5 comments about Warped Passages: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Universe's Hidden Dimensions.

1. PROS: Deep analysis of high energy physics. Good job at explaining bizzare ideas/theories.
   
   CONS: Although Randall makes many analogies to try to grasp tough concepts, I wish she would have made even more. Also, the book could use more and better illustrations to help the reader understand these extremely complicated ideas. The book loses one star for each of those shortcomings.
   
   CONCLUSION: If you've read Stephen Hawking and found yourself wanting to know more, read this book. It's extremely difficult to subject to write about, especially for the layperson. She does a pretty good job.



2. This book intents to cover lots of topics, and fails miserably. In the first part, the author poorly reviews the development of relativity and quantum mechanics. She fails to convey the rich and puzzling nature of these theories and, in addition, writes in such an appalling style that one is left wondering whether the text had the benefits of an editor at all. The narrative line is repetitive and convoluted. There are some stylistic pearls as "the German-born Max Born". Words are repeated once and again -- has anyone counted how many time the string "later on" occurs in the text? -- and the tone is patronizing of the reader. In the second part,the author describes her own research and related topics. Here the quality of the text improves. Advice: buy only the second part of the book!



3. Professor Randall of Harvard has written a truly monumental book for physics and for those interested in science. She has brilliantly bridged the knowledge gap between the scientist and the layperson. With this book, she dispels forever the ridiculous notion that women are somehow less equipped to do science at the highest level. As a theoretical physicist, her work is perhaps the most quoted in recent history - proof that her discoveries, which opens up fresh new thinking, are among the most significant in the history of science.
   
   Warped Passages is a book that showcases Professor Randall's skills as a "model builder" in theoretical physics. Using the logic of model building, she deftly wove a tale of how past discoveries finally led to her out-of-the-box insight to use the fifth dimension to explain some of the more vexing modern day problems in physics. She demonstrated for us that with warped space, we may not even see a fifth dimension of infinite size.
   
   The book is full of creative analogies to help us understand what the human mind is not equipped to grasp - extra dimensions. It is written simply, elegantly and clearly. Even if you find the more esoteric concepts difficult to understand at a deeper level as I do, she has included at the end of each chapter bullets of key concepts that anyone can understand. After reading the book, you will find yourself able to discuss at dinner parties the more important discoveries in physics such as general relativity, quantum mechanics and extra dimensions with the confidence of a trained physicist. You will also want to learn more about the latest advances in physics. Whether you have a Ph.D. in physics or are someone with a passing interest in science, you will find this book useful, interesting, informative and exhilarating. You will be infected by her obvious enthusiasm in physics and mathematics. Professor Randall has done a great service for the advancement of science and the recruit of students into physics. As a bonus, you will see glimpses of her humanity, humor and wit.
   
   This is an exciting time in the history of physics. With this book, you will see why Professor Randall is the chief architect of what makes it exciting.



4. From the moment I first saw this book I was intrigued. I have followed developments in high energy physics only occasionally since I graduated 10 years ago. After picking up Dr. Randall's book I started feeling that excitement for science that led me to physics in the first place.
   
   Warped Passages is written in a very accessible style, with many analogies attempting to clarify complex and non-intuitive concepts. My favorite was an explanation of the strong nuclear force using events from the Trojan War. While a reader with no background in physics or mathematics will be able to follow the topics presented, exposure to these sciences exponentially increases the amount of information conveyed.
   
   The chronological presentation of particle physics history provides a background that is difficult to get otherwise. The inclusion of anecdotes and quotes from the scientists involved with the history is one of the things that makes Warped Passages so readable. This book stands out in that it not only conveys an intuitive understanding of the material, but actually delves into detail about the science. The book is clearly timed well to help build awareness and excitement as the Large Hadron Collider approaches full operation. Readers will likely be much more interested in the events unfolding at the LHC after gaining a deeper understanding of what is being sought.



