Parallel Worlds: The Science of Alternative Universes and Our Future in the Cosmos

A highly and easiliy readable book. Having now read 2 or 3 books from Michio Kaku, I must say I am becoming a fan. Also having read quite a lot of popular science books, I must say that Michio Kaku is probably one of the best popularizer at the moment. His light style helps you to grasp complex theories and subjects. He lavishly uses metaphors to make the reader feeling more comfortable. One thing I particularly liked is his talent for summarising clearly and simply most of the historical and current theories. I found even M-theory and string theory relatively well explained. Again, I am fan of the author, but I found this book was lacking a couple more graphs and diagrams. I think his other works like Phyisics of the impossible or Hyperspace had a bit more "graphics". Also, unfortunately, his works repeats itself a bit. The first third of his books are usually a summary of the main concepts in physics and its history. The same people tend to come back as well as the same particular anecdots. Another negative point would be that Kaku's enthusiasm is so great that sometimes I feel he wants to put too much in his book. This sometimes result in a very dense loaded with details, theories and facts that can be hard to digest. In other words, the tempo of the book is perhaps slightly too fast. Nevertheless, Kaku's books are always mind-blowing. Rarely I felt so exited about reading a book or looking toward reading the next batch of chapters. The covers says it all, "impossible to put down" and its quite true. As always with these books, the speculation part (generally the last few chapters) is pure eye openning joy to read. The idea of creating a bubble universe from a table top machine or the injection of all humanity's knowledge and entity into a baby universe to save ourselves is deeply comforting but also frightening. I also recommends "Hyperspace" which also blew my mind. To conclude, probably one of the best pop science book on physics I have ever read. 9/10

​All of this scientist's books are amazing. You just can't put them down.

This is a truly perspective shattering book.Whilst it may be fourteen years old Kaku remains the authority on string theory and the multiverse. Through string theory and related M theory the author builds a convincing argument for the existence of additional dimensions and alternative universes. Without resorting to formulae Kaku uses cutting edge knowledge to demonstrate that future exploration of the multiverse is not against any law of physics and limited only by our ability to manage and compute with the requisite amount of information. It is postulated future generations using quantum computing and the ability to harness the power of dark energy and matter as well as negative energy will possess the power to escape this universe, provided humanity doesn’t self destruct via climate change or warfare in the mean time. This is a book peppered with references to meaningful science fiction and explores the religious, philosophical and metaphysical consequences of the multiverse.

It is some time since I read this, to me, superb book, which is one of the kind that one lends or gives to people because one feels sure that everyone's life would be improved by reading it. That means that I have been without a copy of my own for some time and felt that a re read was in order, so I ordered a hardback copy which I will be less likely to give away or lend (and not get back, as is so often the case with paper backs ?). So it is quite a while since I read this brilliantly comprehensive overall picture setting work about of the leading edge of Blue Sky Science. I have seen some nit picking pedants criticise the odd error in some of the finer details which I feel, given the range and scale of the subjects and recent history covered speaks more about the inadequacies of the critics rather than those of the author. However, speaking of professional critics I couldn't do better than refer anyone interested to the critics comments on the cover of the book which if I remember correctly are given in the info on the book shown in Amazon. For me the book is more like reading a "can't put it down' novel that one rather wishes would never have an ending. Of course with a book covering so many fascinating areas of science the overall story so brilliantly put in a meaningful overall context by Professor KaKu is a never ending one and a pretty comprehensive list of recommended reading is provided. However, the beauty of the book is that I feel that anyone would enjoy this book, even if they knew nothing about Science which is one of it's virtues (apart from the cost of giving copies to everyone - the only negative for me and hence the hardback which I do not intend to give away or lend). The history and anecdotes about some of the leading lights in the 20th Century I found particularly beneficial and of great interest to those knowing little or nothing about Science. There is, to me, a disarmingly likeable overall attitude to Michio Kaku which leaves his style as pleasingly ego free which so suits the role he plays in this book as enthusiastic commentator rather than single track expert with an axe to grind presented by a glory seeker wanting to 'make his name' which I find spoils so many books written by childishly egotistical males. The bubbly enthusiasm and delight in the overall picture I found to provide a lift that was like playing in tops of the waves with more than enough depth to get one's feet wet but never any risk of becoming saturated let alone drowned in detail. For me it was a perfectly balanced presentation that managed to present an astonishing breadth of stimulatingly relevant subjects in a satisfyingly educational overall context that left one feeling one's life had been changed for the better by the book that for me put the book in a place of it's own. It seems a bit to trite to sum it up as 'entertainingly educational' as it was rather more than that, which brings me back to suggesting reading the opinions of the professional readers. I would recommend this book to anyone without hesitation. The fact that it presents the history along with the cutting edge means that it will never be out of date in any overall sense I feel, particularly for the non technical or those without any particular interest in science very few of whom I feel will be left in that position having read the book.

