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A Brief History of Time

From Big Bang to Black Holes

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A Brief History of Time

By: Stephen Hawking
Narrated by: John Sackville
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

Was there a beginning of time? Could time run backwards? Is the universe infinite or does it have boundaries?

These are just some of the questions considered in the internationally acclaimed masterpiece by the world renowned physicist - generally considered to have been one of the world's greatest thinkers.

It begins by reviewing the great theories of the cosmos from Newton to Einstein, before delving into the secrets which still lie at the heart of space and time, from the Big Bang to black holes, via spiral galaxies and strong theory. To this day A Brief History of Time remains a staple of the scientific canon, and its succinct and clear language continues to introduce millions to the universe and its wonders.

'This book marries a child's wonder to a genius's intellect. We journey into Hawking's universe while marvelling at his mind.' The Sunday Times

"Lively and provocative . . . Mr. Hawking clearly possesses a natural teacher's gifts--easy, good-natured humor and an ability to illustrate highly complex propositions with analogies plucked from daily life."--The New York Times

© Stephen Hawking 2016 (P) Penguin Audio 2016

 Astronomy & Space Science Cosmology Physics Science Astronomy Black Hole Mathematics Interstellar

Critic Reviews

This app/book version of Hawking's famous laymen book is just an amazing piece of learning. This makes much more accessible and understandable the complex and awesome topics dealt by Hawking as he explains how our universe works. I am just in awe at how creative he is to produce one of a kind e-book like this. The pace, illustrations and connections of topics within the book are so helpful and so appropriate for the new generation used to tweets and small bites of information. You can flip over some topics when you have some time, learn some amazing fact, and come back later which no rush or worry about how fast you are progressing through the book. Hope other books on complex topics are translated to this format. And I love the updates of the latest science since the publication of the original book. We have learned so much in the last decade that I agree with Hawking, it is an honour to live in this times.
Master of the Universe... One scientist's courageous voyage to the frontiers of the Cosmos
This book marries a child's wonder to a genius's intellect. We journey into Hawking's universe, while marvelling at his mind
He can explain the complexities of cosmological physics with an engaging combination of clarity and wit... His is a brain of extraordinary power
To follow such a fine mind as it exposes such great problems is an exciting experience
One of the most brilliant scientific minds since Einstein
All stars
Most relevant
I'm glad I finally found the time to read this book. Awesome theories. Mind blown.

Theory of great stuff!

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I finally get string theory concept! The dimensionality never quite made sense till Hawkings simple literal explaination. Some how tying in fundamental particles are much easier to get now too. It explains using a few simalies, but its not over the top.

As with any science book, if you have a base understanding, you will get more out of this book. I think it might be worth while reading Chapter 11 & 12 before circling back to fundamental particles (quarks etc). I'll be going back to get some more info now!

Great performance, close to Hawkings own speech patterns in my head.

Accessable understanding

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This was a great, albeit overwhelming book. John Sackville read this book, and while I thought i'd find a dissonance in hearing anyone else read Hawking, I have to say his performance was excellent. The rhythm of the reading was pleasant and left me feeling confident the context was being communicated.

More than really engaging with the book, I mostly was listening as it was being read. The level of the content started out relatively simply then rocketed off away from my puny brain. I did find myself in awe of some of the concepts Hawking explains and ties together so well.

Less of a history of time and moreso an analysis of the concepts and theories that determine the way we consider time and all that it entails. I was very impressed by the work that Hawking and the physics community have put into the thinking around our universe and place within.

The book encouraged me to find another entry point and pursue such thoughts to better understand all the forces that hold our world(s) together. Fantastic book!

a brief history of amazing concepts and thinkers!

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This was really captivating to listen to - the narrator was superb. Such a fascinating story and it should be compulsory for high school aged children.

A fantastic story.

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A challenging book for us more simple folk. Still quite an enjoyable read despite my incomprehension

Struggled through it

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