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.

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?

Relativity The Special and the General Theory

The abstract nature of nature herself could not have been better summarized than this book. Using the minimum mathematics to alleviate the undue stress of a layman, the book revels in its own beautiful physics that takes the reader in a journey to unfold one of the most intriguing characteristics of the space, viz., relativity. Though a little bit of illustrations could have eased the readers in understanding this once novel concept, yet it must be told that, the events are so well described that the readers can easily draw on their own the illustrations that are due in places. But the best part is the way the apparently real 3D space is disproved and replaced with the abstract 4D reality. Infact, the essential relativity is also felt as you go through the book when time sometimes seems to freeze as your thoughts take a leap so fast that yourself a bit sluggish in keeping up with the ideas. For the sake of elaboration, several chapters are appended that gives a support to some of the abstract concepts which are really no less elegant than the main article.

Thirty Years That Shook Physics: The Story Of Quantum Theory

Introducing the modern physics as it shaped in the hands of the giants of the subject the chapters wittily introduce the complex physical concepts in a playful manner. You will enjoy reading the major breathtaking basic mysteries that unfolded in the era between 1900 to 1930 that offered the insight into the atom and its nucleus from a perspective that was at once beautiful yet surprising. The thrill of unlocking the suspense of the universe will grip you firmly while going thru the chapters in order. Being one of the chief protagonists in shaping the modern physics, Gamow offers a vantage point view of the limitations of classical physics, quantum theory, uncertainty principle, anti particles, wave mechanics and presents it in the most layman's terms along with penning some classic illustrations, humorous anecdotes that offers reliefs, some informal snaps of the most celebrated physicists of all times along with conference plates also. The thrill of the book closes with Barabara Gamow's translation of a satirical version of a German dramatization of how the modern physics unfolded which is a gain a masterpiece in its own right.