The universe has many secrets. It may hide additional dimensions of space other than the familier three we recognize. There might even be another universe adjacent to ours, invisible and unattainable . . . for now.

Warped Passages is a brilliantly readable and altogether exhilarating journey that tracks the arc of discovery from early twentieth-century physics to the razor's edge of modern scientific theory. One of the world's leading theoretical physicists, Lisa Randall provides astonishing scientific possibilities that, until recently, were restricted to the realm of science fiction. Unraveling the twisted threads of the most current debates on relativity, quantum mechanics, and gravity, she explores some of the most fundamental questions posed by Nature—taking us into the warped, hidden dimensions underpinning the universe we live in, demystifying the science of the myriad worlds that may exist just beyond our own.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS (Average Customer Rating: 4.5 based on 150 reviews)

Four reasons to purchase

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.
September 09, 2008

Why I was interested in science in the first place

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.
August 19, 2008

Groundbreaking Physics in Beautiful Prose

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.
August 16, 2008

Great topics for a poorly written books

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!
August 05, 2008

If Hawking bores you, read this book

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.
June 05, 2008

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The Road to Reality: A Complete Guide to the Laws of the Universe
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The Fabric of the Cosmos: Space, Time, and the Texture of Reality
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Parallel Worlds: A Journey Through Creation, Higher Dimensions, and the Future of the Cosmos
by Michio Kaku

The Elegant Universe: Superstrings, Hidden Dimensions, and the Quest for the Ultimate Theory
by Brian Greene