A Brief History of Time cover art

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.

©2016 Stephen Hawking (P)2016 Penguin Audio Astronomy Astronomy & Space Science Cosmology Physics Science Black Hole Mathematics Interstellar

Critic Reviews

"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)
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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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Narrator's voice is too monotoned, makes it hard to concentrate at time.
Otherwise a very good read.

Narrator's voice is too monotoned.

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really enjoyed it. however, im not sure where to go next which was something i was hoping would let me know. maybe it's just me. a great listen, however.

a great starting point.

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Found it very interesting. I may have to listen for second time, perfect audio book but bit too technical at times if you aren't using the concepts every day

Very interesting

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amazing book very interesting to read for those who can understand it as they will enjoy it more

great book

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Very enjoyable and worth the time to sit and listen to. If you are even in the slightest interested, make the investment and purchase this book, you won’t regret it…

Just what you would expect from such a mind, exciting, educational, fun and totally enjoyable.

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