Fearful Symmetry: The Search for Beauty in Modern Physics

Paperback / softback

Main Details

Title Fearful Symmetry: The Search for Beauty in Modern Physics
Authors and Contributors      By (author) A. Zee
Foreword by Roger Penrose
SeriesPrinceton Science Library
Physical Properties
Format:Paperback / softback
Pages:376
Dimensions(mm): Height 216,Width 140
Category/GenrePopular science
Physics
ISBN/Barcode 9780691173269
ClassificationsDewey:539
Audience
General
Tertiary Education (US: College)
Edition Revised edition
Illustrations 10 halftones. 47 line illus.

Publishing Details

Publisher Princeton University Press
Imprint Princeton University Press
Publication Date 4 October 2016
Publication Country United States

Description

The concept of symmetry has widespread manifestations and many diverse applications--from architecture to mathematics to science. Yet, as twentieth-century physics has revealed, symmetry has a special, central role in nature, one that is occasionally and enigmatically violated. Fearful Symmetry brings the incredible discoveries of the juxtaposition of symmetry and asymmetry in contemporary physics within everyone's grasp. A. Zee, a distinguished physicist and skillful expositor, tells the exciting story of how contemporary theoretical physicists are following Einstein in their search for the beauty and simplicity of Nature. Animated by a sense of reverence and whimsy, Fearful Symmetry describes the majestic sweep and accomplishments of twentieth-century physics--one of the greatest chapters in the intellectual history of humankind.

Author Biography

A. Zee is professor of physics at the Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics at the University of California, Santa Barbara. His books include Quantum Field Theory in a Nutshell and Einstein Gravity in a Nutshell (both Princeton).

Reviews

"Zee's exposition of the intuitive use by modern theoretical physicists of the concept of symmetry ... in order to fathom nature's laws is superb scientific reading."--Publishers Weekly "[Zee] demonstrates effortless competence over a wide area of theoretical physics. He also displays great enthusiasm and excitement for his subject, which many readers will find infectious."--James W. McAllister, ISIS, A Journal of the History of Science Society