The Little Book of String Theory

The Little Book of String Theory offers a short, accessible, and entertaining introduction to one of the most talked-about areas of physics today.

String theory has been called the 'theory of everything.' It seeks to describe all the fundamental forces of nature, encompassing gravity and quantum mechanics in one unifying theory. However, it remains unproven and fraught with controversy.

After reading this book, you'll be able to draw your own conclusions about string theory. Steven Gubser begins by explaining Einstein's famous equation E = mc², quantum mechanics, and black holes. He then gives readers a crash course in string theory and the core ideas behind it. In plain English and with a minimum of mathematics, Gubser covers topics such as strings, branes, string dualities, extra dimensions, curved spacetime, quantum fluctuations, symmetry, and supersymmetry.

He describes efforts to link string theory to experimental physics, using analogies that non-scientists can understand. How does Chopin's Fantasie-Impromptu relate to quantum mechanics? What would it be like to fall into a black hole? Why is dancing a waltz similar to contemplating a string duality? Find out in the pages of this book.

The Little Book of String Theory is the essential, most up-to-date beginner's guide to this elegant, multidimensional field of physics.

'You will probably finish the book more confused than when you started, but in the best possible way: with profound questions and a desire to learn more.' - New Scientist