5. Lisa Randall is a theoretician working at the front line of modern physics, and this book essentially covers, without maths (an extraordinary achievement) Randall's path.
   
   The book starts with a coverage of relativity and quantum mechanics, each in small chapters, explains the role of symmetry and why it is important, and proceeds to the standard model of particle physics. That path is probably common to all physicists, and Randall shows in its simplest form, the standard model is not without problems, e.g. the difference between prediction and observation can exceed by many orders of magnitude the number of elementary particles in the known universe. Fixes are required, and the path then proceeds through supersymmetry, the Higgs particle, and on to multidimensional physics. The absence of maths makes the book eerily readable, but it may also lead to a little uncertainty in interpretation. However, for the non-physicist, this book may offer the only credible way of finding out what this journey involves. That is the first reason to buy the book.
   
   The second reason is that it shows how Randall goes about things; this is one of the very few books in which a leading scientist shows some of their own thought patterns, free of pompous self-justification. It is worth it almost for that reason alone.
   
   The third reason is that it shows how "brittle" the standard model is. The way Randall puts it, there is very little "wriggle-room" there. In my opinion, there is a very good chance that much of this will eventually be regarded as "quaint", and may be an interesting historical account of a theory that went wrong, and readers will comment about what physicists should have doubted.
   
   However, the fourth reason is perhaps the best. In a few hours after writing this, the Large Hadron Collider will be switched on. Assuming it works, various statements will come out, and if you follow this book, you should be able to appreciate, at least qualitatively, what it all means. Thus if, as I suspect, new much heavier mesons are found, then much of the standard model will fall. Alternatively, if the Higgs is found where it is supposed to be and what I suspect will turn up doesn't, then the reader will gratefully realize they understand nature, at least to a point. This book is one of the very few guides available.

No comments about The Clean Tech Revolution: Discover the Top Trends, Technologies, and Companies to Watch.

5 comments about Quantum Physics and Theology: An Unexpected Kinship.

1. In this slim well written volume Polkinghorne gives us a succinct comparison of the rational processes of inquiry required in both quantum physics and Chistian theology. As he says in his preface if you're looking for a book on quantum physics he has written a different work treating that subject specifically. He has also written elsewhere about his Christian faith and theology. This book's real value lies in its encouragement towards further reading.
   
   Polkinghorne reaffirms his commitment to "critical realism" largely derived from Michael Polanyi. He then takes us on a fascinating journey of the intellectual history of quantum physics and theology. He draws a series of parallels in the two disciplines. Starting with a discussion of how science uses experience and understanding in the process of discovery he explains how the relationship between theory and experiment played a part in Einstein's development of the theory of relativity. That is paralleled by a discussion of how Christology is shaped by the historical record of Christ found in the Gospels. That supports his adoption of "bottom up" theology. This format is followed throughout the book - first discussing an aspect of the history of science and quantum physics followed with a history of some aspect of theology. Overall, this makes for some fascinating reading, if at times a little confusing as to exactly how these different histories are paralleled.
   
   Some of the scientific subjects covered are: the development of relativity, quarks, atomic structure, waves and particles, quantum indeterminacy and quantum field theory. The theological subjects include Christology, the historical Jesus, the incarnation, the doctrine of two natures, doctrine of the Trinity, miracles and eschatology. Polkinghorne finishes up with a discussion of some human aspects of intellectual inquiry such as the role of genius, insight, imagination, thought experiments and how the choice of words influences conceptual formulation.
   
   Polkinghorne's aim is to get scientists to appreciate the rational inquiry demanded of theological reflection and perhaps to do some reading in theology. Likewise, he encourages theologians to appreciate the intellectual rigor of scientific inquiry and to study science to see what that might add to their own theological formulations. I think this book succeeds in stimulating the reader in those directions.



2. The book is easy to read even though the complexity of the theme it works. Polkinhorne explores the connections between science and religion, making his point clear and easy to understand.



