War of Lanka

The Vayuputras had agreed that the Prince of the Ikshvaku dynasty be declared as the deemed Vishnu!

The chief of the Malayaputras believed that the warrior Princess of Mithila was better suited for the role instead.

But, curiously enough, all seemed to depend on the enemy of the Aryavarta to establish the belief of the saviour in the minds of the masses that needed to be saved!

The events narrated in the book follows the three preludes that converge to a greater spectacle ahead.

With Sita kidnapped by Raavan and Ram enraged, a fierce battle is imminent. But though we eagerly await the betrayal of Vibhishan, the defiance of Indrajit as he wedges a brave aerial battle and of course, the great duel between Raavan and Ram, yet the ingenious imagination of the author in sketching the sacrifice of Kumbhakarna, the espionage of Naarad and the uniquely united stand of the diversely talented Suryavsnshi siblings against evil are the few among the many that depicts the fateful events of the Ramayana in a modern light with rationally realistic perspective. However, the compactness due of the composition thus created and the touch of subtlety that could have been enjoyable, are affected adversely by too much elaborations in descriptions and philosophies preached that hinders the satisfaction and disappoints the flow at frequent instances!

What is Mathematics?

Introducing the requirement of mathematical philosophy in every day needs of the physical reality, the book delves into the concepts of the subject in a more logical approach. The chapters might be better appreciated if the initial note of their organization and preliminary requirement are followed as specified. The Chapter I The Natural Numbers deals with the laws of arithmetic and the principle of mathematical induction with quite a few applications, some being left for the reader to solve making the chapters more challenging yet no less gripping. Continuing in its Supplement to Chapter I The Theory of Numbers, the primes are taken up in a more abstract sense and humbling the original chapter both in volume and concept, some unsolved problems are referred as are discussed modulo arithmetic, the concept of congruence, theorem of relative primes as an extension to the theorem of prime by Fermat, the development of Pythagorean triple and the elegance of their primitive forms. Utilisation of Euclidean Algorithm for searching of common factors between integers, the concept was used more than once not only for finding the highest factor that divides set of integers, but also referring to that in detailing Euler function of relative primes and culminating in analysing Diophantine equations with pointers to their solvabilities. The Chapter II Number System of Mathematics dwells in denumerability of numbers, algebra, graphic representation of numbers by analytical geometry, complex plane and transcends to Liouville's theorem. This fascnitating chapter stresses the psychological need of mathematical evolution while acknowledging the hesitant steps that apparently is the barrier of quantifying abstract thinking. It is followed up with Supplement to Chapter II The Algebra of Sets that lays the foundation for set theory, which was touched up on the previous chapter. Mathematical tool for engineers seems to be the best way to describe Chapter III Geometrical Constructions: The Algebra of Number Fields, where the number fields and constructions are introduced to appreciate the fundamentals of geometrical constructions. The problem of Appolonius is stated with its proofs by different perspective, the unsolvability of various Greek problems within their domain of constraints are logically demonstrated, inversion with applications to various problems are elaborated. However, the most interesting part of the chapter seems to be Mascheroni Construction which required me to consult http://mathafou.free.fr/themes_en/compas.html to solve a proposed exercise. The prefaces by the authors with their subsequent revision by Richar Courant and Ian Stewart indicates that some chapters were later appended as logic was refined as it branched. The toughest is Chapter IV Projective Geometry. Axiomatic and Non-Eucildean Geometries that required visits to stackexchange.com, files.eric.ed.gov, nabla.hr, amsi.org.au to understand how to approach certain problems suggested. The chapter will give a brand new insight to geometry itself. The apparently less complicated Chapter V Topology is about a different geometrical aspect that deliberates on Euler characteristics of general surfaces including that with holes as well as special surfaces like Moebius strip with its unique features. Not only does the chapter contains geometrical revelation like that for the Jordan curve but also how the fundamental theorem of algebra has a topological perspective is given as the caveat. Chapter VI Functions and Limits are a revelation on the topics. The topics have been presented with the abstract elegance that several never think of while utilizing the concepts for solving mathematical intricacies. As the name Supplement to Chapter VI More Examples on Limits and Continuity obviously suggests, this helps in elaborating the preceding concepts with several examples and exercises for the readers that reveal their beauty and give them the touch of the classic. The next Chapter VII Maxima and Minima delves into the geometrical treatment of the extremum problems with illustrations of some natural phenomenon that corroborates the models with the physical laws. But its superbly beautiful aspect lies in the investigations of the existence of extremums that are quite sometimes taken for granted, which accurately portrays the Dirichlet conditions with quite a few interesting ideas. Academic twist awaits while going through Chapter VIII The Calculus that begins with integral calculus, generally reserved for the stage, following the understanding of differential calculus in conventional approaches to study this particular branch of mathematical creativity. Utilizing the basic summation method of computing definite integrals, the specific subject is elaborated with several revealing observations and inequalities. Then comes the derivative and how Fermat stimulated its necessity for obtaining extrema of functions. The derivative is formulated, analysed and symbolised. Lucid illustrations and challenges follow to compute derivatives of several algebraic expressions. Then comes the treatment for a few of the trigonometric observations. The requirement of continuity of functions for differentiability is elaborated. Applications start with derivatives applied in deriving acceleration and instantaneous velocity for moving bodies, the geometrical interpretation of 2^nd derivative, evaluation of minima and maxima among others. Then comes the techniques of differentiation and some of their very interesting applications. The notation that was used by Leibniz for differentiation represented a radical mathematical thinking, though the actual notion was only, at best, vaguely understood at the time by the thinkers in the field. With a logical note that justifies why great minds would proverbially arrive at similar results, the fundamental theorem of calculus is evaluated. The mechanical algorithm for the usual process of integration is justified and applications provided. The 1^st being Leibniz' formula for obtaining ℼ/4, followed by logarithm and exponential, with logarithm suprisingly yet logically preceding. The properties of the base of the natural logarithm are detailed and utilized followed by infinite series for logarithm. The concept of differential equations follows with applications in principles of physics, growth, vibrations and compound interest. The Supplement to Chapter VIII starts with basic principles of differentiability, integrals with its varied applications and continues with orders of magnitude, infinite series, the interesting advantage of the complex variable for their applications regarding seemingly unrelated domains, the harmonic series, the zeta function and the sine series by Euler, a beautiful discovery in the subject and the logical yet a bit approximate introduction to the prime number theorem. The prime numbers are the start to Chapter IX Recent Developments, which is a fascinating rambling on the more modern developments in this beautiful subject. Beginning with several elusive problems of prime viz., the Goldbach Conjecture and the Twin Prime Problem, the book stresses the need of novel methods for their decisive directions, which is followed up by the famous Last Theorem of Fermat that started as the unsolved mystery when the book was initially published but was demystified in 1994 and thus was inserted in fresh editions. Then, there is a discussion on Continuum Hypothesis, which may puzzle the intellectual greatly, the fashion of Set-theoretic notations through the ages, the tricky Four Colour Theorem, the proof of which literally challenged mathematical practices. The fractals with the apparently bizarre Hausdorf dimensions follow that will stretch the brain deeper towards abstract realms. The links and knots come next and then comes another abstract analysis of a mistake in a previous chapter, now logically rectified, concerning a tricky problem of mechanics having seriously simpler mathematical consequences. Then the algorithmic efficiency of computation is discussed with reference to the Problem of Steiner to search for the smallest length to bridge a network of points. The related intricacies brewed by Soap Films and Minimal Surfaces are briefed as we reach the concluding Nonstandard Analysis that immensely satisfies the wits of the readers. The book ultimately converges with Apppendix: Supplementary Remarks, Problems, And Exercises, a tutorial of varied problems to entertain and challenge with help from sites like math.stackexchange the wits of the readers ready to tackle problems on the field of arithmetic, topology, calculus, limits, geometry, algebra, functions, analytical techniques that completes this enthralling treatment.

