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The Book of Nothing - by John D Barrow (Paperback)
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About this item
Highlights
- What conceptual blind spot kept the ancient Greeks (unlike the Indians and Maya) from developing a concept of zero?
- About the Author: John D. Barrow is research professor of mathematical sciences in the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics at Cambridge University.
- 384 Pages
- Science, History
Description
About the Book
In this dizzyingly erudite and elegant book, English cosmologist Barrow explores the history and myriad implications of nothingness. Ranging through mathematics and philosophy, literature, theology, quantum theory and cosmology, "The Book of Nothing" explores the hold this concept has on the human imagination.Book Synopsis
What conceptual blind spot kept the ancient Greeks (unlike the Indians and Maya) from developing a concept of zero? Why did St. Augustine equate nothingness with the Devil? What tortuous means did 17th-century scientists employ in their attempts to create a vacuum? And why do contemporary quantum physicists believe that the void is actually seething with subatomic activity? You'll find the answers in this dizzyingly erudite and elegantly explained book by the English cosmologist John D. Barrow. Ranging through mathematics, theology, philosophy, literature, particle physics, and cosmology, The Book of Nothing explores the enduring hold that vacuity has exercised on the human imagination. Combining high-wire speculation with a wealth of reference that takes in Freddy Mercury and Shakespeare alongside Isaac Newton, Albert Einstein, and Stephen Hawking, the result is a fascinating excursion to the vanishing point of our knowledge.Review Quotes
"Entertaining and informative... I am happy to report that nothing is full of interesting reading." --New Scientist "Convincing...authoritative . . . tells the story persuasively." --Nature "Barrow's efforts to relate scientific developments to wider cultural themes must be applauded." --Los Angeles Times Book Review
"Stuffed with wonderful stories. . . . [A] feast of clear thinking and fine writing." --BookPage
About the Author
John D. Barrow is research professor of mathematical sciences in the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics at Cambridge University. His previous books include Theories of Everything, The Artful Universe, Impossibility, Between Inner and Outer Space, The Universe That Discovered Itself, and The Origin of the Universe. He lives in England.Dimensions (Overall): 8.04 Inches (H) x 5.25 Inches (W) x .79 Inches (D)
Weight: .86 Pounds
Suggested Age: 22 Years and Up
Number of Pages: 384
Genre: Science
Sub-Genre: History
Publisher: Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group
Format: Paperback
Author: John D Barrow
Language: English
Street Date: August 13, 2002
TCIN: 92681430
UPC: 9780375726095
Item Number (DPCI): 247-05-2882
Origin: Made in the USA or Imported
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Shipping details
Estimated ship dimensions: 0.79 inches length x 5.25 inches width x 8.04 inches height
Estimated ship weight: 0.86 pounds
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