3. John Polkinhorne concedes that the existance of extra (space/time) dimensions is, as yet, unproven; what happens to our conciousness is also unproven in theology. He, nevertheless, offers sound logic that there must be a dynamic to perform transistion from this existance to the future. Since energy can neither be created nor destroyed it occurs that "super string" or no, some such dimensions are more than probable.
   
   Joseph Taylor



4. This is an excellent resource illustrating how science and Christianity are NOT mutually exlusive. Polkinghorne is a physicist and a "hard science" person as opposed to Diarmuid O'Murchu (Quantum Theology) who is a "soft science" person.
   
   Polkinghorne draws solid and substantiated paralells in the methods used by science and Christianity in their search for truth. This is much needed in our present culture where the constructed DUALISTIC split between science and religion prevails; that is, our culture tends to choose sides, EITHER science OR religion. Polkinghorne aptly illustrates that one can be both a scientist and a Priest as he is, or believe in science and religion.
   
   The only complaint I have is that at times Polkinhorne's tone is a bit uppity bordering on condescending. What I refer to here is illustrated in the preface when he explains why he did not title his book "Quantum Theology." He slams it as "quantum hype" and says it is really just indulgence in "paradox." I moved easily past this dig, which I perceived to be against O'Murchu, Social Psychologist and author of QUANTUM THEOLOGY, because Polkinghorne is a "hard scientist."
   
   That Polkinghorne is a "hard scientist" makes his work very methodical easy to follow, and the Christianity Science parallels unmistakable, even for the novice. That Polkinghorne is a priest probably lends to his openess to postmodern thought, that he is a physicist keeps him from "throwing the baby (scientific method) out with the bath water (some of the deification of science ineherent in much of modernity/enlightenment). I have never read a more clear and easy to follow book. This book is well worth the read and hopefully can lead to an even wider opening for the meeting of science and religion.



5. John Polkinghorne has written a book that will surprise and challenge many of its readers. In a neatly written and cogently argued case, he shows that there are many more similarities than one might have suspected between the goals and methods of the quantum physicist and those of the Christian theologian. He writes as an expert in both disciplines and his text is free of wild overstatement and contrived polemic. This is a book that charms and inspires and conveys a sense of authentic wonder at the astonishing creation of which we are a part.

4 comments about Business: A Changing World.

1. Faculty, students and anyone else shopping for a basic introduction to business textbook, be warned - this book is cheap and readily demonstrates why if you critically assess what it offers (or does not). McGraw Hill Irwin should be ashamed for ever allowing it to be published in its available form. One does not have to look far to find factual errors of every kind. Some are no-brainers such as the page 149 reference to defense contractor "Lockheed Martin" with the name reversed to "Martin Lockheed" (were the writers disgruntled former shareholders of Martin Marietta?). But perhaps even more egregious are technical inaccuracies such as a notation but two pages earlier that an S Corporation restricts shareholders to 35, rather than the correct membership number of 75. Such errors in a textbook designed for beginning students of the business discipline are unpardonable.

   The publisher must take responsiblity not only for the disastrous outcome of the basic text but also the weak supplements including a poorly retreaded video series that includes several out-of-date experiences that do little if anything to engage students in the exciting world of contemporary business.

   All in all, a fairly poor effort on the part of authors O.C. Ferrell and Geoffrey Hirt. The book is one of the least expensive of its type on the market and certainly argues that instructor and student get what is paid for, at least in this case. For the serious business student, consider the Boone and Kurtz authored "Contemporary Business." The Thompson Publishing firm will produce customized softcover verions of the latter for just a bit more in price and the results will far exceed anything offered in the disappointing "Business: A Changing World."




2. The book is very informative and a pretty easy read. The topics are as expected not as up to date as possible since the business world is constantly changing but it addresses issues in a modern way. Good intro to business textbook.