An Ode to Rhymes

When the decider is art,

Take a peek into your heart!

For there you might find rhyme

Though that be a bit sublime,

But time is sure to say,

That their appeal will forever stay,

As when each modern turns quite old,

Still the ancients shine always in gold!

Justifying a personal bias with creativity!!

Birthday thoughts for the playful Prof: the Generous Giant of Physics

Ukraine has been in the forefront of newsreels these days, and so is Russia, both for all the wrong reasons known to mankind! But Ukraine, in 1904, constituting the Russian empire, had given birth to one of the giants of science, who had not only been one of the greatest in the field but his hearty service to mankind stands stark opposite to what these countries today reflect, albeit apparently.

Whenever we talk about any scientist, the invariable question that will require an answer in due course, will be regarding the contribution, of that particular person, in the field of science. But the great, about whom I am referring to, not only did contribute significantly to science, but contributed nothing less to popularise it through his humour laced narratives that encompassed physics and cosmology and peeked into genes and computer architecture. Truly speaking, each of his serious writings penned with witty reliefs, surely will draw equal appreciation both as a literary classic as well as an unputdownable article of science.

Yes, George Gamow was truly a giant of a scientist as far as I am concerned, but he was also a prankster in his own right. One of his very notable pranks lies in a famous paper, made famous not just because of its content (in fact, the content apparently fell short of its original claim slightly) but the names of the authors who wrote it. Alpher, Bethe and Gamow authored that particular paper concerning the origin of elements that we see all around. The original was penned by Alpher, with Gamow advising. While publishing, the advisor noting that the names of Alpher and Gamow having closer resemblance to Alpha and Gamma, felt it would be unjust to omit Beta in between. To rectify this apparent defect, a Beta author was to be inserted. This resulted in filling the gap by inserting the name of a physicist of eminence, Hans Bethe, in the original manuscript, much to the dismay of the Alpha author but to the complete satisfaction of Gamma, the playful[1]. The Greek alphabets might have been satisfied though the contents of the paper had the chance to appear Greek to Prof Bethe himself. The Alphabet paper, as it was nicknamed, was pioneer in predicting correctly the proportions of hydrogen and helium formed in the early universe and was the stepping stone to the hypothesis of the Big Bang nucleosynthesis[2] that describes how the elements actually took birth.

