The Restaurant at the End of the Universe

Book Description

"DOUGLAS ADAMS IS A TERRIFIC SATIRIST."
--The Washington Post Book World
Facing annihilation at the hands of the warlike Vogons is a curious time to have a craving for tea. It could only happen to the cosmically displaced Arthur Dent and his curious comrades in arms as they hurtle across space powered by pure improbability--and desperately in search of a place to eat.
Among Arthur's motley shipmates are Ford Prefect, a longtime friend and expert contributor to the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy; Zaphod Beeblebrox, the three-armed, two-headed ex-president of the galaxy; Tricia McMillan, a fellow Earth refugee who's gone native (her name is Trillian now); and Marvin, the moody android who suffers nothing and no one very gladly. Their destination? The ultimate hot spot for an evening of apocalyptic entertainment and fine dining, where the food (literally) speaks for itself.
Will they make it? The answer: hard to say. But bear in mind that the Hitchhiker's Guide deleted the term "Future Perfect" from its pages, since it was discovered not to be!
"What's such fun is how amusing the galaxy looks through Adams' sardonically silly eyes."
--Detroit Free Press

Customer Reviews:

Not Free SF Reader.......2007-09-03

Meat isn't murder if it likes it, and loud music nearby can be bad for real estate a well as for the prices. Also, even the biggest and most expensive computer projects are easy to screw up, right up until the end.

Anyway, the sequel to The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy is almost as enjoyable as the first book, which is a fairly impressive achievement.

Gotta love Douglas Adams!.......2007-06-04

This is a very clever scenario. The end of the universe is a one time event, but thanks to technology, you can witness it from a safe distance every night, if you can get reservations... Adams, once again, shows us world where the ridiculous is common, and sensibility is the rarity. Like talking cows who beg you to eat them? Truly sublime! This book is a segment in the Hitch-hiker's series, and a must read for anyone who loves his irreverent humor. It isn't as strong as some of his other books, but if you can avoid comparing him to himself, it's still a great read.

Also, have you read Steve Hershey yet? 'Lunch With God' is right up there if you're looking for this kind of insane humor.

another great part of the hitchhiker series.......2007-01-04

not quite as good as parts 1 and 3, but great none the less.

Quite... strange?.......2006-08-29

This book follows the odd journey of Arthur Dent, Tricia McMillian (Trillian), Ford Prefect, Zaphod Beeblebrox, and Marvin's journey through Douglas Adam's insane (and funny) universe.
It all starts off with Arthur and the other Characters aboard the Heart of Gold, the only spaceship powered on improbability. Arthur has been continuously trying to get a high-tech, and somewhat retarded vending machine to make a cup of tea. Because the task of making a decent cup of tea is so daunting, the computer links circuits with the machine. Of course, the Vogons show up, notorious for their bad poetry. The Heart of Gold is immobilized, because the Computer is busy with making Tea. Right before their ship is carbonized, Zaphod's grandfather teleports them to different places. Following this event, the book describes Arthur, Trillian, Zaphod, Ford, and Marvin and their visits to some of the stranger regions of the galaxy.

Jason's review .......2006-05-09

More like 3.5 stars.

The first book was great! When it ended I couldn't wait to to start reading this one. I wanted to find out more details about the conspiracy to make Zaphod the Galactic President, and who the six people who ruled the universe were.

This book doesn't do much to address any of that. It is still funny, and all the great characters from the first book are back. There are some interesting stories going on, but the original plot is largely ignored.

Alpha and Omega: The Search for the Beginning and End of the Universe

Average customer rating:

wow!
satisfactory overview
This book is a good intro to cosmology and explains every discovery so far...
Very convincing
Good introduction for non-science types

Alpha and Omega: The Search for the Beginning and End of the Universe
Charles Seife
Manufacturer: Penguin (Non-Classics)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0142004464
Release Date: 2004-06-01

Book Description

Today we are on the verge of discoveries that should soon reveal the deepest secrets of the universe. In Alpha & Omega, Charles Seife takes us to the front lines of the cosmological revolution to synthesize the discoveries of scientists at observatories and laboratories around the world who are actually peering into both the cradle of the universe and its grave. The cast of characters includes galaxy hunters and microwave eavesdroppers, gravity theorists and atom smashers, all of whom are on the trail of dark matter, dark energy, and the growing inhabitants of the particle zoo. Seife's lucid explanations of scientific theories and current research make cutting-edge science both crystal clear and wonderfully exciting.

