Review by Choice Review
Everett (emer., physics, Tufts Univ.) and Roman (mathematics, Central Connecticut State Univ.) correctly note that most books written on time travel and faster-than-light travel are either science fiction or too speculative. Here they focus on what theoretical physics of the last 20 years has to say about these possibilities. Though the book contains only a few equations, which can be skipped over, the authors address some complicated theoretical ideas. They begin by introducing special relativity and the twin paradox. They then present general relativity with its possibilities of closed causal loops and faster-than-light travel. The authors also discuss exotic matter and interesting applications. An advantage of this book is its emphasis on physics research on these topics. For example, in discussing the grandfather paradox, the authors do not go on philosophical tangents, as many books have. Everett and Roman are also honest in their approach. Instead of digressing into all the odd consequences of these types of travel, they point out that current theories strongly question the possibilities of time travel and faster-than-light travel. This book is well written and accessible to general readers. Summing Up: Recommended. General readers, lower-division undergraduates, and professionals. E. Kincanon Gonzaga University
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Booklist Review
*Starred Review* Einstein meets Captain Kirk in this improbable foray into the frontiers of theoretical physics, where readers survey the exciting possibilities for traveling through time and between galaxies. Taking as their guide the principles of Einstein's general and special theories of relativity, Everett and Roman scan the imaginative vistas of the sci-fi worlds created by visionaries such as Wells and Heinlein, Roddenberry and Sagan. Exploring these fictive worlds, readers learn a good deal of solid physics as they venture into wormholes, slingshot themselves around cosmic strings, and feel the pull of a black hole's mysterious negative energy. Relying only minimally on technical jargon and formulas, the authors open to view the exciting conceptual prospects for designing a time machine capable of slipping backward through the centuries and of riding faster-than-light warp bubbles through the cosmos. But the authors care too much about rigorous science to let readers drift too far into Star Trek fantasies: they lay out the stubborn evidence that quantum inequalities will inevitably unravel plans for time machines and that astronauts will never break the light barrier. Yet even in pondering such contrary evidence, armchair scientists share the thrill of peering into the universe's deepest secrets. Penetrating science illuminates humankind's most audacious dreams.--Christensen, Bryce Copyright 2010 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Everett, Tufts Univ. Emeritus Professor of Physics, and Roman, Professor of Mathematical Sciences at Central Connecticut State, have teamed up "to write a book for people with different levels of math and physics" that explores the assumptions that make science fiction books and films so much fun. Crucial to such futuristic science are the possibilities of time travel and travel at speeds faster than light. The professors ponder the paradoxes that can arise within these scenarios: a voyage to the past in which the traveler kills his own grandfather or the case of twins who age at different rates when one travels at near-light speeds while the other remains on earth. They also explore the potentials of wormholes and warp bubbles in space that could allow vehicles to exceed "the maximum space-time speed limit," and how the existence of parallel universes might resolve some time-travel paradoxes. A delightful and informative book for science buffs, it concludes with five appendices for readers who wish to pursue these ideas in greater depth. (Dec.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Review by Library Journal Review
This exploration of the way special relativity connects the concepts of superluminal travel and backwards time travel is fascinating but not for the casually curious. Everett (physics, emeritus, Tufts Univ.) and Roman (mathematical sciences, Central Connecticut State Univ.) have written for a lay audience in the broadest of terms. Though the book starts out simply enough, it's not long before the reader will find a previous introduction to special relativity extremely useful. Despite the technicality, Everett and Roman's style is replete with humor and references to popular-culture icons such as Star Trek and Star Wars. Furthermore, their explanations are aided by creative analogies and helpful diagrams. Although the later chapters become ever more technical, the goriest details are left to the appendixes for truly ambitious readers. VERDICT Educated readers with an interest in physics and a strong grasp of algebra will find this an excellent introduction to the intricacies of the real physics behind popular science fiction concepts. Recommended.-Marcia R. Franklin, St. Paul (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