My association with Gamow’s literary works dates back to my secondary years when my father handed me with a copy of a Mr Tompkins series and “Physics: Fundamentals & Frontiers”, though the sequence is now forgotten, thanks to my memory, which is the very definition of volatility.

Mr Tompkins is a very well known character in the popular science reading circle but those who are still trying to understand how the name of a Mr is popping up while describing a Prof, let me assure you that this Mr is a fictitious character, created none other than by the witty educator in Gamow to look into the world of science and technology through the eyes of the layman.

Mr Tompkins is a humble bank clerk with a keen interest in science and a physicist father-in-law. As fathers-in-law are prone to with their sons-in-law, frequent chats with the younger in-law listening becomes the order during the visits of the older. But this leads to the son-in-law dozing off at times while the lectures become scientifically too heavy for the simple mind of the humble clerk. Thus begins his series of dreams, just like Alice while she dreamt about the Wonderland, the difference being that these dreams take the dreamer to a wonderland of science as the subject opens up in a simpler perspective. The scientific constants are trimmed here and the fantasy of dream prevails as the dreamer and the reader alike journeys through the apparently complex but unavoidably quite real concepts of relativity, thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, computer processors, cells and genes, just to name a few and gets piqued as the scientific world unfurls the simple rationales that forms the basis of ground breaking ideas. I still remember that particular episode where Mr Tompkins understands relativity and space contraction just by watching a cyclist riding through blocks in a world where the speed of light is limited to a few metres/sec only. The series has yet another appeal and that is of the illustrator himself. As it happened, while the series was ongoing, the regular illustrator vacated the post only to be filled in by the author himself, who not only excelled in the job but presented a delightful array of sketches, throbbing with humour, very much in line with the original and augmenting the themes with visual reliefs, which could only be as perfect as possible.

The other book that was mentioned earlier, “Physics: Fundamentals & Frontiers”, is in the other hand, a textbook, but not like any other that I have gone through. Devoid of a single instance of calculus, higher secondary physical science is introduced with vivid illustrations accompanied by lucidly patient elaborations. Actually physics would have been a perennial fright for me but for some teachers and books like these as when in higher secondaries, physics starts with differential equations while calculus is formally reserved as a mathematical course for the next standard.

Thus started my tryst with this natural teacher mainly through his popular articles and is happily continuing till now.

Gamow wrote “Thirty Years That Shook Physics: The Story Of Quantum Theory” that portrayed the scientific era of 1900 to 1930 as modern physics unfolded by the breathtaking leap to the quantum world. Being one of the chief protagonists in moulding modern physics, the author offers a vantage point of view of the limitations of classical theories and embarks on the world of quantized energy, wave mechanics, uncertainty principle, anti particles with explanations and elaborations and touching on the scientific minds of the giants who defined them. Blended with humour, the illustrator in Gamow presents some astoundingly appealing sketches of a few of the greatest scientific minds of the era as well as some Gamowish cartoons, as always.

The apparently mysterious atom is explained by Gamow in “Atomic Energy in Cosmic and Human Life Fifty Years of Radioactivity”, which elaborates the basics of science to understand the energy lying within and designs of engineering to harness the same. Touching on the destructive use that the risk poses, the constructive visions of utilizing the vast energy for space vehicles and the likes will astound the audience.

There are authors who write biographies of personalities, but Gamow sketched the biography of a subject! Physics had never seemed to be honoured more than what Gamow bestowed in “The Great Physicists from Galileo to Einstein”, which might only be categorised as a biography, but not of the people mentioned in the cover title and the contents, but of the subject itself! A fascinating journey of the evolution of physics from the primitive to the modern as the subject ages through stages of refinement forms the basis of the narrative. The breakthroughs of science that shaped physics could never be enjoyed more as the scientific minds of the readers will be stimulated while the funny bones continue to tickle.

Another difficult subject of stellar evolution is simplified for the ordinary readers with basics introduced in the opening chapters in “The Birth & Death of the Sun”, which discusses the formation of stars and planetary bodies that make up the universe. Written in the signature style of Gamow but a bit serious according to his standard, stellar science had never been so philosophically yet critically orated. The enchanting journey of the stellar universe has a high chance to bewitch the readers with the marvel that the vast expanse has in store for all. Personally, these chapters have philosophically humbled me and I think now of myself as a being residing in a speck of dust called Earth formed in a split second interval in galactic scale and is presented with a chance to savour the wonders that makes up the universe with apparently a femtosecond interval of his life which is generally wasted with petty trivialities and unnecessary conflicts that never save a single fraction of the lifetime  that is offered. This is how Gamow appals you just by his writings!