Customer Reviews:

wow!.......2007-10-06

Amazing! Truth can be stranger than fiction. Vacuums filled with activity. The beginning and end of the universe. Spacetime a rubber sheet. And all described specifically and clearly.

satisfactory overview.......2007-01-09

This book provides a satisfactory overview of the history and current state of cosmology. Unfortunately, the book describes Copernicus as wasting many years trying to explain the radiuses of the planetary orbits in terms of the five Platonic solids, when in fact it was Kepler who was obsessed with this idea. The majority of popular books devoting space to the history of astronomy mention this, with most also including a picture of Kepler's model, thus it is certainly not an obscure fact. This error made me wonder whether the book was reviewed by anyone knowledgeable prior to publication. I was disappointed to see such a major error in the book as it made me wonder what other errors might be lurking in the text. It definitely showed that the author was not as familiar with the material as he should have been.

This book is a good intro to cosmology and explains every discovery so far..........2005-12-15

I like Seife's writing style. He wrote this book keeping in mind that 'regular' people will be reading it. He starts with the very first theorys on the universe and explains them in a way that slides right into to your mind like butter. The theorys are written chronologically and gradually get more complex as new things are discovered. He also describes these new discoveries chronologically and detailed to where the average person has a broader more precise understanding of the whys and hows and whats of each theory.This book has confirmed what I always thought was a huge part in the creation of the universe: symmetry; particularly TCP symmetry (I wish there was more info on that in the book)...The previous reviewer mentioned that this book suffers by "trying to explain mathematical ideas without using mathematics"... that is a bunch of bull b/c there is a great glossary that explains every mathematical term/symbol....speaking of math; I'll leave you with a though: in this book we find out that the universe is in fact finite(albeit ever-expanding) but how can you truly decifer the language of a finite universe with an infinite language of illusions and possibilities(MATH!)that allows anything to go?... If we could then over 95% of the universe still wouldn't be invisibe dark matter now would it!

Very convincing.......2004-07-25

I am a skeptic. I have a mind of my own, and I like authors who treat the reader with respect. If I wanted religion, I would go to church. I want to be convinced.

In particular, I am very skeptical of the whole big bang idea. I've been exposed to some of the evidence, but it has always seemed relatively scant to me.

No longer. Seife has convinced me. The big bang, basically, probably, did in fact occur.

His deep respect for skeptical scientists, my heroes, runs through the whole book. Seife acknoledges that much of the old evidence was really not overwhelming. When he refers to very recent experiments which disprove moribund but reasonable ideas (some of which have occurred even to laymen like me) he does not criticize the scientists who had held out hope. Actually, he seems to admire the tenacity of the iconoclast.

The icing on the cake is the list of ongoing and future experiments. This section may soon be outdated, but for now it has the effect of including the reader in the scientific pursuit. I am now very excited to learn the results of some of these experiments, though they may be years away.

If you just want to admire the insights, go with Hawking. If you want to dream, try Brian Greene. If you want to be dragged kicking and screaming into the new cosmological era, read this book.

Why only 4 stars? The book becomes less convincing in the final chapters. But it is the best I've found.

Good introduction for non-science types.......2004-07-15

A fine and clear review of the development of cosmological theory from Ptolemy to the present, definitely written for the curious non-scientist.
Seife has a good feeling for how strange the universe is, and for how unsettling it can be to contemplate it. He takes your hand and leads you through the stories of discovery with respect, but assuming you know little to nothing about the subject.
I had trouble putting it down.

