Brian Greene (1) (1963–)

First, despite being 20 years old, this book isn't particularly dated. Lots of questions about string theory still remain.

Greene writes very clearly as he describes first the theories of Einstein and of Quantum Mechanics, then why they don't reconcile with each other and how string theory brings them together--at least in theory. As a non-scientist, I am still not 100 percent certain how physicists can derive so many facts from an unproven theory, but Greene explains things about as well as it is possible to do so. I found it a compelling and not particularly difficult read. Before I read the book, I had watched Greene's PBS series based on it (and Greene's second PBS series based on his later book, The Fabric of the Cosmos.) This predisposed me to like the book and its author, since Greene's star power and ability to communicate complex ideas quite clearly is pretty amazing. If you're buying this book used, try to get a copy with the updated preface and epilogue.… (more)