Taking the Quantum Leap: The New Physics for Nonscientists

by Fred Alan Wolf

Book Overview

This book entertainingly traces the history of physics from the observations of the earlyGreeks through the discoveries of Galileo and Newton to the dazzling theories of such scientists as Planck,... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0062509802
• ISBN13: 9780062509802
• Release Date: January 1981
• Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
• Length: 262 Pages
• Weight: 1.05 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Good introduction!

Was initially worried about the difficulty level of an introductory book in this area. Very pleased as I am not a scientist. If you are likewise inclined, consider this text.

Excellent intro to Quantum Physics

Excellent book on Quantum Physics, which is a complex field to understand, especially because of the mechanistic frame of reference we all exist in and are limited by. Entertaining and playful in the way ideas and concepts are presented. Excellent presentation of the history of ideas in Physics. I disagree with one of the previous reviewers, who rated the book low, based on his (her?) claim that Wolf simply uses the text as a means of propagating his own ideosyncratic personal ideas. I urge the reviewer to read other literature on Quantum Physics, and not to give up on trying to understand this complex field. It's not Wolf's descriptions that are fantastic, but the field of Quantum physics that we find hard to grasp, coming, as most of us do, from a rigidly narrow framework of perception of time and space, which we take for granted.

To Be or Not to Be...

This is one of the best books for finding out about quantum physics and what impact it has on our lives, from the vantage point of the parallel universes (or many worlds model) perspective. Wolf's writing is humorous and descriptive, and the book is chock full of wonderful cartoons, photographs, charts, and quotations. Whether you've studied physics before or are a complete novice, you'll find lots of good information here! As active observers, we are responsible for selecting which of the infinite possible realities we will experience. As Wolf puts it, "To be or not to be is not the question; it is the answer".

A wonderful intro to QM

The physicist Fred Alan Wolf writes a lucid book of the weird & wonderful world of quantum mechanics for we non-scientist types. The field is fascinating.....and bizarre. Wolf traces the origins of QM from the late 19th century & also discusses how it disproves some of classical physics' most treasured suppositions. This is a great work for those intrigued by science & the "big" developments in physics of the 20th century. So, for those who possess inquisitive minds, this is a splendid work. The biologist JBS Haldane once said "Reality is not only stranger than we imagine, it is stranger than we can imagine." After reading this book, I think that one would be inclined to agree.

Taking the Quantum Leap- The New Physics for Non-Scientists

A very informative book dealing with the past and present theorys of how the universe works. I found this book is written in easy to understand language.

Well written, lucid and intelligent

I read "The Quantum Leap" over 10 years ago and it introduced me to the "New Physics," and the quantum view of the universe. I rediscovered "The Quantum Leap," after coming accross "The Dreaming Universe," which has just arrived on the bookstore shelves. Wolf continues to introduce forward leaning, interesting and vital developments in spirituality science to the general public. I highly recommend "The Quantum Leap" as a general introduction to quantum physics and spirituality.