Gamow was born Russian but defected as the political weather was growing too stifling for him[3]. He and his first wife, Lyubov Vokhmintseva, tried twice to flee, once trying to paddle a kayak across the Black Sea to Turkey and another time kayak across from Murmansk to Norway. The former, being a 250 km stretch as well as the later efforts failed due to weather, which just like the political one, turned unfavourable, but the funny part was, both times, the authorities were completely evaded. Incidentally, the wife of Gamow was given the nickname of Rho by her husband, which again indicates that either Gamow was fascinated to the extent of obsession with Greek letters or the name of his wife was really difficult to pronounce regularly, no disrespect to the lady and her name. Gamow could finally sneak out of Russia with his wife under the pretext of joining a scientific conference in Brussels, thanks to his brave persistence, that officials relented in allowing the couple to travel together.

Gamow was a first in the sense that under the guidance of Lev Mysovskii, Igor Kurchatov and him, started thr first design of a European cyclotron in 1932, just a couple of years after it was conceived and patented in America[2]. Previously, he was elected as a corresponding member of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR as one of the youngest members in its history at the age of 28. While in America, he was thankfully not involved in the Manhattan project, though he had enough knowledge on the subject[2], which might be due to his Ukrainian lineage[3].

Thrice nominated for the Nobel prize in physics and recipient of the Kalinga award by UNESCO in 1956 for popularising science, I reiterate my query that whether this polymath was ever considered for the Nobel prize in literature?

George of Russia settled finally in USA in the institute named after the George of America and thus play of words might have bestowed on him salvation in the form of George Washington University (GWU) in a way that he could only appreciate.

In a world where humour seems vanishing, humility forgotten and scientific essence boils down to information piling, Gamow and his works reflect what science is all about and how the subject can be served with humility and humour. Science reading had never been more pleasing. The books that were mentioned earlier are only a few of the gems that Gamow penned. But these were enough for me to get a glimpse of the man within. Surfing the net helped that also highlighted the giant of a mind with a humour filled heart. I already scribbled my views on some of his books in my blog[4] at times that I wanted to advertise on his birthday. While trying to draft an atomic introduction for the purpose, the matter went way too macroscopic. So, hoping you enjoy, uploading the same as a separate blog article while wishing Prof Gamow happiness in the way he likes!

[1].  http://physicsbuzz.physicscentral.com/2009/05/easy-as.html?m=1

[2]. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Gamow

[3]. https://www.atomicheritage.org/profile/george-gamow#:~:text=After%20returning%20to%20Russia%2C%20Gamow,for%20physicists%20in%20Brussels%2C%20Belgium.

[4]. http://anirband.blogspot.com/search/label/written%20by%20George%20Gamow?m=0

While the Light Lasts and Other Stories

It starts with a tale of despair that defines romance in The House of Dreams. Written in her early years, the signature style is so subtle that it might only be realized in hindsight. Surely not the best of her creations, it could really be her path to lesser fame had not a novelist friend came to her aid with encouraging directions. That it was required for the budding author was acknowledged by Christie when she paid her respect to Philpotts while already established in a literary career. It is followed by The Actress, a thrillingly fascinating narrative that is short but crisp. This drama is intensely psychological, revealing the inherent cowardice that is exploited to stage the apparently vicious trap. Thrills continues in The Edge, which befits the title in varied ways as the frustrated dame fights the desperate wife in a battle of nerves with a fatal climax that is deceptively tragic. Each piece has afterword which gives a little bit of perspective to the works. The following features Poirot in the mystery with title Christmas Adventure, which is though a reread, but the title was different while the charm similarly satiating. The Lonely God is romance weaved in mystery that blesses the same with the delightful Heavenly appeal. The twist in the tale was predictable yet satisfactorily welcome as the long lost artist meets the lost love at the feet of the Deity with apparently a dearth of worshipers but still standing supreme with the sacrifices that a God can only offer. Disappointment will be in store while reading Manx Gold but the afterword will be more than a satisfactory justification of its apparent vague treasure chase. Written for attracting tourists for the Isle of Man, the clues are strewn in the text for its readers to detect. Within a Wall is a black romance with a crooked sense of desire. While the silent lover seeks love in helping the needy, the calm companion longs the same in possesiveness. The touch of cunning returns with Poirot in unravelling The Mystery of the Baghdad Chest that contained a murdered body, hidden apparently in a room full of guests and their attendees. Being the original to 'The Mystery of the Spanish Chest', perspective played the vital pivot to identify the criminal while evidences supported the hypothesis. Guilt and comfort play a black tale in While the Light Lasts, where the apparent relief to the anxious heart paints a tragedy that lies hidden from the coarser eyes. It seemed to reflect a certain status conscious author giving vent to her ambitious nature camouflaged in a manner, which is both convenient and elegant.

