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This books attempts three things: (1) a non-technical introduction to quantum mechanics, by historical background, analogy, and descriptions of predicted phenomena; (2) descriptions of a number of relatively recent experiments elucidating the "mysteries" of quantum mechanics; and (3) a critical summary of various interpretations. As a popular introduction I would not recommend this book over superior accounts such as Nick Herbert's "Quantum Reality." Despite the fact that Herbert's book is substantially older, the basic theory is still the same. Descriptions of experiments are very poorly written, and many lack diagrams that would make them faster to read and easier to understand. The interpretative section is extremely poorly written and self-indulgent. It does give extensive space to "many-worlds" interpretations, but these have largely fallen out of favor among physicists. In any event, Gribbin is a shallow writer, and fails to convey many of the philosophical nuances -- or, for that matter, to connect the interpretations to the experiments in a clear and easily comprehensible way. His final twist (relative to other popular works) is the introduction of an interpretation incorporating the quantum "backwards" wave. This is an extremely interesting addition to the interpretive literature. Gribben butchers his description, but if you've have a solid course in QM already under your belt, you'll get it.All in all this book, this book, which probably had considerable promise in its initial proposal to the publisher, fails in execution. I notice, however, that competition in this market has thinned in recent years, so it may still be a viable alternative for readers looking for a popular text that is relatively up-to-date.

Gribbin's book is strong in introduction, but seems tofall short in properly addressing theissues of the quantum theory itself. The introduction is extremely good: one is drawn into important historical advances in theoretical physics, particularly in the study of light. Unfortunately, the transition to quantum theory is quite abrupt, and the author does not make good use of this material. It seems that the historical study of light was written almost independently of the section addressed to quantum mechanics. One is left with a hazy conception of Quantum Theory.

One of my favorite books on the topics discussed. Fuzzy here and there, perhaps, but the fairest assessment and broad evaluation of many theories extant. The criticisms of modern science, the enslavement of theory to mathematics, and the noting of "forgotten" observations (e.g. photon's frame of reference) are perhaps the most important discussions. I wonder how the scientific community is reacting to these! Gribbon's very healthy attitutde that all theories are useful, and none are complete is most welcome. He dubs such theories "myths" which is an intriguing metaphor I'd like him to elaborate on. And by the way, he also presents some theories which may one day "de-spook" the problems. Please read and reply! db

This book presents a very lucid, engaging, and

often humorous explanation of the oddities of

quantum physics. It's a wonderful

introducion for the curious, the neophyte

physicist or the experienced metaphysician!

I refute Hemmick's evaluation as being incomplete. Except for the subtitle which would be more accurate with a question mark on the end, I would recommend this, as well as The God Particle, to anyone who is interested in looking into the mysteries of the Universe, and not be overwhelmed by the deep math of Shrodinger's equation, Gribbon is a great teacher which shows in the restraint he uses, and the exciting tone he gives to the tome.