Reading Hawking? Start with String Theory For Dummies.

With the recent publication of his new book The Grand Design, world-renowned physicist Stephen Hawking has been making news and bestseller lists. Hawking is known to have invoked string theory as the explanation for the creation of the universe and other scientists have debated these concepts for quite some time. The details behind every one of the concepts at the heart of his explanation - string theory, particle physics, relativity, extra dimension, parallel universes, the big bang, and so on - are covered in String Theory For Dummies (Wiley; 978-0-470-46724-4; November 2009).

For those curious about this complicated science, String Theory For Dummies provides clear and concise information for understanding the theory and relating it to the world around you. With in-depth examples and easy-to-understand writing, the book clearly discusses and demonstrates the mathematical methods in a format that is easily approachable by both students and laymen alike. Authors Andrew Zimmerman Jones and Daniel Robbins discuss the different viewpoints surrounding string theory without bias, allowing the reader to draw their own intelligent conclusions. 

Andrew Zimmerman Jones is the Physics Guide on About.com. Check out his most recent article, “God, Physics, and Stephen Hawking” here.