3. I bought this brand new and it would be a good book if it wasn't poorly manufactured. In the book it skips chapters 4 and half of chapter 5 and makes up for the lost chapters by repeating chapter 3 twice. Sure it's good for getting by in class but it'd be nice to know what chapter 4 and the first half of 5 is all about.



4. The language is very smooth and easy to read. The illustrations make sense and are relevant.

4 comments about Physics: Why Matter Matters.

1. "Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler." Albert Einstein
   
   Yup, that just about sums up what's going on here, proving the Einstein's smaller theories were pretty solid as well. The physical world and its inhabitants are once again anthropomorphed and grouped by association. We get the Old School dudes (Mass, Weight, Density, &c.), the Hot Stuff (Energy, Entropy...), the Wave Gang (Sound, Frequency...), the Light Crew (Radio, Microwave...), and so on. It's all here, each aspect with its own spread, a first-person breakdown on the one side and a graffiti-like cartoon portrait on the other. There's also a "first discovered" box and a short historical list of how or when they were famously employed.
   
   As with Basher and Green's previous book "The Periodic Table: Elements With Style," I think this book works best in the classroom as a supplemental text (though used correctly they could be primary) with wide appeal. A great introduction for budding young scientists to the basics of physics, a playful refresher for older young scientists, and an easily digestible crash-course for adults who need the background to keep up with their budding young scientists.



2. The only drawback to this book is the fact that now my 6 year old knows what alpha particles are and I have no idea. This is another outstanding science book for children that not only teaches but excites them about the subject matter as well. The book arrived in the mail last week and on the first day my son read the entire book. Never fear however the subject matter is introduced well enough to entertain and inform in that first reading, however it is physics. He has and will I am sure continue reading, understanding a little more each time. He was disappointed that Physics did not come with a poster like The Periodic Table: Elements with Style. I do recommend reading the book thoroughly, if like me you are not into physics, before your child does. The conversations go better when you don't have to look everything up.



3. My six year old plowed through this book in one afternoon... he knew he'd love it because the Periodic Table version is an old favorite. The information is clear, concise, and engaging, the pictures appealing to my little Pokemon fan. I love that we had a whole discussion of strong vs. weak force at dinner last night. Not really a textbook, but a fantastic introduction to physics for kids who read well on thier own.



4. I teach 5th grade and my students are in love with these books as well as The Periodic Table: Elements with Style. It makes it easy for them to understand. They borrow the books from me daily and it really triggers an interest in science for them. These books have been so successful in my classroom I pre-ordered the biology version coming out in September. I can't say enough good things about it/them.

4 comments about Einstein's Mistakes: The Human Failings of Genius.

1. A book that explains the HYPE over one man...I have been saying this for years and very few people believed me!!!
   
   Ask anyone where E=mc2 comes from and you will be told "Einstein." It is on T-shirts, public monuments and book covers -- The problem is that Einstein was not the first to discover the equation: It was known for several years before he presented it in his celebrated 1905 paper, "Does the Inertia of a Body Depend on its Energy-content?" Nor was the proof that he provided there complete.
   
   Plus, there are flaws in Einstein's Principle of Equivalence (concerning gravity and acceleration), an important building block in the general theory of relativity. And there are errors in Einstein's effort to introduce a "cosmological constant" in his equations for space-time. The mathematical constant supposedly confirmed Einstein's belief that the universe was static.
   
   THE UNIVERSE IS NOT STATIC!
   
   But Einstein was.



2. The author is a real raconteur, and he tells stories well. It's too bad, then, that he allows his puerile personal opinions to distract from the subject at hand, which is--after all--Einstein's mistakes.
   