The Restaurant at the End of the Universe

Average customer rating:

The Restaurant at the End of the Universe
Douglas Adams
Manufacturer: RH Audio
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: 0739332074
Release Date: 2006-07-04

Book Description

The More Than Complete Hitchhiker's Guide : The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy + The Restaurant at the End of the Universe + Life, the Universe and Everything + So Long, and Thanks for the Fish + Young Zaphod Plays It Safe (COMPLETE / UNABRIDGED, 5 novels in 1 volume)

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The More Than Complete Hitchhiker's Guide : The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy + The Restaurant at the End of the Universe + Life, the Universe and Everything + So Long, and Thanks for the Fish + Young Zaphod Plays It Safe (COMPLETE / UNABRIDGED, 5 novels in 1 volume)

Manufacturer: Longmeadow Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Leather Bound

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ASIN: B000E0PDGC

The Philosopher at the End of the Universe: Philosophy Explained Through Science Fiction Films

Average customer rating:

An Entertaining, yet Robust Hike for the Armchair Philosopher
See the Movies in a Whole New Light!
Entertaining and Rewarding
A New Genre: Sci-Phi

The Philosopher at the End of the Universe: Philosophy Explained Through Science Fiction Films
Mark Rowlands
Manufacturer: Thomas Dunne Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0312322348

Book Description

The Philosopher at the End of the Universe Philosophy Explained Through Science Fiction Films Mark Rowlands This provocative, thought-provoking, and thoroughly entertaining guide explains the basics of philosophy-as seen through today's blockbuster movies nyone can grasp the essential concepts of philosophy while still holding a bucket of popcorn. Mark Rowlands makes philosophy utterly relevant to our everyday lives and reveals its most potent messages using nothing more than a little humor and the plot lines of some of the most spectacular, expensive, high-octane films on the planet. Learn about: -The Nature of Reality from The Matrix -Good and Evil from Star Wars -Morality from Aliens -Personal Identity from Total Recall -The Mind-Body Dilemma from Terminator -Free Will from Minority Report -Death and the Meaning of Life from Blade Runner -And much more. If Keanu Reeves can understand Descartes surely anyone can. 'Hugely entertaining....Rowlands knows his stuff and marries some of the tougher philosophical arguments to the more accessible conduit of popular entertainment....enjoyable and illuminating.' -Waterstone's Books Quarterly [UK] Mark Rowlands is a philosopher, author, and university professor living in Cork, Ireland. Philosophy 0-312-32234-8 $23.95 $34.95 Canadian 51/2" x 81/4" / 288 pages Thomas Dunne Books August

Customer Reviews:

An Entertaining, yet Robust Hike for the Armchair Philosopher.......2005-12-19

Who knew that we would see big-screen heroes like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Keanu Reeves, and Tom Cruise take their rightful places beside the likes of Descartes, Heidegger, Wittgenstein, and Plato? And I don't mean at the Oscars!

In this book Rowlands has brought together several areas of popular interest: philosophy, movies, and science fiction, in a way that benefits all three. It is a rollicking romp through often-dry philosophical fields such as the meaning of life, theory of knowledge, the mind-body problem, personal identity, free will, and ethics.

While the tone is tongue-in-cheek, the content took me deeper down the rabbit-hole of philosophy than many such popular offerings.

See the Movies in a Whole New Light!.......2005-10-23

This was a great book.

It made me appreciate these movies on a whole new level, (with the exception of the Matrix which I now enjoy for the FIRST time!)

By applying philosophical concepts to movies the author brilliantly breaks them down into proverbial 'apples & oranges'. Be warned though... once you pick it up its hard to put down half way through a chapter! So allow the time!

If I had to have a criticism it would be that some (maybe one, two at most) chapters go a little into overkill... but hey! Better a little more than a little less.

Hope this guy writes another book along similar lines!

Entertaining and Rewarding.......2005-01-12

A great primer for philosophical thought that does not put one to sleep. In fact, this was such a good read, it kept me up late into for several evenings. Professor Rowlands also happens to be one funny man. Very well done.

A New Genre: Sci-Phi.......2004-11-23

Let me begin by saying that I met the author, Mark Rowlands, on several occasions while he was teaching at University College, Cork, in Ireland. Let me also say that I was extremely jealous when I first came across this book in a bookshop in Cambridge, England. For years I have shown my students clips from science-fiction films such as "The Matrix" (re: Descartes's first Meditation) and "The Terminator" (re: machines without sensation -- Descartes again) and "Total Recall" (re: Descartes's first Meditation again, and Locke's memory theory of identity) when teaching my Modern Philosophy course. But Rowlands beat the rest of us to it and wrote a book in this vein -- an introduction to philosophy by way of popular science-fiction films.