The Origin of Species

Establishing the thesis of natural selection as fundamental to the maturity of species, the author sketches the origin of our ancestral forms in such a detail as to make the subject interesting albeit a little want of illustrations. Critically studying such diverse samples, both in quantity and variety, their results are discussed not only from the perspective of the followers but also from that of the opposers as well. Logically analysing the range of findings, the justifications supporting the conjectures for the development of species have been established. Exceptions are pointed at and clarified within the scope of the theory and the shortcomings are hinted at for following up by the future analysts in the field. The depth of the study and the sheer size of the samples taken will keep the readers in awe of the patience and understanding of one of the chief architects of modern science, Darwin whose revolutionary ideas like struggle for existence, survival of the fittest, to name a few, seemed to be based not only on a handful of observations but a gigantic sample encompassing literally the earth in its diversified flora and fauna. Categorizing the various lifeforms that populated the earth for ages in classes, genres, species, the integration between them have been clearly explained. With my limited knowledge of biology, it seems everything except mutation has been covered, though its necessity is hinted, principally to decipher the origin of the living beings, essentially highlighting that the fundamental concept of gene might not have been known at that time. Emphasising on logical analysis based on geographically distributed samples, the book is recommended for matured readers. The long sentences used might be a bit difficult for many but the scientific terms used will not be so due to the glossary appended alongwith. The painstaking research will be surely appreciated as will be the standard of reasoning based on analysis without the tools and resources that advanced technologies had yet to implement. The tracing of our ancestral origin will not only be a wondrous revelation to many but will award a critical perspective of viewing living creatures in future.

Fermat's Last Theorem

Simon Singh's account of how the last theorem of Fermat was solved is truly a mathematical adventure. Starting with the famous yet often unspoken Pythagoras' proof, traversing the intricacies of Diophantine riddles and the Game Theory, the rigorousness of the dot conjecture, not to mention that of some apparently milder axioms, the cunningly composed paradoxes utilizing purest form of logic, the rationality of the irrationals, the powerful primes with their mysterious intervals, the variety of amazing abstractions that decorates the subject were  introduced suitably as the theorem was discussed whose apparent simple statement kept the mathematical community scratching for the proof for centuries. Complementing the beauty of mathematics, was the saga of the giants in the field, most prominent being the tragic genius Evariste Galois whose short life and notes documented during his even shorter mathematical career that lasted till the night before his death was one of the valuable threads for the proof. Then was the cornerstone conjecture of the mathematical pair of Taniyama and Shimura whose proof held the key for proving the elusive theorem, as stated by mathematician, Gerhard Frey, corroborated by Ken Ribet with a hint from Barry Mazur. The techniques pioneered by Kolyvagin, Flach, Iwasawa were utilized as Andrew Wiles improvised on the techniques to present the elegant proof for the most sought after theorem that baffled generations of mathematicians. The role of his former supervisor, John Coates, who introduced elliptical curves to him, that of Nick Katz, the only other mathematician who was taken into confidence by Wiles as he edged towards the proof during the secretive years and who actually failed to catch a gap in the logic during the time only to indicate the same, albeit with a bit of embarrassment, while refereeing the historic paper leading to yet another article by Wiles with his former student, Richard Taylor, another referee to the original and then a collaborator to its historic supplementary paper, the supporting ensemble to this classic drama also finds their deserving credits. Mention is made of the eccentric Paul Friedrich Wolfskehl and his chance encounter with the Fermat puzzle that not only averted his suicide but captivated him to such an extent as to announce a lumpsum reward for the person to solve it thus adding a material appeal with a solid timeline to the prestige that beckoned the chasers.

The book is draped with episodes of mathematical events but the underlying mathematical principles behind them are elaborated for the layman to admire the elegance of the various abstract forms. A theorem that sometimes threatened to be a wild goose chase, had to wait for centuries for a definitive proof. A 358 long years of perseverance by the mathematical community was prized with a voluminous proof that not only clarified the theorem but offered the probing of logical genes that constitute the subject. Andrew Wiles created history while solving the taunting theorem of Fermat but the chapters that he transcribed had described mathematics for its further refinement as can be assimilated by the limit of intelligence. The passionate dream of a child saw its culmination in the Annals of Mathematics as the masters of logic witnessed the composition of the master theorist. Simon Singh has beautifully pieced together the significant events in mathematical evolution, presenting it to the layman with a fervour which is both infectious and compelling.

Atomic Energy in Cosmic and Human Life Fifty Years of Radioactivity

Starting from the very basic, following the humour laced prefaces, this seemingly complicated subject that comprises science along with associated engineering, could never have been better elaborated for the layman but for this volume. Explaining the nature of the interaction of the nucleons based on the model of which he himself was the proponent, the revelation of the inner working of the atomic particles seemed no less wondrous than the style in which it was narrated. It will seem so simple as the apparently unfathomable mystery of the particles, unseen to the naked eyes of ordinary humans, is detailed, in principle, with analogies of physics that they would understand. The hidden energy inside the nucleus is compared with that liberated during chemical conversions. This highlights the significant difference in the order of energy conversion per unit mass that can be utilized in the betterment of mankind. Subtly touching on the destructive uses of atomic energy with numerical figures to horrify correctly, the scientific conjecture of building power sources and space vehicles will be appealing more to researchers yearning for development for a harmless future.

