive books on topics of space and time that I have read. While you, like myself will likely not grasp every single concept that is covered in the book, you will surely end up with a greater knowledge of the universe we live in. This book will have you wanting more - you will likely read it more than once.