This Winter Term (2005), for the second year in a row, I will be assigning this book for my Modern Philosophy course. (Last time I had to order the books from England; this time they are available in the US). In 2004 my students enjoyed the book tremendously and it proved very useful, especially the sections on Descartes (chapters 2 and 3 on skepticism about the external world and the mind-body problem -- "The Matrix" and "The Terminator"), Locke (chapter 4 on personal identity -- "Total Recall" and "The Sixth Day") and Hume (chapter 5 on free will -- "Minority Report").

The author, Rowlands, is known best for his work in the philosophy of mind and applied ethics (especially the ethical status of animals). I believe that the earlier parts of the book, dealing with philosophy of mind, metaphysics and epistemology, are easily the best. The final parts of the book dealing with ethics -- chapter 6 on "Hollow Man" (why should we be ethical?), chapter 7 on "Independence Day" and "Aliens" (should the scope of ethics extend to aliens?) and chapter 8 on "Star Wars" (good vs. evil) -- are not quite up to standard. Somewhere in between are the parts dealing with the meaning of life -- chapter 1 on "Mary Shelley's Frankenstein" and chapter 9 on "Blade Runner".

The book is written primarily for undergraduates. It normally does a nice job of presenting philosophical ideas and problems in an appealing and direct fashion. You can tell that the author is part of the generation that is in tune with popular culture, but has a D.Phil from Oxford and can write about supervenience or Doug Lenat's CYC project.

This makes it all sound far too serious and educational, however. The most important thing about this book is that it is very, very funny. It's funny about philosophy, and it's funny about films too. Exhibit A: ""Minority Report"... also has Tom Cruise in it, not a man you normally associate with complex philosophical issues. I mean, scientology? Give me a break." (p. 121) Rowlands is nothing if not irreverent, and you will laugh out loud while reading this, I guarantee.

So far, I have found only a few factual errors (references are to the English Ebury Press 2003 paperback edition). Heidegger's "Being and Time" was published in 1927, not 1926 (p. 7). Wittgenstein's "Tractatus Logico-philosophicus" was completed in 1918 and published in 1921, not published in 1916 (p. 53). And the Tom Cruise/Cameron Crowe movie is "Vanilla Sky", not "Vanilla Skies" (p. 121). The only philosophical error I have found is that he refers to Occasionalism as "parallelism" (p. 72) (parallelism is a different thesis and can be espoused by a mind-body identity theorist such as Spinoza). But that is just something discussed in a footnote.

I am not always entirely happy with Rowlands' resolutions of various matters in the final sections of his chapters. But it would be unfair to beat him over the head about this. I also find some of the humor to be too laddish for my taste. It's not particularly funny the first time to say how much you love beer and imagined sex with Sarah Michelle Gellar, and it's painful the n-th time. But these are minor criticims of a very refreshing read, on the whole.

The Anthology at the End of the Universe: Leading Science Fiction Authors on Douglas Adams' The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (Smart Pop series)

Average customer rating:

A Wonderful Romp Through the H2G2 Universe
An inside look at Hitchhikers Guide to the Universe
A delightful book...

The Anthology at the End of the Universe: Leading Science Fiction Authors on Douglas Adams' The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (Smart Pop series)

Manufacturer: Benbella Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1932100563

Book Description

** COMPLETELY UNAUTHORIZED **

Every aspect of the science fiction classic The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy is analyzed in a variety of quirky ways in this collection of essays. Topics include the logistics of the restaurant at the end of the universe, how the Internet is creating the real Hitchhiker's Guide, an assessment of Vogon poetry, and an analysis of computing. The essays are written by both science fiction greats, such as Cory Doctorow, Lawrence Watt-Evans, Stephen Baxter, Jacqueline Carey, and Alastair Reynolds, and up-and-coming writers.

