Product Description

In this fascinating book, the renowned astrophysicist J. Richard Gott leads time travel out of the world of H. G. Wells and into the realm of scientific possibility. Building on theories posited by Einstein and advanced by scientists such as Stephen Hawking and Kip Thorne, Gott explains how time travel can actually occur. He describes, with boundless enthusiasm and humor, how travel to the future is not only possible but has already happened, and he contemplates whether travel to the past is also conceivable. Notable not only for its extraordinary subject matter and scientific brilliance, Time Travel in Einstein"s Universe is a delightful and captivating exploration of the surprising facts behind the science fiction of time travel.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #189609 in Books
• Published on: 2002-09-19
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 304 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780618257355
• Condition: USED - VERY GOOD
• Notes:
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

From Publishers Weekly
As one of the foremost scientists in the field of time travel, Princeton astrophysicist Gott takes it upon himself to disseminate advice on building time machines. The construction of the vessel itself is rarely of concern here; it is the way it is used and the way that space-time (the dimensions of space and time that we collectively consider to be our universe) behaves around it that may eventually allow adventurers to break with the usual order of things. Believing that science fiction often spurs true scientific discovery, Gott explores numerous theatrical and literary concepts before moving on to current bona fide theories, pointing out the difficulties of each method. Some possibilities for leaving the present involve dismantling Jupiter, making use of "cosmic strings," taking a trip at near light-speeds far out into space then back and warping space-time itself. Einstein's theory of relativity, upon which all of the presented theories depend, is described in impressively clear language. Practical tips for chrononauts on their options for travel and the contingencies to prepare for make everything sound bizarrely plausible. Gott clearly enjoys his subject and his excitement and humor are contagious; this book is a delight to read. (May 21)Forecast: This book will appeal to anyone who has ever been fascinated by time travel, as well as those who many have considered such a thing. Liberally sprinkled diagrams will help readers who find this stunning array of craziness a lot to take in. Good handselling by booksellers will ensure the author's events in New York, Boston, Ann Arbor, Seattle and San Francisco are well attended, and word-of-mouth by readers of all stripes will boost sales beyond the initial push.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Scientific American
"One reason that time travel is so fascinating is that we have such a great desire to do it," Gott writes. And so he explores the possibilities of travel to the past and to the future. Being a professor of astrophysics at Princeton University, he does not stray from the laws of physics in constructing this stimulating odyssey. Being also the man who has made a number of intriguing predictions based on the Copernican idea that "your location is not special," Gott offers several predictions here. The future duration of the human species, for one--more than 5,100 years but less than 7.8 million. And "one of the things we should understand about time is that we have just a little," he argues that "the goal of the human spaceflight program should be to increase our survival prospects by colonizing space."

Editors of Scientific American

From Booklist
Somewhere, the shade of H. G. Wells must be smiling. For although Morlocks and Eloi remain a fantasy, the daring premise for Wells' classic novel about time travel is winning over more and more serious astrophysicists. As one of the most distinguished scientists to probe the topic, Gott well understands the complexities that attend any attempt to turn time travel from an idle dream into a theoretical possibility. Yet in his treatment, these complexities yield their secrets to the nonspecialist--and even lend themselves to entertaining glosses from popular culture. Where else can you turn to find an abstruse explanation of quantum mechanics illustrated with episodes from Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure? But for all of his lively diversions, Gott advances a sober assessment of where and how humans might actually race forward or glide backward along the mysterious fourth axis of the universe. These possibilities, it turns out, depend on unproven but theoretically respectable conjectures about how the normal fabric of space and time warps and twists around cosmic string and wormholes, and about how clocks slow down when accelerated to near light speed. Certain to stir excitement among armchair physicists and science-fiction buffs, a book that deserves the attention of anyone wanting wider intellectual horizons. Bryce Christensen
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Customer Reviews

Those Who Can't Remember The Future Must Live It
...Time to cut to the chase ['cause life is short]: I really loved Richard Gott's Time Travel In Einstein's Universe! Let's get a few things straight: this isn't New Age sewage, this isn't a book about quantum mechanics [obviously it comes up, but general and special relativity are the backstory for this volume], this is a book that will be understood by folks who like diagrams [there are plenty] AND folks who like verbal descriptions [lots of those, too], this is Richard Gott's book and he does focus on HIS ideas about time travel and other things, the author does use examples from popular culture [mainly, in the first chapter] and always to good purpose. Gott outlines ways that time travel is and might be possible. He even shows how the origin of our universe might depend on time travel. He ends the book with an exposition on his thinking on the Copernican principle [it fits - read the book and see why]. I don't want to blow the ending, but I will tell you that it has a bit of a suprise. I don't think it should come down to a choice between this book or Clifford Pickover's excellent book on time travel because both books take a different tack and both books will expand your brainpan. In my opinion, this book is tasty brainfood. Now it's....

Time Travel in Einstein's Universe
This book stands out from the now-ubiquitous books on quantum physics in several ways. First, it establishes a link between the science of quantum physics and the effect it has had on popular culture. It uses this as a jumping-off point for discussing some rather odd predictions of current theory, then delves into more detail than most similar books on why these predictions exist. The math is fairly easy to understand, and the book presents one of the most lucid explanations of the various states of vacuum and the possible geometries of space-time. The cover illustration is actually a 2-D model for a multidimensional concept that the author holds off until the end (and it is worth the wait), providing rare suspense to an otherwise dry topic.

Provocative, though it stops just short of the neo-Taoist theosophy of _The Dancing Wu Li Masters_ and _The Tao of Physics_. You will enjoy, I promise! Also in Discover Magazine's list of recommended reading.

Material is engaging and approachable
I heard the author of this book last weekend on NPR, and when he mentioned 'Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure' when talking about time travel, I knew this book was for me.
The author makes the material approaching by first introducing concepts from movies you may already know. Did you know that 'Back To The future' was an example of the 'many worlds theory', while 'Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure' was the 'one world theory'? Other movie references are made as an intro to concepts.
If it stopped there, it would be trite... But starting with a foundation that makes you feel comfortable, the author manages to explain some advanced principles of General Relativity such as time dilation, how time travel to the future is possible, if not very practical, and theories as to why time travel to the past may, and may not, be possible.
While you can't help get into philosophical discussions when pondering the possibility of going back in time, that is not the point of this book - the book is rooted in real science.