   Just tell the story, and keep all the claptrap about religious fundamentalists, the purity of science, the evils of creationism, and the like for your letters to the New York Times



3. The first of Einstein's "mistakes" discussed in this book is his stipulation that the speed of light is the same in all inertial frames. Ohanion is indignant about this because he thinks that this principle is a fact about the world and not an assumption. The author is very insistant about this but he doesn't really give an argument. Now, I am a bit embarrassed to admit that, until now, I've been one of those people who goes through life not worrying very much about the speed of light being the same to all observers. This is supposed to be counterintuitive, but is it really? I mean, a light signal is not the same kind of object as a train or a plane. In fact its very different and it would be surprising if the speed of light meant the same thing as the speed of a train. I think it was Lewis Fry Richardson who pointed out that we mean different things by speed when we talk about different things. He was talking about the speed of the wind but the argument applies to other things as well.
   Light is defined as something that satisfies Maxwell's equations. These equations are structured in such a way that the speed of anything that is described by them will be the same when measured in any inertial framework. Einstein obviously understood this. Now, Maxwell's equations are not facts. They agree with the facts of electricity and magnetism but so would any number of alternative theories. Most scientists prefer Maxwell's equations because they seem them as better than the alternatives but this judgment goes beyond the facts to include some assumptions about what reality is like.
   So certain assumptions in conjunction with the bare facts about electricity and magnetism lead to the choice of Maxwell's theoretical framework which implies that the speed of light is the same for all observers. Einstein is right that an assumption is involved here. But I wouldn't even be thinking about these things if I hadn't started reading this book so I guess I owe a debt of gratitude to the author. I gave the book only one star because I found something else in it that I think is unforgivably stupid. The author presents the cracked idea that Jews have a different style of doing physics than other people and leaves the reader the impression that there might be something to it.
   Since writing this review, I have gotten deeper into the book which is, I have to admit, compulsively diverting and readable. It hasn't gotten any worse and it continues to be stimulating in an annoying way.



4. When asked by his student how he'd respond to evidence against his famous theory of relativity, Einstein maintained his belief in it against all possible empirical evidence - seemingly. His sense of humor may have outsmarted him but it also reflected his singular mind and stubborn purpose - and his reliance on intuition and inspiration over all. EINSTEIN'S MISTAKES comes from a physicist who offers a biography of Einstein by way of analyzing his failures and mistakes: as such it provides an involving survey which considers the history of physics and Einstein's mistakes as well as those of other leading scientists over the decades. An involving, moving survey.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch

5 comments about Universe.

1. This book is amazing. Its pictures are beautiful and explanations clear.
   I leave it on my coffee table as the pictures are so beautiful and on every page. I would suggest this book for especially persons that have not had previous knowledge of the universe as this explains it all in understandable detail. Good for all ages except the very young.



2. This is quite simply a magnificent book. It contains an incredible wealth of information, ranging from leptons, bosons and variously flavoured quarks right through to galaxy superclusters. The planets of the solar system are covered in-depth, and every other known type of structure in the universe besides. Apart from this description of the universe on every scale, this book contains pages covering the history and methods of astronomy, space travel, the question of life in the universe, and likely scenarios for the beginning and the end of the cosmos. Even string theory is touched upon. The final quarter of the book is taken up by an extensive collection of star charts, inviting the reader to actively involve him- or herself in some stargazing.
   But it's not just the breadth and depth of the information covered that makes this book such a gem, it is also the way it is presented. Every single page is visually pleasing, through a clever merging of text and illustrations. With text often broken up into numerous, succinct, thematic lemmas, many pages almost feel like a book in themselves. The layout and design is stylish as well as colourful. Many of the images are absolutely dazzling. Once you open this visual guide, anywhere, chances are you'll be glued to it for the next hour. A must-have for anyone who likes to be immersed in the endless wonders of our universe.



3. Visually intoxicating! You can learn the secrets of the universe in this one volume. I have numerous DK published books all of which are excellent. However, this is the paragon that all the other books are judged by. Simply, it is the best book that they have ever published. It should be the standard text book for astronomy classes!



4. The information and illustrations inside the book are wonderful. Every page you turn to has something that sparks your interest. Only downfall was that I purchased this for my husband for Christmas and the second time he opened the book to read out of it the binding broke.



