Einstein's Relativity and the Quantum Revolution: Modern Physics for Non-Scientists, 2nd Edition

By: Richard Wolfson, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Richard Wolfson

Length: 12 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's summary

"It doesn't take an Einstein to understand modern physics," says Professor Wolfson at the outset of these twenty-four lectures on what may be the most important subjects in the universe: relativity and quantum physics. Both have reputations for complexity. But the basic ideas behind them are, in fact, simple and comprehensible by anyone. These dynamic and illuminating lectures begin with a brief overview of theories of physical reality starting with Aristotle and culminating in Newtonian or "classical" physics. After that, you'll follow along as Professor Wolfson outlines the logic that led to Einstein's profound theory of special relativity and the simple yet far-reaching insight on which it rests. With that insight in mind, you'll move on to consider Einstein's theory of general relativity and its interpretation of gravitation in terms of the curvature of space and time.

From there, you'll embark on a dazzling exploration of how inquiry into matter at the atomic and subatomic scales led to quandaries that are resolved-or at least clarified-by quantum mechanics, a vision of physical reality so profound and so at odds with our experience that it nearly defies language.

By bringing relativity and quantum mechanics into the same picture, you'll chart the development of fascinating hypotheses about the origin, development, and possible futures of the entire universe, as well as the possibility that physics can produce a "theory of everything" to account for all aspects of the physical world. But the goal throughout these lectures remains the same: to present the key ideas of modern physics in a way that makes them clear to the interested layperson.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2000 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2000 The Great Courses

very informative

loved it, we listen again. breaks down and simplifies for non scientists. I do recommend

best I've read on these subjects!

I've always struggled filling in gaps in my knowledge (because i don't know enough to ask the right questions) but this book filled in those gaps and then of course i have new questions (which he answers most) and the journey of learning continues. I'm sad I'm done with it. enjoy.

Great review of Physics

He covered a lot in every lecture, I think this a great lecture series for those who are interested in physics.

Perfect Intro to Relativity and Quantum Mechanics!

This was such an enjoyable course too listen too. I would highly recommend it as it gives you a much better grasp of what's really going on the universe and at the atomic level. The only suggestion I would give is that the supplemental material will really help visual some of the concepts. I didn't use them too much (and still thought it was great), but I'd imagine they would help more as some things are very confusing to picture.

Fascinating and somewhat understandable

I found the topic in each chapter fascinating and somewhat easy to understand as best as possible for a layman. The author and reader did a great job and I'm very glad I listened to every word of this.

Great content

A great set of lectures for anyone looking into learning more, from a layman’s perspective, of the universe. Highly recommend this!

Excellent!

Wonderful book and excellent narration by a knowledgeable professor! I have listened to many books on this topic and this was the best of all of them.

Excellent Course and Professor

This may be my favorite entry into "Great Courses". The content is interesting, pleasantly baffling at times, and the Professor presents the material as if he were in the room with you.

Slow Down and Listen to This One

Wolfson walks the reader through the very complicated world of physics, relativity, and the quantum revolution. If you like to listen to your audiobooks at 2x+ speeds, you’re going to want to slow down for this one. It also helps if you can actually give it your full attention, rather than listening as you drive or perform some mundane tasks. That isn’t because Wolfson doesn’t do a great job—he does. It’s just a tremendously complicated subject matter that deserves your full attention.

Audiobook Narrator takes notes from Wolfson

Any additional comments?

I really enjoy science but I guess I'm what you would call a Lay person. I found Professor Wolfson's lecture engaging and informative. The repetition of key elements really helps hammer in a few key conceptual anchors.

I am a professional Narrator and I find when I listen for a book that grabs me as a listener and keeps me, I'm stymied by repetitive cadences and falling inflections even from top narrators. I'm referring to fiction as well as non-fiction. It's a hard thing to avoid with long hours in the booth. I know, I've been there. Listening to professor Wolfson has reminded me not just to convey a story in the appropriate mood, but to EXPLAIN it. To lead a listener through the thought and intention behind every sentence. It's hard to keep up but I think that's what's engaging: a feeling of extemporaneousness; that the story is flowing organically through the narrator.

on another note:
Richard, If you're reading, you should get in touch with Alan Alda. Read the article in today's NYtimes. He could use your help!