Euclid's Window

Starting from Euclid and going strong with Witten, mathematics and especially geometry had undergone a dimensional upgrade as crafted by the masters in each mathematical age. This is what Leonard Mlodinow has presented in this wittily wonderful biography of geometry. Infact, originating from the Pythogorean time, mathematics had evolved and so did abstraction that needed to be aligned for their coincident maturity. But, sometimes, it seemed the evolution was faster and the civilisation and requirement seemed a bit lacking in the course. Thus, the geometry required by Einstein for his revolutionary general and special theories of relativity, was already developed years back. This wonder of abstract conceptions with implications that could only be conceived in future seems to be the frustrating beauty of the subject which some may feel and care less for anything else but others in the pursuit in their fields may be held in despair. Thus, the wild geometry of strings, while being tamed by the ring masters in the arena is still being held in contempt by quite a few but apparently relent as the natural laws of basic physics seem to unravel in multidimensional world. The book is a refreshing find which will undoubtedly satisfy the mathematical spirit. Humour abound, the intellectual revelations could never be better documented. The only flaw seemed a lack of illustrations in this abstract base of knowledge. For this,  however, the margins provided by the publisher seemed enough to jot down miniatures of my understandings which might be referred to at their own risks.

Uncle Fred: An Omnibus

Uncle Fred, spreading sweetness and light, had been one of P.G. Wodehouse's endearing creations whose exploits will leave the readers rocking in laughter through each and every chapter. Called upon to solve the most intricate of problems, be it counselling the eccentric Earl of Emsworth on the safety of his beloved sow, the Empress of Blandings, from the impending clutches of the ill-tempered Duke of Dunstable Alaric or helping his nephew Pongo evading burly creditors or making the wedding bells ring for four pairs of hearts by a series of perilously precarious twists, through his genius of playing confidence trick. Infact sometimes he takes upon himself to become the match maker, and a breaker all at the same time based on what his futuristic vision predicts. The omnibus edition contains the novels

• Uncle Fred in the Springtime
• Uncle Dynamite
• Cocktail Time

A most refreshing volume, Uncle Fred remains an outstanding creation of Wodehouse whose tricks, though leaves the victims in a baffled state of mind, but the absence of malice makes him nothing less than lovable and I sincerely long for an uncle of this class.

The Great Physicists from Galileo to Einstein

Truly a biography of physics is this book, with the signature style of humble humour that characterizes Gamow in all his greatness. Starting from the birth of science in the ages before Galileo, he sketches the evolution past Einstein and thus maintains a balance in justifying the name of the book which focuses mainly on physics and the way it was shaped by the masters through the ages with a hint to what the future might hold on the science. With accompanying anecdotes to the serious science, the tough theories could never seem more fun to understand. Definitely, it will not be a layman's book if the term is defined strictly but if we remember the basics of the secondary level, the book will not just be adorable but enticing to take up physics to solve the fascinating mysteries that surrounds it in its various dimensions. With illustrations as delightful as the text itself, the book will remain a classic in the genre of popular physics along with biography category though the term is more reserved for the living world. But, after going through the essays, physics will surely be felt as throbbing and as lively as life itself. In this book, the teacher in Gamow has excelled while the storyteller in him has marvelled to give the readers a literary treasure blended with science. Gamow never got a Nobel in physics, but after going through several of his literary works, my only question to the nominators, had he ever been considered for the Prize in literature?

The War of the Worlds

Starting with a History of William Collins and the Life & Times of the author, comes one of the greatest classics of all times penned by one of the greatest science fiction writers of all times, H G Wells who had been the person behind coining two unique terms that we have taken for granted. Yes, the time travel and time machine may be a household name for every science addicts, but the terms were introduced by the author who also fictionalised the Mars invasions for the very 1st time. The anecdote, narrated from the perspective of the unnamed protagonist, vividly describes a Martian invasion that, with its awe and tragedy, will terrify you by its chilling feel of realistic ambience. Though, the introductions have spoiler but still the fright remains. Published in 1898, decades before lasers were conceptualized, the author designs the advanced Martian invaders to use something similar as their primary weaponry. Describing the accidental but unaccounted sighting of the launch of the fleet carrying the aliens, the author goes on to detail the discovery of the meteoric touchdown of the same and the massacre that follows. Despair engulfs the civilisation as cities are invaded and routed with humans taken as prisoners to be consumed. So when, it seems all is lost, the miraculous twist of fate will be welcome to all but the invaders. Though written as a fiction, but it warns the civilisation of the doom that awaits the selfish when the unforeseen dwarfs of the present flaunts their might as they turn giants of the future☆

Complete with a lexicon of the Victorian grammar, the novel is a classic for all ages.