5. 
   I bought this book 4 weeks ago after trying out quite a few books about universe. This is by far the best book about the unimaginable universe. The things that I liked about this book are:
   
   The book is divided into 4 sections. First one is overview of the universe. Second section goes into details of the solar system. Third talks about rest of the universe. Last section has guides to watch sky in the night.
   
   It starts off with a few pages about technical understanding of forces that build universe. Excellent information about atoms, bonds, Bohr's orbits, photos, gravity etc. These basic concepts of physics are tied in to how the universe functions. If you are not a technical person, don't get scared by this since it is explained in a very neat and simple manner. I wish this kind of explanations were available in my high school.
   
   It has few of the best ever pictures of celestial objects. Its not only a picture book though. It has lot of textual information about the object. There are lot of great illustrations to describe each planet in detail. I have not yet reached the part where it talks about rest of the universe but so far, I am loving this book.
   
   Things I did not like? Not much really. I would have liked to see information about how these pictures are taken or from where the pictures are obtained but understand that it would make the book less appealing in terms of asthetics.
   
   Great book overall, not just an eyecandy but a definitive resource about universe.
   
   Thanks
   Abhay Joshi

2 comments about 5 Steps to a 5 AP Physics B & C, 2008-2009 Edition (5 Steps to a 5 on the Advanced Placement Examinations).

1. This item came in great condition...too bad I didn't get a chance to use it to comment on it's helpfulness.
   --



2. Okay, full disclosure: I'm the author. I'm also an AP Physics teacher, reader, and consultant, so I know what it takes to do well on the AP physics exam.
   
   The biggest misconception folks have about Physics is that it's all about math, about numbers and equations. Sure, there's a bit of that; but you'll find that the surest route to success in AP Physics is to work toward a strong CONCEPTUAL understanding of the natural world. I don't mean that AP Physics is easy. No. But I virtually guarantee that it's not as hard as your textbook, teacher, and friends make it out to be.
   
   This book, unlike your textbook, is intended to be READ. The style is clear and straightforward, inserting mathematics where necessary (rather than everywhere, just to look fancy). Try it. My own students swear by _5 Steps to a 5_ as the best exam preparation they could ask for.
   
   Check out my school (Woodberry Forest School) and me (via "Nachoman's Baseball") on the web. Send me your feedback.
   
   greg

5 comments about Quantum Physics: A Beginner's Guide.

1. I like how it breaks things down into subcategories, it's kind of like an overview of physics. If you want to know what quantum physics covers and not get into too much detail about the subject this is the book for you. In this sense it is a beginner's guide. It doesn't break things down into simpler ways of understanding but covers very basic ideas of quantum physics.



2. I read a review in which the reviewer said he reads 5 books a year and that makes him an authority. That made me chuckle. I think Einstein himself said, he was no Einstein.
   
   I've read about 3 dozen books on physics and math in the last 2 years and this one is another one I am happy to add to my list. Alastair Rae has the gift of not talking down to the reader. What I particularly like are the summaries and notes at the end of each chapter; it just seems to tie everything together. The book has mathematical boxes throughout, which can be skipped by the reader and still manage to get the over-all message. I would however recommend trying the math. If you are a little vague on math, try reading 'Basic Technical Mathematics with Calculus' by Allyn J. Washington and 'Precalculus Demystified' by Rhonda Huetenmueller.
   I did and it gave me a good mathematical background. I would as well, recommend studying classical physics too.
   
   All in all, Rae offers a good introduction to quatum for those who are new to the field, as well as a refresher for anyone with experience.



3. I really appreciate how the book is written in simplistic terms that most will be able to understand. It has truly explained the reasons for certain reactions in my world. It's easy to understand and remember.



4. Though the book is Ok, after reading Isaacs Asimov "Understanding Phisics" I expected more clarity from this book.



5. Overall, I definitely got what I wanted out of this book. For those of you who want a mathy approach to the subject, this is probably not the book for you. I know very little about the subject, so I wanted a book that would enable me to get a big picture so I could tell if a certain aspect of quantum physics interests me. This book serves that function well.
   
