My Brief History

By: Stephen Hawking

Narrated by: Matthew Brenher

Length: 2 hrs and 15 mins

Publisher's Summary

Stephen Hawking has dazzled listeners worldwide with a string of best sellers exploring the mysteries of the universe. Now, for the first time, perhaps the most brilliant cosmologist of our age turns his gaze inward for a revealing look at his own life and intellectual evolution.

My Brief History recounts Stephen Hawking’s improbable journey, from his postwar London boyhood to his years of international acclaim and celebrity. This concise, witty, and candid account introduces listeners to a Hawking rarely glimpsed in previous books: the inquisitive schoolboy whose classmates nicknamed him Einstein; the jokester who once placed a bet with a colleague over the existence of a particular black hole; and the young husband and father struggling to gain a foothold in the world of physics and cosmology.

Writing with characteristic humility and humor, Hawking opens up about the challenges that confronted him following his diagnosis of ALS at age 21. Tracing his development as a thinker, he explains how the prospect of an early death urged him onward through numerous intellectual breakthroughs, and talks about the genesis of his masterpiece A Brief History of Time - one of the iconic books of the 20th century.

Clear-eyed, intimate, and wise, My Brief History opens a window for the rest of us into Hawking’s personal cosmos.

©2013 Stephen Hawking (P)2013 Random House Audio

Bittersweet

Was hoping this would be a wholly personal memoir, without too much discussion of Black Holes and such, as that is available in his other books.

Well, it was a very personal telling of his life, but there is also a great deal of discussion of Theoretical Physics, Black Holes, etc. So be prepared for some of what he says to go right over your head, unless you work in the field.

It was very interesting to hear why his first marriage ended, how he felt about being a celebrity scientist, how much he disliked the photo on his bestselling book A Brief History of Time, and ultimately at the end, his reflections on his life, and his pride and satisfaction with it and all that he was able to do and accomplish.

Nice touch on the narration...he narrates the very beginning of each chapter, as well as the very end of the book.

A great man, who did extraordinary work.

Good book, quick reading

What made the experience of listening to My Brief History the most enjoyable?

The story is written in a good and dynamic way, making it easy and quick to read (listen).

Very much enjoyed the Audible version

Have enjoyed learning more of the Hawking story, having just recently viewed the 2015 movie. Had to get the Audible book of his 1st wife reflecting on their life, but have listened through this before going to that. I am not a fast reader & so the time listening to this was far less time consuming than if I had attempted to read the book. Very interesting though some scientific material, it was at a minimum. I'm sure I will relisten to work again & pickup on some things that have evaded me the 1st time through. I'm also contemplating getting his other works from A Brief History of Time on, unfortunately what he's learning now is beyond our finite realm.

It was awesome!

I am a kid scientist. This book is recommended for people who like science, cosmology and black holes. And although I am nine years old this book was extremely interesting to me.

Beautifully Written Memoir

My Brief History is a magnificent work of literature. As someone living with a degenerative neuromuscular disease, this book not only gave me a deep sense of solidarity, but a bright beam of hope for all the possibilities life can still hold. Professor Hawking was a magnificent mind, a true genius in so many ways. His powerful life story is one that deserves to be heard by all. I would most definitely recommend this book to anyone and everyone. A must read!

Rich!

Inspiring! Life should be lived fully regardless of any handicaps. The untapped potential of the human mind, is for me the major takeaway.

Thank you Dr. Hawking!

Recommended

It was indeed brief, and very interesting. I am still not clear on all the physics, but the findings of his work was understandable. Also, the personal memoir portion was interesting and thoughtful. Being able to hear him speak in his own voice at the beginning of each chapter was a great touch. Dr. Stephen Hawkins will be missed but his legacy and teachings will live on!

Wonderful Performance

Great blending of Hawking's and narrator's voices. Incredibly well written. A good introduction to Hawking's work as well as a primer on black holes and cosmology.