The spellbinding stories of the scientists whose eureka! breakthroughs in modern physics reveal science’s astonishing predictive power..The spellbinding stories of the scientists whose eureka! breakthroughs in modern physics reveal science’s astonishing predictive power.’An excellent popular science book.’DARA BRIAIN’A thoroughly informative and entertaining read.’ANNA BURNS , Booker Prize-winning author of Milkman’One of the best-written books about phsyics I have ever come across.’POPULAR SCIENCE’Highly entertaining and accessible.’IRISH TIMES’Fascinating, life enhancing entertainment.’PROSPECT’Thoroughly enjoyable . . . Chown has done it again.’BBC SKY AT NIGHTBreakthrough takes us on a breathtaking, mind-altering tour of the eureka! moments of modern physics. Charting the spellbinding stories of the scientists who predicted and discovered the existence of unknown planets, black holes, invisible force fields, ripples in the fabric of space-time, unsuspected subatomic particles and even antimatter, Marcus Chown reveals science’s greatest its astonishing predictive power.***Breakthrough was previously published in 2020 in hardback under the title The Magicians .
Dive into the exhilarating world of modern physics with Marcus Chown's "Breakthrough," a captivating journey through the groundbreaking discoveries that have shaped our understanding of the universe. This isn't just another science book; it's a series of spellbinding narratives, each centered around a "eureka!" moment when brilliant minds dared to predict the existence of phenomena previously unimagined. Previously published as "The Magicians," "Breakthrough" (Faber & Faber, 2021) showcases science's astonishing predictive power by exploring the stories behind some of the most revolutionary ideas in physics. Chown masterfully weaves together complex scientific concepts with accessible storytelling, making this 320-page paperback an engaging read for both seasoned science enthusiasts and curious newcomers. Prepare to be amazed as you uncover the human stories behind the predictions and eventual confirmations of black holes, invisible force fields, ripples in the fabric of space-time, unsuspected subatomic particles, antimatter, and even the existence of previously unknown planets. Chown doesn't just present the facts; he delves into the thought processes, the struggles, and the triumphs of the scientists who dared to challenge the status quo and venture into the unknown. This book has garnered high praise from critics and readers alike. Dara Briain hails it as "an excellent popular science book," while Anna Burns, the Booker Prize-winning author of "Milkman," describes it as "a thoroughly informative and entertaining read." "Popular Science" declares it "one of the best-written books about physics I have ever come across," and the "Irish Times" finds it "highly entertaining and accessible." "Prospect" calls it "fascinating, life-enhancing entertainment," and "BBC Sky At Night" lauds it as "thoroughly enjoyable . . . Chown has done it again." Marcus Chown, a renowned science writer and broadcaster, is known for his ability to make complex scientific ideas understandable and engaging for a wide audience. With "Breakthrough," he delivers another exceptional work that will leave you with a renewed sense of wonder about the universe and the power of human ingenuity. This book is a testament to the power of scientific prediction and the incredible discoveries that continue to reshape our understanding of reality. If you're looking for a captivating and informative exploration of modern physics, "Breakthrough" is a must-read.