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  • Quantum

  • Einstein, Bohr, and the Great Debate about the Nature of Reality
  • Written by: Manjit Kumar
  • Narrated by: Ray Porter
  • Length: 14 hrs and 21 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (60 ratings)

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Quantum

Written by: Manjit Kumar
Narrated by: Ray Porter
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Publisher's Summary

Quantum theory is weird. As Niels Bohr said, if you aren’t shocked by quantum theory, you don’t really understand it. For most people, quantum theory is synonymous with mysterious, impenetrable science. And in fact for many years it was equally baffling for scientists themselves.

In this tour de force of science history, Manjit Kumar gives a dramatic and superbly written account of this fundamental scientific revolution, focusing on the central conflict between Einstein and Bohr over the nature of reality and the soul of science. This revelatory book takes a close look at the golden age of physics, the brilliant young minds at its core, and how an idea ignited the greatest intellectual debate of the 20th century.

Manjit Kumar was the founding editor of Prometheus, an arts-and-sciences journal. He has written and reviewed for various publications, including the Guardian, and is a consulting science editor at Wired UK. He lives in London.

©2008 Manjit Kumar (P)2010 Blackstone Audio

What the critics say

“Lively…A wide-ranging account, written for readers who are curious about the theory but want to sidestep its mathematical complexities….Fascinating.” ( The New York Times Book Review)
“With vigor and elegance, Kumar…recounts this meaty, dense, exciting story, filled with vivid characters and sharp insights. With physics undergoing another revolution today, Kumar reminds us of a time when science turned the universe upside down.” ( Publishers Weekly)

What listeners say about Quantum

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Eye opening and encouraging.

Took the hobbie out of me. Excelent Chronology.

Now, for me everithing is about quantum and reality.

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    3 out of 5 stars

Good introduction for non-physicists

I liked the stories about the physicists who pioneered contemporary theory and came away with some understanding of the controversy about the ‘Copenhagen Interpretation’. It’s a good effort to make quantum physics accessible to a lay person. But I’m not sure this goal is really achievable. You can learn the characters and some of the vocabulary, but relativity and quantum physics isn’t for amateurs.

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A thrilling history of an exciting time in physics

The book was fantastic from start to finish. While the narrators voice is slightly monotone, I find it is perfect for the subject matter.

More of a history of the time and people who lived it then a scientific study. A great dramatization of the time, people and work that lead to our current understanding of physics.

If you want to hear a fantastic story about a pivotal time in physics this is the book to read.

#Audible1

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Absolute masterpiece

I don't even know where to start. I'm having trouble finding the right words to express how perfect this book is. It took me through a journey while also giving me such a profound appreciation for history of quantum physics. The people, their personalities, their debates, their philosophies, their brilliant breakthroughs, their funny missteps, their triumphs and tragedies. It was both intellectually fascinating and moving at the same time. It made me feel like I was not only a fly on the wall but with them in every thought, thinking alongside these great minds. The narration was also fantastic too. Highly recommend.

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Outstanding

Entire book and narration are outstanding in every respect. I find myself listening to the audible more than any other book I own.

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Great listen

Loved the history in this book. We recommend to anyone looking for a good listen of physic history.

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Fascinating

I’m not a physicist but this is a fascinating story of the development of modern physics. I found that a lack of understanding of the intricacies of the concepts involved did not detract from the story of two men, each trying to convince the other of their interpretation of reality. The narration by Ray Porter was exceptional.

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Clear, concise, complete .... and entertaining!

For the person who enjoys these sorts of books, this is one of the better ones out there.
It tells the story of 20th century physics at a level that is deep enough to be satisfying, without losing you in esoterics. No doubt it is a story has been well-told before. But the story of physics (and science in general) is so rich in ideas of importance to our well being, and yet so vulnerable to misunderstanding, that it bears frequent repeating and re-interpretation. Here we have an author who, in his commitment to write to inform rather than impress, has achieved a very impressive result. Along with the clear exposition of the science he does a wondrous job of capturing the personalities of the main characters.... and provides the best explanation of Bell's theorem that I've seen.

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