Nothing

A Very Short Introduction

By: Frank Close

Narrated by: Ray Chase

This short, smart book tells you everything you need to know about "nothing". What remains when you take all the matter away? Can empty space - "nothing" - exist? To answer these questions, eminent scientist Frank Close takes us on a lively and accessible journey that ranges from ancient ideas and cultural superstitions to the frontiers of current research, illuminating the story of how scientists have explored the void and the rich discoveries they have made there. 

Listeners will find an enlightening history of the vacuum: how the efforts to make a better vacuum led to the discovery of the electron; the ideas of Newton, Mach, and Einstein on the nature of space and time; the mysterious aether and how Einstein did away with it; and the latest ideas that the vacuum is filled with the Higgs field. 

The story ranges from the absolute zero of temperature and the seething vacuum of virtual particles and anti-particles that fills space, to the extreme heat and energy of the early universe.

©2009 Frank Close (P)2021 Tantor

Nice lil book about vacuum and void

A brief overview of nothing in terms of void and vacuums. Pretty chill stuff and very focused on the timelines and histories of science. I enjoyed the listen. Thx

fantastic!

Award-winning voiceover artist Ray Chase teaching me about quantum physics? Pinch me, I must be dreaming. This was incredible, definitely would recommend.

Uniquely insightful

Great conceptual discussions throughout, especially regarding the motivation for cosmic inflation beyond the trivial explanations usually given. It was written ca. 2009, so it's dated; but if you're interested in the educational aspects, without being bored out of your mind while listening, this is a good one.

The narration was great!

Clear, concise, fun!

Great introductory approach to basic scientific concepts guaranteed to marvel every time you listen. Perhaps too short. Keeper.

Wow

Loved it from the beginning to the end. How lucky are we to live in these extraordinary times when so much has been discovered about our universe and books like these to help us understand the wonder of it all.