Discusses relativity theory and quantum physics, introducing and explaining the ground-breaking ideas of Newton and Boltzmann, Einstein and Schroedinger, Penrose and Hawking. It zooms in on the behaviour of molecules and atoms, and pulls back to survey the expansion of the universe. Topics covered include: entropy and gravity, blackholes and wormholes, and the origins and future of the Universe.
1. Two Concepts of Time; 2. Time and Space: a Marriage is Arranged; 3. Taking Space-Time Seriously; 4. From Flat to Curved Space-Time; 5. Weaving the Cosmic Tapestry; 6. Closed Timelike Curves: Science Fact or Science Fiction?; 7. Classical Time Travel: the Toils of Paradox; 8. Hamilton's Legacy: Physical Systems and their State Spaces; 9. Time Asymmetry and the Second Law; 10. Entropy, Electrodynamics and the Role of Gravity; 11. 'Drawn Through Life Backwards'; 12. The Unyielding Past; 13. The Emergence of Order; 14. From Quantum Leaps to Schrodinger's Cat; 15. Schrodinger's Time Traveller; 16. Space, Time, and Quantum Gravity: Physics at the Frontier; 17. The Time of Our Lives; 18. Epilogue
'Michael Lockwood's book The Labyrinth of Time: Introducing the Universe has just appeared. I highly recommend it. It's a wonderful overview of the physics and philosophy of time, crafted extremely carefully and engagingly (yet without compromising any content) for the lay reader, superbly produced and illustrated. Oh, and it's true.' Professor David Deutsch, author of The Fabric of Reality "Michael Lockwood's book...is a model of balance and clarity." "Lockwood's style is clear and straightforward." Times Higher Education Supplement 'Michael Lockwood's book...is a model of balance and clarity...Lockwood's style is clear and straightforward' Paul Davies, Times Higher Education Supplement