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Fearful Symmetry

The Search for Beauty in Modern Physics
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( 151 ratings, 20 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Fearful Symmetry explores the profound role of symmetry in nature, revealing its vital presence and mysterious violations in twentieth-century physics. Author and physicist Anthony Zee guides readers through the interplay of symmetry and asymmetry, tracing the quest for understanding nature’s fundamental laws following Einstein’s legacy. This book elegantly presents the sweeping achievements of modern physics, making complex ideas accessible and engaging.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$7499

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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book is ideal for readers with an interest in science and nature, particularly those curious about physics and the conceptual underpinnings of the universe. It suits both informed enthusiasts and those seeking an engaging introduction to contemporary physics.

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Discusses symmetry and asymmetry in contemporary physics and tells the story of how contemporary theoretical physicists are following Einstein in their search for the beauty and simplicity of nature.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The concept of symmetry has widespread manifestations and many diverse applications—from architecture to mathematics to science. Yet, as twentieth-century physics has revealed, symmetry has a special, central role in nature, one that is occasionally and enigmatically violated.

Fearful Symmetry brings the incredible discoveries of the juxtaposition of symmetry and asymmetry in contemporary physics within everyone's grasp. A. Zee, a distinguished physicist and skillful expositor, tells the exciting story of how contemporary theoretical physicists are following Einstein in their search for the beauty and simplicity of Nature.

Animated by a sense of reverence and whimsy, Fearful Symmetry describes the majestic sweep and accomplishments of twentieth-century physics—one of the greatest chapters in the intellectual history of humankind.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Publishers Weekly praises Zee's "superb scientific reading" and his intuitive use of symmetry to explain nature's laws. James W. McAllister from ISIS, A Journal of the History of Science Society, highlights Zee’s "effortless competence" across theoretical physics and his infectious enthusiasm.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780691173269

Publisher: Princeton University Press

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 04 October 2016

Country: United States

Imprint: Princeton University Press

Edition: Revised edition

Illustration: 10 halftones. 47 line illus.

Contributors:

  • Foreword by Roger Penrose
  • Foreword by Roger Penrose

Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education

DIMENSIONS

Width: 140.0mm

Height: 216.0mm

Weight: 425g

Pages: 376

About the Author

A. Zee is professor of physics at the Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics at the University of California, Santa Barbara. His books include Quantum Field Theory in a Nutshell and Einstein Gravity in a Nutshell (both Princeton). Roger Penrose is a Nobel Prizewinning physicist and the bestselling author, with Stephen Hawking, of The Nature of Space and Time (Princeton). He is the Rouse Ball Professor of Mathematics Emeritus at the University of Oxford.

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