Quantum

Einstein, Bohr, and the Great Debate about the Nature of Reality

By: Manjit Kumar

Narrated by: Ray Porter

Length: 14 hrs and 21 mins

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

Critic reviews

“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)

Quantum History

An absolute delight to have listened to, and learned from, the history of modern physics. Masterfully orated by Mr. Porter.

Great book

one of the best historical books I have read about modern physics and characters. Recommended

It is a must read for anyone and everyone!

Manjit Kumar did a laudable job to recreate and analyze a critical moment of science and human history. The Einstein and Bohr debate of quanta.

One quote from the book, “ theory is based on observation. Yet mind needs theory to observe.”
Like schodinger’s cat , the book/ the author challenged the readers to follow and to explore with the scientific giants.

Also I really enjoyed the reading from the narrator. It is 5 for me.

Interesting History of Modern Physics

Good quality audio and well written. Interesting if you enjoy this topic. You don't need to be a physics major to understand it although it can get technical.

Fantastic story with a peek behind the physics curtain

I am not a physicist or a mathematician. I do find the subject of the inner workings of our existence intriguing, though. As a person outside this realm, I often read or hear about the works of these historical greats and their achievements. It was fantastic to hear the story of their humanity mixed with their contributions to humanity. This book provides a very informative insight into how the state of affairs regarding quantum mechanics got to where it is today. I dare say I understand the big picture a little better, despite being untrained in the math an theories. I would recommend this story to anyone who wants to feel more connected to a time in history that has had a profound impact on the course of humanity and the fascinating people who made it happen.

One of the best physics books I’ve ever read

I’ve read a lot about quantum mechanics and I was already familiar with the concepts and problems, but this book did an amazing job of weaving the controversies and problems with the people and their social and political environment in a way that was incredibly engaging from start to end. I plan to listen to this again. It was thorough and extremely well-written.

Like a novel but the XX Century epic of Physics

Story is complete and very easy to undestand and listen to, attractive and entertaining as well, why not 5 stars then? Because is too Einstein centric and portraits him as beyond human, neither mention to Poincare or Hilbert, nor strong acceptance of Einstein being wrong in his attacks of Bohr's interpretation of Quantum Physics. Reader is very good and clear in his diction, though his German pronunciation is a bit lacking.

Wondeful Story Telling

One of the most intriguing story in the history of science; well written and well read.

Excellent history lesson

This book is great for anyone who wants to read the history of this periods’ scientific struggle. It was a very good choice that the author included so much world history, as the stage seriously affected the debate.

Amazing

Captivating from the beginning until the end. Couldn't stop listening very informative and interesting throughout.