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Time Travel

Overview

Author: James Gleick

Three-Sentence Summary

"Time Travel" is a deep dive into the history, science, and philosophy of time travel as conceived by a variety of authors, scientists, and philosophers. It explores the concept of time travel from its origins in literature to its current status in popular culture and theoretical physics. The book provides an informative and thought-provoking examination of how our understanding of time and the possibility of manipulating it has evolved over centuries.

Extended Summary

"Time Travel" by James Gleick is a comprehensive exploration into the concept of time travel from its inception in literature to present day theories in theoretical physics. The book begins with a history of how we understand time, from ancient civilizations to Newton's absolute time, and Einstein's theory of relativity.

The author then delves into the idea's first appearance in literature with H.G. Wells' "The Time Machine", followed by an exploration of how other authors have expanded on this concept. He discusses how these literary works have both reflected and influenced our cultural perception of time travel.

In addition to literature, Gleick also covers the scientific aspect of time travel. He explains complex theories such as quantum mechanics, wormholes, and black holes in an accessible way that lay readers can understand.

Throughout the book, Gleick explores philosophical questions about free will, destiny, paradoxes associated with changing past events, and implications for human understanding.

Overall, "Time Travel" is not just about science fiction or fantasy; it’s about understanding our relationship with time itself - how we measure it, experience it and think about it.

Key Points

Time travel is not only a popular theme in science fiction but also a serious subject studied by physicists.
Our understanding of time has evolved throughout history from Newton's absolute time to Einstein's theory that space and time are interconnected.
Literature has played a significant role in shaping our understanding and perception of time travel.
Despite the complexities of time travel, it continues to fascinate us because it raises profound questions about free will, destiny, and our understanding of reality.

Who Should Read

"Time Travel" is perfect for readers fascinated by the concept of time travel and its implications. It's ideal for those who enjoy science fiction or fantasy genres but want to dig deeper into the scientific theories and philosophical debates that underpin the idea of traveling through time. If you're interested in how our cultural perceptions and understandings of time have evolved over history, this book is for you.

About the Author

James Gleick is an American author, journalist, and biographer, known for his books on the cultural ramifications of science and technology. He has been a finalist for both the Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award. Among his best-known works are "Chaos: Making a New Science" and "The Information: A History, A Theory, A Flood."