Parker Pyne Investigates

If you are not happy, then Parker Pyne awaits you to take your case and make you hearty. With a fee payable in advance, you can let the love detective take care of your case just like Mrs Packington in The Case of the Middle-Ages Housewife. If adventure is your choice, you will be matched with romance with a touch of mystery as was The Case of the Disconcerted Soldier scripted by his acquaintance, Mrs Ariadne Oliver, the novelist who will see to the thrills of it. Fees varies for each case, but that is justified as each case is specially crafted to suit the clients' requirements. But there is an inherent investigator in Pyne who makes his presence felt time and again, starting from The Case of the Distressed Lady where curiously, though happiness to the client is robbed off but the same in the reader will be guaranteed. But sometimes it becomes a bit more than tricky where happiness looms round the corner but the client takes a sudden turn as in The Case of the Discontented Husband, taking the agency of happiness by surprise. However, the honest proprietor is never deterred by these outcomes and will even lose money if the cause is so deserving like in The Case of the City Clerk, where, unbeknownst to the client, he embarks upon an adventure with political consequences and international importance, yet cleverly embroidered by the seller of happiness that satisfies all interested parties. But never have been the satisfaction more heartfelt than in The Case of The Rich Woman, where unhappiness due to excessive wealth is solved with a plan so elaborate that it will defy imagination yet will be rendered classic by the humble ambience. But the real mischievous prank is in Have You Got Everything You Want? where the adoration for the newly married hubby is smirked by a sudden discovery that puts doubt in the mind of the wife, but for a chance meeting with the agent of happiness, each matter is solved in a series of humorous twists. As opposed to slight mischief, the next involves a murder near The Gate of Baghdad, where the killer and the killed are in the same troupe as is the sleuth. Following at its heel is a curious death that happened long ago in The House at Shiraz that would have remained buried in the darkest past if not the merchant of cheerfulness would turn sleuthing for the sake of happiness. His investigative streak continues in The Pearl of Price in deducing the whereabouts of a seemingly expensive pearl but the interesting point is the portraiture of the sleuth. The author has developed the character in such a way that he sometimes seem to resemble Poirot but then she adds that additional detail which makes Parker unique with his very own way of looking into perspectives and justifies the requirement of different characters to solve different sets of crisis. The short and crisp Death on the Nile is a murder mystery on a boat where the small pool of suspect seems to help the retired civil servant in the Department of Records to narrow it down on the perpetrator with the real evidence that lay aside the pile of false. Sequel to it, with a subtle clue lying hidden in some remarks, is the mystery of The Oracle at Delphi, where kidnapping and ransom constitutes the primary plot but the more interesting plot lies hidden till the climactic phase. Though a premonition remains irrationally unexplained, but the classic style bears the incomparable Christie signature written all over it.

Dawood's Mentor

Complimenting the unputdownable, Dongri to Dubai, the book sketches the life of the don who introduced white collar smuggling for the 1st time and brought character and a sense of value in a field where betrayal and treachery were the order of the day. The wrestler by his upbringing, a warrior at his heart, a brain graduated in economics, Khalid Khan aka Khalid Pehelwan had been the most dependable ally of Kaskar brothers in their most formative days. Upsetting a stalwart wrestler at a challenge, the young Khalid Khan was picked up by Bashu Dada as his closest bodyguard turned partner in the silver smuggling business that the later quickly turned to gold literally. But maybe fate had stored a different future for this duo. So, the humbler Khalid, was soon deserted by his mentor but was quickly to be united to his protege, Dawood, forging a long lasting friendship that saw a new era of underworld activity.

The book really is complimentary to the rise of the Mumbai mafia as narrated by the author in his other books and sketches a more detailed narrative of Sabir-Dawood-Khalid coalition that is interspersed with tragedy and thrilling sequences. Writing in his characteristic gripping style with a touch of subtle humour that blends well amid some tensed settings, the acknowledgment could be no less better than the way Husaain Zaidi expresses his gratitude to his mentors and mentee in his journey of investigative journalism.

Mr Tompkins Explores the Atom

This time, it is for Mr Tompkins to explore the curious world of atoms. The peculiarity of the quantum world had been revealed to the naive amateur student of physics in the earlier volume and the adventure to the uncertain world continues, thanks to his physicist father-in-law's lectures. The lectures seems to give the audience nightmares, which is very much apparent as not only does Mr Tompkins fall a prey for it, but so does his wife who had accompanied him to one of them! But sometimes, the father-in-law takes pity on our protagonist and asks him not to attend some of the difficult ones but the physics lover will not be the sufferer as the book contains all the lectures including the one that Mr Tompkins skipped. Science couldn't have been explained in more simpler terms! It is humorous, the tone is humble, the content is just magnificent. With the illustration by the author himself, as the regular illustrator abandons his post, the appeal of the volume seems to increase more as the author seems to keep the drawings, some of them, adapted from originals, as perfect as possible.

