Very Short Introductions

 9 books in series
About Titles Recommendations

Entropy Publisher's Summary

Until the middle of the nineteenth century entropy and energy were confused with one another. The intellectual fog slowly cleared and now these words name subtle and powerful concepts. Most people think they know what energy is, but few could define entropy.

This Very Short Introduction traces the emergence of entropy and energy as distinct concepts, and explains how entropy spread from thermodynamics into statistical mechanics, probability theory and data science. It explains the implications of entropy for heat pumps, solar cells, carbon capture, and liquified natural gas. Quantum mechanics and gravity open new horizons for entropy, and when combined in the quantum theory of black holes, they call into question our current understanding of material reality.

©2025 James Binney (P)2025 Tantor Media

See a series you like?

Book one is on us
Try Standard free
Automatically renews at AUD $8.99/mo after 30 days. Cancel anytime.
Entropy

Entropy

A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions)

$17.19 or free with 30-day trial

Public Health

Public Health

A Very Short Introduction

$19.78 or free with 30-day trial

George Eliot

George Eliot

A Very Short Introduction

$19.33 or free with 30-day trial

The United Nations

The United Nations

A Very Short Introduction 2nd Edition

$22.90 or free with 30-day trial

The Middle Ages

The Middle Ages

A Very Short Introduction

$19.78 or free with 30-day trial

Chamber Music

Chamber Music

A Very Short Introduction

$19.06 or free with 30-day trial

Pre-order: Free with 30-day trial
Philosophy of Biology

Philosophy of Biology

A Very Short Introduction

$19.56 or free with 30-day trial

Pre-order: Free with 30-day trial
Friedrich A. Hayek

Friedrich A. Hayek

A Very Short Introduction

$22.90 or free with 30-day trial

Pre-order: Free with 30-day trial
Asian American History

Asian American History

A Very Short Introduction

$22.54 or free with 30-day trial

Pre-order: Free with 30-day trial

There’s a series for
everyone on Audible.

From fascinating sci-fi and fantasy to binge-worthy thrillers,
find your next book series to love.

Explore series