Longing for the Harmonies: Themes and Variations from Modern Physics

Finding this book and it's " sequel ", The Lightness of Being, have proved , for me, the Rosetta stone of understanding how the interactions of the elemental forces of nature combine to constitute the world of matter, which we inhabit. I have read many layman level books and virtually all the physics articles in Scientific American for years, without the clarity and precision that Frank Wilzcek can bring together in just a few dozen pages. As Lecter said, " Save yourself " . In this case, save a lot of reading time and just get, Longing for the Harmonies and The Lightness of Being, and you will thank your lucky stars.Part of what Freeman Dyson said about Frank Wilczek is " ...that he writes...with a lightness that can come only come to one who is absolute master of his subject."

Except for annoying underlines (in ink), book is in excellent condition. Regret buying.

The only reason I took off one star is content is a bit dated, so book could use an update. It's clear, for example this was written before it was discovered that the universe's expansion is accelerating.Otherwise authors' love of the topic is infectious!

The book provides a fanscinating perspective on various fields of physics, exploring the motivations of the people behind the big discoveries. The deepness at which the actual physics are described is perfect -- the authors convey important aspects of difficult topics like quantum physics in an effortless way, allowing the reader to gain insights without getting stuck on the complex details.I'd highly recommend this for scientists and causual reader for a great perspective on the history and elegance behind science & physics.

What? You can't wrap your mind around the Higgs boson? This book will not just clarify the issue -- it will open your mind to dimensions of symmetry that authenticate the search for these hypothetical wave packets [ there never were particles ].The man is a gifted writer -- as well as a gifted scientist. Read his other book, too.

Mesmerizing scientific topics with clear writing and precision descriptions. A favorite book in my collection.

This book is great for promoting interest in Physics. I still have not found a good book for children, but this is good for young people and adults.A cheap but excellent gift!!

excellent!

superb