Mr Tompkins in Wonderland

This is the 1st in the series centering Mr Tompkins, who takes peek into the world of science, during his off hours of serving as a bank clerk.
His understanding of science sometimes leads to dreams that takes him to lands where the scientific constants are trimmed so that he could realize what happens in the microscopic world of which he could only grossly comprehend at most. But this only helps the reader, who are also benefitted to understand the complicated yet unavoidable philosophy that led to the birth of relativity, replacing the classical notions of space and time and quantum mechanics, replacing the classical notions of certainty in measurement. Consisting of a series of dreams and lectures, the marvels of physics could never be better revealed. Readers with basic understanding of physics will undoubtedly find a great appeal to the intricacies of nature which is explained in easy terms laced with humour that overcomes the difficulty of understanding and inspires confidence to study the subject in detail.

Mr Tompkins Learns the Facts of Life

At a very early age, I was introduced to the character, Mr Tompkins by my father. Well, from then onwards, I became the fan of both the protagonist of the series and the creator. The illustrations that were sketched by Gamow added to the enticement. Science could never have been more thrillingly humorous as when one sees it through the eyes of Mr Tompkins. Ever since I had become enthralled by the intricacies of the Mother Nature and the science She offers.
So, when I took this up, the 3rd in the series, motivated by my recent endeavour with The Body by Bill Bryson (certainly this is in no way related specifically with his body but the medical mystery of the human body, in general), the adventures seem not to have aged much in appeal.
These brought back nostalgic scientific memories. Maybe, it was due to my upgraded view of science the insights seem clearer. As the clerk, Mr Tomkins had shifted his interest from physics after his 1st couple sets of adventures, the readers stood to benefit. Blood, gene and brain were opened to them for investigation as was some rudimentary logic of digital computing. Added to this is a chapter to summarise how energy is harnessed by plants deriving from the solar source and channelled through the multitude of sinks which make up the living and breathing earth. The inquisitive reader can locate several pointers to direct their interest for the future while being glued to the literary wealth of the series.

The Body

After reading this book you will know what you don't know. You, actually, will understand how little we understand about human body, one of the most complex manifestations of evolution that we have witnessed. Starting from the tiny albeit significant cell, it divides numerous times, but remains more or less united, to give you a body to house yourself. The various parts of this mysterious structure works untiringly for you well being but curiously we take it all for granted. Maybe, after going through this book, you will appreciate the various mechanisms of the human body that defends you from all sorts of foreign invasions and remains unappreciated for the better part of their lives. This book is not only how the bodies function but it also gives a brief history of the human understanding of the biology of their bodies. Laced with endearing humour throughout, the author once more gives a fascinating insight of the subject that he documents which will help the layman in understanding what happens the next time anything physiologically happens.

The World As I See It

Portraying the world as he saw it during the Great Wars and the Holocaust in his various essays, addresses, correspondences and some that he received, the book is one of the greatest that I have the privilege to come across. Written by the man, to whom, the whole world attributes for the solution of some of the greatest mysteries of nature, the rationale of human behaviour, the irrationality of human cruelty inflicted on their fellow beings, the solution for a peaceful world, the ode to the artists who tries to make the world a beautiful place, the reverence to the sacrifices of humanity, all of them are composed with a frankness, that does not, for a single moment compromise the urge to shun the evils of the society that threaten all that is peaceful and conducive to evolution of harmonious living with understanding across various views of societies. Explaining a variety of subjects ranging from politics, economy, citizenship, education, religion, values, with the approach, more scientifically aligned yet lucidly philosophical, Einstein curves out his design for a better world. Insolent letters from the people, cornered by his ruthlessly appropriate logic and witty humility that he ushers to pacify the unsatisfied yet faulty complainant, both find places in this collection which is abridged to clamp the scientific correspondences out of this translated edition making it incomplete yet complete in a different perspective.

George's Secret Key To The Universe

One of the fascinating science based fictions I have ever read since the Tompkins series. Basically a book for astronomy enthusiasts, it can motivate the ordinary to get a taste of the basics.
An intergalactic adventure awaits George, whose scientific ambitions had been always snubbed down by his environment conscious parents. It was about to change when his pig breaks boundaries to poke into the next door neighbours. The mysteries of the universe awaits to be unfolded soon as did the mystery of their neighbours and their computer. As George stumbles on the marvels of the universe by the chance meeting, the crooked forces are also in the move, thwarting the aims of the noble minds while trying to use science for petty advantages.
Written lucidly by the brilliant Stephen Hawking and his scientist daughter Lucy Hawking with the charming illustrations of Garry Parsons, this book, once recommended by my father, had satisfied both his son and his grandson with its facts of science presented in the package of fiction with the touch of suspense to appeal the readers of varied ages.