Customer Reviews:

A Wonderful Romp Through the H2G2 Universe.......2007-03-05

These authors take you through the 5-book Trilogy (although they mostly focus on the first 3 books) in a series of essays. They are all light hearted, but some of them are more serious that others. It also includes a great interview of Douglas Adams from the 80s.

I had a lot of fun with the book and remembering my favorite scenes. The essays also helped me see different interpretations of the actions of the characters. I recommend it for the bookshelf of any H2G2 fan!

An inside look at Hitchhikers Guide to the Universe.......2005-08-23

Twenty essays make up The Anthology at the End of the Universe and each author basically tries to tell us what is so important about the 5 book Hitchhiker's Guide trilogy. It's sort of like the old joke about the blind men each trying to describe an elephant when they each had only a small piece of the animal in their grip. No one essay can be expected to give you a definitive answer as to what the Hitchhiker's Guide is truly about or what Douglas Adams' message was when he wrote it. What the essays do is give you an understanding of why the books are so popular and how so many people have found a place for them in their lives and hearts.

Some of these essays had me laughing out loud so that I had to read those parts to my husband to prove I hadn't really gone off the deep end. Other's had me wondering about how you could come up with such serious connections from a series of comedic science fiction books. Then there were the essays that had me saying, "hmm, never thought of that". And of course, being me, there were the essays that had me sniffling discreetly into a tissue. There's a lot to like in this collection of essays. However, they are essays rather than short stories and if you're looking for the latter this book is not for you.

Mike Byrne in "Beware of the Leopard", Cory Doctorow in "Wikipedia: A Genuine H2G2 - Minus the Editor, and Bruce Bethke in " The Secret Symbiosis: The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy and Its Impact on Real Computer Science" talk about the impact that Hitchhiker's Guide has had on computer science, computer interface design, the internet as a communications media, and the impetus it was in starting many young people on a career in the sciences. The Guide in the television version, while done with colored gels and press on letters was heads and shoulders above what computers at the time were capable of achieving. Once people saw what a really good user interface could be like they demanded better than they had and the computer companies listened. In some ways, we have Douglas Adams to thank for the usability of computers because once users began to think there could be something better they demanded it.

Others see the Hitchhiker's Guide as a round about way to think of the truly important things in life: religion, humor, 42, looking at the world as it is. The following essays dealt more with the philosophical aspects of the books: "That About Wraps it up for Oolon Colluphid" by Don Debrandt; "The Holy Trilogy" by Selina Rosen (this one is so funny it should have a spew alert); "The Zen of 42" by Marie-Catherine Caillava.

No book about the Guide could be complete without a mention of Vogon poetry. Lawrence Watt-Evans in "A Consideration of Certain Aspects of Vogon Poetry" discusses the merits of quantifying poetry so that the Guide can equivocally say that Vogon poetry is the third worst. He also wonders about Arthur's seeming immunity to it.

Adam Roberts in "42" and Jacqueline Carey in "Yes, I Got It" discuss the philosophy of humor and its place in our lives. While Susan Sizemore in "You Can't Go Home Again, Damn It! Even If Your Planet Hasn't Been Blown Up by Vogons" realizes that the person she was when first exposed to the Guide and the person she is now do not view the Guide in the same way. Even with all the happy memories of that first reading, she finds that it doesn't have the same impact now as it did then.

Food, food, glorious food. Douglas Adams loved a good meal especially with good friends and food plays an important role in the Hitchhiker's Guide. The role of food is touched upon by Steven Baxter in "Lunching at the Eschaton: Douglas Adams and the End of the Universe in Science Fiction", A.M. Dellamonica in "Digital Watches May Be a Pretty Neat Idea, But Peanuts and Beer Are What Get You Through the Apocalypse".

When the world or universe is off kilter or just plain crazy, how do you remain sane when all about you are crazy? Well, some writers have evidently come up with some ideas on how to remain sane in a crazy world from their reading of the Guide: "The Subversive Dismal Scientist: Douglas Adams and the Rule of Unreason" by Vox Day; "Another Fine Mess" by Adam Troy Castro; "The Only Sane Man in the Universe" by Marguerite Krause; "Douglas Adams and the Wisdom of Madness" by John Shirley; and "Loop-Surface Security: The Image of the Towel in a Vagabond Universe - A Semiotic (Semi-Odd) Excursion" by Mark W. Tiedemann.