I have just finished the best pop-science book I have ever read (including Balcombe's "Pleasurable Kingdom" which I found very well-written, perfectly constructed and also deeply touching; a No. 1 until now). The subject of the book is mind-blowing and it is extremely difficult to stay focused on the reading for a length of time, because it inspires and stretches imagination to the limits. I just couldn't stop picturing things in my head! Certainly, this effect is brought mainly by the information which one could derive from any other book on the subject of the string theory, but Kaku has a great gift of clear, understandable and entertaining writing. And he simply seems to be a great guy, a person delighted in the mysterious beauty of the world(s) who puts a genuine effort in facilitating the knowledge of it to as wide an audience as possible. I did have to consult wikipedia occasionally, but generally the book is very self-contained: the writing is easy on the reader, and the apparatus helps in managing information. The book has one disadvantage: it is full of spoilers! Kaku refers to many sci-fi novels that seem like a lot of fun, so if you don't know them, you might risk a spoilt pleasure. I have the deepest respect for the Author for the last pages of the book, which send an optimistic message: we are here to learn, discover and make changes for the better. We are, right here and now, in that crucial civilisation stage which requires us to be careful and wise so we can perceive and participate in the universe with more awareness and impact than ever before. If we take the right social and moral standing today, we might be able to understand and enter the worlds previously unseen, become the observers who can truly understand and manage life, matter and intelligence. Is it overly optimistic? Perhaps, but it gives us a great purpose to follow, and it's nicer to keep going with such in mind instead of living with the vision of desolation and doom.

From the outset, this documentary immerses viewers in the fascinating realm of theoretical physics, where concepts like parallel universes and multiverse theory stretch the limits of our imagination. Through engaging narration and stunning visual effects, Parallel Worlds takes complex scientific concepts and presents them in a way that is accessible and thought-provoking. One of the standout features of this DVD is its in-depth exploration of cutting-edge research and ground-breaking theories in the field of cosmology. From the origins of the universe to the nature of reality itself, Parallel Worlds delves into some of the most profound questions ever pondered by humankind, offering insights that challenge our understanding of the cosmos. In terms of production quality, Parallel Worlds delivers a stellar viewing experience. The visuals are stunning, the sound design is immersive, and the pacing keeps viewers engaged from start to finish. Additionally, the packaging is sleek and professional, reflecting the high-quality content within. Furthermore, I was impressed by the fast delivery time and excellent service provided by the seller. The DVD arrived promptly and in perfect condition, allowing me to dive into its mind-expanding content without delay. This is a must-watch for anyone with a thirst for knowledge and a fascination with the mysteries of the universe. Its captivating exploration of multiverse theory is sure to leave viewers inspired and awestruck, opening their minds to the infinite possibilities that lie beyond our own reality.

"The most beautiful experience we can have is the mysterious. It is the fundamental emotion which stands at the cradle of true art and true science. Whosoever does not know it and can no longer wonder, no longer marvel, is as good as dead, and his eyes are dimmed" - Albert Einstein. Michio Kaku quotes this in a later chapter, it's clear he believes it because wonder and mystery pervade every page of his book. He's also a fan of science fiction and often uses examples from literature and film (like The Matrix) as a jumping board for new subjects and ideas. I read 'A Brief History of Time' about six months ago which left so many un-answered questions in my head i've been reading everything and anything i can find on quantum physics, from John Gribbin to James Gleick. Whilst all have proved excellent bed time reading, Michio Kaku's 'Parallel Worlds' is easily the most fantastical. It took me weeks to read because i could barely read a page before my mind would embark on a fabulous day dream fuelled by Michio's fervent passion for his subject. Amongst the myriad ideas presented here, the chapter on string theory was perhaps my favourite as it explains a phenomenally complex idea in a clear and lucid manner, but there is so much content throughout, it will keep your mind racing for a very long time. In any world, this gets 5 stars.

All the scientific section of the book is most interesting. The author's speculations about the future of the universe and intelligent civilizations, millions of years from now, are blatantly insane. And his philosophizing about the meaning of life and the universe are purely childish.

リサ・ランデールの著書は英語で読んでも日本語で読んでも難解なのですが、この著者の本はどちらで読んでも平易な文章で深い内容が書かれているのでおすすめです。

Good read. Easy and fun.

I would very highly recommend this book to whoever wants to know where we're at with cosmology because Michio is an incredible story teller and his explanations are easy to grasp and to the point. I absolutely loved this book and couldn't put it down! I also enjoying reading about his own views on the subject since he's very involved with strong theory. Wonderful work!

Michio Kaku has been one of my favorite over the years. Being a physicist, its easier for me to appreciate how difficult it is to explain such theories in a language that can even be comprehensible to the younger students of this vast subject. Prof. Kaku succeeds with his immaculate treatment of some of the most beautiful theories of Physics, without any usage of Mathematics...

Excellent ouvrage, comme tous les livres de Michio Kaku. Vulgarisation scientifique au sens noble du terme. Tout ce que vous vous demandez sur les mondes parallèles dans une approche plaisante