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A Brief History of Time

From Big Bang to Black Holes

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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 Thought-Provoking Inspiring Funny Feel-Good 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
This book has a famous reputation as being the most popular unread book on the market.As a result I thought long and hard about buying it thinking I wouldn't be able to understand it.However,apart from the penultimate chapter on string theory I followed it (relatively) easily.It is also very well narrated by John Sackville.

Interesting and intelligible

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Hawking is adept at visualising the most complex scenarios.
a brief history of time is a great insight into to the minds of our planets greatest thinkers.

opened my mind

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I am not a clever man. I'm good at my job and quite knowledgeable about my subject. Obviously I'm no scientist either but this book brought me closer to an understanding of the scientific methodology, history and context of the search of human kind for answers. You don't have to be a genius to know that it's a massive subject but this extraordinary person has reasoned and led me in relatively basic terms to an appreciation for this sphere and those who have partaken in it from time immemorial to just about now. It deserves the time you need to listen. I feel a bit richer for the experience. Hence five stars.

Why five stars for science?

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As expected, given the topics covered, concepts to a while (and sometimes, listening multiple times) to grasp. Nonetheless, makes these complex subjects a little more accessible to non professionals.

Hard topics to follow but surprisingly accessible

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enjoyed the book the first few chapters are a bit technical for say, but after that it grips on you see a story if scientific knowledge developing into modern science.

Excellent book

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