There's also an interview with Douglas Adam by John Shirley ("A Talk with Douglas Adams"). Amy Berner in "Words to Live " talks about how everything she needed to learn to life live she learned from the Hitchhiker's Guide. "Goodnight, Marvin" by Maria Alexander is the final essay in the book and a touching tribute to Douglas as a person who touched many of our lives with his writing.

A delightful book..........2005-05-03

The book covers tons of details, from how important food is to the series, to computer design, the meaning of life, the meaning of 42, Marvin's place in the universe, Vogon poetry and even British humor. At under 199 pages, this tiny book seems to cover a lot, but I feel they could have done so much more. There is so much to debate and think about when it comes to Adam's universe that this book barely peeled off the first layer of the massive tome. But maybe we should leave some mystery for future readers to find and enjoy on their own?
To list just SOME of the contributors whose work is within these pages we have Stephen Baxter, Susan Sizemore and Adam Roberts.

The End of Physics: The Myth of a Unified Theory

Average customer rating:

One of the Best of its Type
I actually read this book
Who says physics can't be a page-turner?
The Physics of Reality vs. The Physics of Religion
repetative

The End of Physics: The Myth of a Unified Theory
David Lindley
Manufacturer: Basic Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0465015484

Book Description

A history of the attempts to find a unifying theory that would make sense of the entire physical world; a forceful argument that it will never be found; and a warning that the compromises necessary to produce a final theory may undermine the rules of doing good science.

Customer Reviews:

One of the Best of its Type.......2005-06-23

David Lindley's The End of Physics is yet another excellent addition to the growing list of outstanding physics books. Lindley is a long time editor of Science magazine and accomplished author.

The book is a lucid and well-written text that provides an overview of recent developments in theoretical physics as well as an examination of what these developments mean. I found the author's discussion of general relativity and inflation to be particularly well handled - better than is often the case in these types of works. Lindley's exception strength, however, is his discussion of contemporary theoretical developments.

The quest for a comprehensive "Theory of Everything" has become the Holy Grail of modern physics. The meaning of any such theory, however, has not been the subjected of much popular discussion. Cutting-edge theoretical physics are complex and inundated with esoteric mathematical constructs. These formulations appear to be driven in large part by mathematical expediency rather than empirical evidence; resulting in models seem excessively contrived and ad hoc in nature. Variables appear to be arbitrarily adjusted to account for unwanted variance - leaving something that looks like a modern version of Ptolemy's universal model (a complex intellectual constructs that bare little resemblance to reality).

The only shortcoming of the book is its lack of a more direct discussion of philosophical issues pertaining to science. For instance, do mathematical and scientific theories represent reality in some "real" way or are they largely just useful metaphorical constructs. It has been my experience that scientific realism and an associated narrow verificationist view of truth are often unchallenged assumptions of philosophical modernism. Lindley talks around this question; however, a more direct discussion would be instructive. Is science the sole means of acquiring and testing knowledge? Upon examination it appears that we possess a range of logical and moral truths that are not obtained through scientific induction. Regardless of one's view this is an important, and often overlooked, question to ponder.

Overall, The End of Physics is an excellent book. It provides a good overview and discussion of modern developments in theoretical physics. I would recommend it to a general audience; however, it may be a bit dense of a starting point for someone with no exposure to quantum theory or cosmology.

I actually read this book.......2003-02-20

My opinion of this book is quite different from some of the other reviewers. This book is neither a skeptical anti-science nor bizarre anti-Mormon rant. Rather, by considering the history of particle physics and cosmology Lindley shows again and again that scientific theories are only myths at best, unless they are backed up with solid emperical evidence. This evidence comes via experiments.

Lindley does not say a "Theory of Everything" is impossible, he simply states that if a "Theory of Everthing" is going to have any meaning, it must be testable through emperical experiments, just like any other theory which science accepts as the best explaination of a given phenomena.

In other words, hard work and imagination have gotten science this far and it needs to be applied again in this particular endeavor. There are no shortcuts. Though the book is probably a little dated now, it still provides an excellent format for one to recieve an introduction to particle physics and cosmology. I really enjoyed it and highly recommend it.