   No direct reflection on the author, but there are a number of significant numerical errors in the first chapter or so. They are almost certainly due to poor typesetting, I'm sure the author can tear up the math.

5 comments about Programming the Universe: A Quantum Computer Scientist Takes on the Cosmos.

1. Seth does a fine job of explaining the quantum theory of how the universe works. Easy to understand and an interesting read.



2. I am not a physicist or mathemetician, but I take a great interest in information theory, infophysics, quantum computing etc. There are several books on the subject - some distiliations by journalist/authors, others are books for the layperson written by authorities (Lloyd, Deutsch)
   
   This book takes a more physics-oriented apporach to the issue of universal quantum computing, and omits a fair amount of detail about computation itself. This book is not for peer consumption, but rather for the general public. It is an idea to which I subscribe, given what little I know.
   
   If you want more details, read Deutsch, or various websites on quantum computing (www.qubit.org). This is a vast, technical area of science that cuts across almost all disciplines. The implications of a working quantum computer are staggering, as are its implications with respect to time and time travel.
   
   My only gripe with this book is Lloyd's own self promotion and friendly attempts to poke holes in Deutsch's ideas of the multi-verse. I am not interested in academic ego contests - save them for the conferences. State your case, offer some unamed alternatives, and write up a good bibliography. Thats all I ask!



3. The author says that the universe is a computer because it manipulates matter in an automatic, unthinking way - just like a computer.
   But surely this is a circular argument? As the computer works by using the laws of physics, it is a truism to say that the laws of physics themselves constitute a computation. What does this statement actually tell us?
   I was hoping that the book would put some flesh on the author's idea, but after reading it I'm still waiting.
   At any point in the history of humanity, we have used our most sophisticated knowledge for explanatory purposes. When the most sophisticated machine was a clock, we described the universe as a clockwork machine. Now that the cleverest thing we know is quantum theory, we get books like this.



4. This is a thought-provoking book which explains why we should envision the universe as a quantum computer and how doing so may illuminate our understanding of some difficult questions. In addition it offers a useful summary of quantum computing for the general reader, along with discussions of cosmology, thermodynamics and introductory quantum mechanics (all with a computing "gloss").
   
   As a layperson who had read explanatory books and articles about quantum physics for many years before I ever heard about quantum computers, the first theme the book hammered home for me was that quantum computing in an important sense just is quantum physics. A classical computer can be instantiated in a variety of physical set-ups; a quantum computer is itself a quantum system. While you can try to model a quantum system on a classical computer, you will quickly overwhelm its computational resources. So, quantum computing, in addition to its potential for practical acceleration of computing power generally, gives us a useful and appropriate logical framework to analyze the physics of our world.
   
   The next step for Lloyd is to explore the implications of the ability to perform this kind of "quantum simulation". After describing how the simulation process would work, he makes the conceptual case that, logically, there is no reason to distinguish between what's happening in the simulation and the original system.
   
   Now, the step which motivates the book title: while we can't do it yet, in principle the universe (the accessible part, anyway) is finite in extent, and hypothetically could be simulated in a quantum computer. But, following the point above, since the computer has the same number of qubits as the universe, and since the operations on the qubits simulate the universe's dynamics, we can say that at the end of the day the universe can be thought of as performing a quantum computation.
   
   So what does it mean? What can this view do for us? I think there are two possible answers, one concrete and one more intangible. First, ideas from quantum computing may help in the quest for a theory of quantum gravity. Second, it may offer an improved paradigm for interpreting and understanding the physical world. These ideas are furthre explored in the book.



5. Dr. Lloyd, Gives a convincing argument of how the universe can be perceived as a huge quantum computer. He also gives an understandable explanation of information theory and how it relates to quantum theory and cosmology. He makes a valiant attempt to unify quantum theory with gravity.