Who says physics can't be a page-turner?.......2001-09-27

Are the cosomologists correct, or is it the particle physicists? Does quantum theory really invalidate Einstein's deterministic universe? Is the concept of a 26-dimensional universe credible, or are we as enamored with numerology as those in times of yore? Can science provide us with more than a myth about the creation of the universe? Each new discovery seems to beg more questions.

The essence of this book is the tension that Lindley so magically captures--the tension between ideas, between scientists, and between philosophies. Lindley enthusiastically relates the drama; he catches the spirit and the excitement of discovery, as well as anxiety over some difficult unknowns.

This book is a thrilling ride through some of the most captivating intellectual territory of the 20th century. Do not be put off by the complex nature of the subject matter; this is one of the most accessible science books that I have read. The energy of the ideas certainly outweighs the challenges presented by the difficult subject matter.

This book is a great read for passionate learners.

The Physics of Reality vs. The Physics of Religion.......2001-06-21

Lindley's fine summary of the current state of physics mentions organized religion a few times. He says that "simplicity is the religion of cosmology."

After living the life of an orthodox Mormon for forty years until leaving the fold permanently five years ago I am now comparing my old religion to just another "theory of everything."

At least Lindley is free to question and scrutinize his fellow scientists. But in religion there is no check and balance system for reality.

For instance Mormonism teaches that the planet named Kolob is the center of universe and domicile of God. This absurd claim is treated with religious fervor in the same as many scientific theories are held sacred and special.

From Lindley I learned that skepticism is healthy and that we have a long long way to go before we really start understanding the universe and ourselves in it. Fascinating read.

One things seems for sure. We don't know.

repetative.......1999-03-24

This book was well written, and explains the chronolgy of physics. Although when David Lindley describes a certain topic he extends the information too much. A one paragraph summary of a topic gets extended at times to many pages. A difficult read if you are under 14

Average customer rating:

The Restaurant at the End of the Universe
Douglas Adams
Manufacturer: Phoenix Audio
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: 1597770043

Mysteries of the Universe: A Revolutionary Commentary on UFOs, Aliens, Angels, Pyramids, Bible Codes, Reincarnation, the Antichrist...

Average customer rating:

A BOOK THAT WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE...
Unsure about this one
A well written eye opener
Divine Intervention
Deep Thoughts

Mysteries of the Universe: A Revolutionary Commentary on UFOs, Aliens, Angels, Pyramids, Bible Codes, Reincarnation, the Antichrist...
J C
Manufacturer: Xulon Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1594679592

Book Description

This renaissance of thought is unlike anything you've read before! It will catapult you into an entirely new reality, unapologetically tackling the tough questions and controversial phenomena of our generation.

Customer Reviews:

A BOOK THAT WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE..........2007-09-12

I have read a lot of books and watched a lot of documentaries about the Biblical Prophecies, End Times, Armaggedon, etc. but this book still gave me a lot of new discoveries!! It's really amazing!! If there's 10 stars, I would definitely give it that rating. The author researched a lot. You can tell because what he/she wrote on the book, are the ones we have seen in different documentaries all around the globe. I admit that at first it's a little confusing. The Reincarnation is new because I am a Catholic, but the author clearly showed that Jesus indeed belived in Reincarnation. He even presented Bible texts regarding Reincarnation. This book is really trustworthy. I know God has a purpose why He let me read this book. There are a lot of controversies, but at the end the reader will realize that it's all connected. The words in this book are like pieces of the puzzle. At the end you'll learn the UNIVERSAL TRUTH. The texts are based from the Bible, History, Current Events, Scientific breakthroughs etc.!! I strongly believe in the writer. I know deep in my heart that God revealed the mysteries to the author. No person or writer can originally think of the revelations at this book. Besides the writer always remind the reader that it is God who revealed him the informations. He is very humble. Honestly I am thinking of ordering more copies and giving it to my loved ones and friends... I think the key to understanding this book is correlating it with all the knowledge we have(example: History, Life experience, etc.)and having FAITH IN GOD. THIS BOOK INDEED CHANGED MY LIFE! A MUST READ FOR ALL. THANKS GOD FOR LETTING ME READ THIS BOOK. MAY GOD BLESS ALL OF US!!

Unsure about this one.......2007-09-07

I have to admit I stopped reading this about half way. I do plan on finishing it soon though. So far a bit too much talk about "Karma" and "reincarnation" I am having a difficult time deciphering exactly what this person's stance is in regards to these pagan religions. I don't believe in reincarnation and believe it's not Christian. This author does do an interesting job of using some scripture to support what he/she is trying to say but some I think is misplaced. Truely I am undecided about this book. I have to say it started out pretty good and interesting though. Perhaps I will finish it and post more thoughts then. Right now I believe it is a mixture of truth and error.

A well written eye opener.......2007-07-26

The author writes with passion and heart. This isn't your typical work of nonfiction. The author isn't afraid to approach controversial subjects with some of the most original revelations to ever be put into print. He/she brings forth fresh ideas that would open the eyes of the most enlightened person, while maintaining a down-to-earth conversational tone that anyone can access. The writing is both eloquent and well researched. You must read this book!

Divine Intervention.......2006-02-04

Authors Gender ? not important ! Duality of conciousness in a Unified Field of Divine Grace , Yes ! A channeled complilation of missing pieces for those of us who are holding together ,And rising to the the knowlege and understanding of who we are , Where we are at , and where we want to go. The author was shown the passages from a higher source ! In a way that , Once again a teacher has manifested again to show us , The Way , The Truth , The Light ! We are loved , and protected and honored at all times , And whatever you ask for , You shall receive ! More than obvious this comes from a higher source. We are infinite Love !
AModernMerlin@Aol.com

Deep Thoughts.......2006-02-02

If you are looking for a book that will stimulate deep thoughts, this book is for you. If you are simple minded it will probably be over your head and you will recieve nothing for your time. Don't be afraid, it is not religious Bible thumping material. It is more like thinking outside the box. It nurtures your thoughts and you will never go higher than your own thoughts.

The Hitchhiker's Trilogy: The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy; The Restaurant at the End of the Universe; Life, the Universe, and Everything, So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish; Mostly Harmless

Average customer rating:

Books, not Movie.
your guide

The Hitchhiker's Trilogy: The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy; The Restaurant at the End of the Universe; Life, the Universe, and Everything, So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish; Mostly Harmless
Douglas Adams
Manufacturer: SFBC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0739410121

Product Description

Contents: The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy; The Restaurant at the End of the Universe; Life, the Universe and Everything; So Long, and Thanks for all the Fish; Mostly Harmless.

Customer Reviews:

Books, not Movie........2005-10-21

The books are wonderful, but if you think that the books are gonig to be like any other version of The Hitchhikers Guide To The Galaxy, you are dead wrong. If you read the introduction to the books you know that each version is meant to be different than the others. That is the beauty of Douglas Adams work. They are all unique but all worth you time.

your guide.......2005-10-13

Okay, for those of you who haven't read the book yet but did watch the movie you guys missed out on a lot the movie didn't include all the scenes that I personally though was very well.
Now that that's out of the way. Douglas Adams in his one of his possibly best know books really out did himself. In this adventure a boring simpleton named Arthur Dent living on the planet we call earth has befriended a guy named Ford Perfect, who is not as he claimed from earth but from a planet called Betelgeuse. Where he was sent from to do research for "The Hitchhikers Guide to the Universe" (it's a book where it has everything and anything that you could possibly need to know about the universe). Ford tells Arthur that he isn't from around here. He isn't from Earth. In telling Arthur this he also tells him that the earth is about to end.
And since they have gotten to be really close friends he takes Arthur with him when he hitches a ride with the Vogan ships (these are what the aliens are called that destroyed our planet earth). Vogan's in particular don't like hitchhikers very much. So they kick them off the ship, shortly after they get on. And by pure chance they get picked up. And the story goes from there.
Now that I've told you how the book starts I'll leave it up to you to read the rest of the book. And if you read this book, then watch the movie. You'll see that the movie is hardly based on this incredible book .

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