Overview
Explaining the science behind science fiction and fantasy-from the probable to the impossibleFrom space elevators to interstellar travel, science fiction and fantasy writers have come up with some brilliant, innovative ideas. Yet how plausible are these ideas-for instance, could Mr. Weasley's flying car in the Harry Potter books really exist? Which concepts might happen, and which ones wouldn't work? From the works of Ursula K. Le Guin to Star Trek and Avatar, this book delves into the most extraordinary details in science fiction and fantasy-such as time warps, shape changing, and rocket launches-and shows readers the physics and math behind the phenomena.
Full Product Details
Author: Charles L. Adler
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Imprint: Princeton University Press
ISBN: 9780691196374
ISBN 10: 0691196370
Pages: 392
Publication Date: 19 November 2019
Audience:
General/trade
,
College/higher education
,
General
,
Tertiary & Higher Education
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active
Availability: Available To Order
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Reviews
What a fun book! -Keith Cooper, Astronomy Now Invaluable for anyone wanting to write really accurate science fiction. -Popular Science For those who want to learn the hard facts about the realities of space travel or the chances for alien life. . . Wizards, Aliens, and Starships would be an admirable choice. -Sidney Perkowitz, Scientists' Bookshelf The physics is well explained and Adler offers entertaining examples. -Noel-Ann Bradshaw, Times Higher Education Adler does a grand job of showing just how powerful even basic maths and physics can be. -Robert Matthews, BBC Focus Magazine As a text for a course or as a vehicle for self-study, this book makes for interesting, educational and thought-provoking reading. -Mark Hunacek, MAA Reviews A rewarding and thought-provoking read. -Paul Sutherland, BBC Sky at Night One of The Guardian's Best Popular Physical Science Books of 2014, chosen by GrrlScientist One of Physics World's Top Ten Books of the Year for 2014 Co-Winner of the 2015 AIP Science Writing Award for Books, American Institute of Physics
One of Physics World's Top Ten Books of the Year for 2014 One of The Guardian's Best Popular Physical Science Books of 2014, chosen by GrrlScientist Co-Winner of the 2015 AIP Science Writing Award for Books, American Institute of Physics
What a fun book! -Keith Cooper, Astronomy Now Invaluable for anyone wanting to write really accurate science fiction. -Popular Science For those who want to learn the hard facts about the realities of space travel or the chances for alien life . . . Wizards, Aliens, and Starships would be an admirable choice. -Sidney Perkowitz, Scientists' Bookshelf As a text for a course or as a vehicle for self-study, this book makes for interesting, educational and thought-provoking reading. -Mark Hunacek, MAA Reviews Adler does a grand job of showing just how powerful even basic maths and physics can be. -Robert Matthews, BBC Focus Magazine The physics is well explained and Adler offers entertaining examples. -Noel-Ann Bradshaw, Times Higher Education A rewarding and thought-provoking read. -Paul Sutherland, BBC Sky at Night One of The Guardian's Best Popular Physical Science Books of 2014, chosen by GrrlScientist One of Physics World's Top Ten Books of the Year for 2014 Co-Winner of the 2015 AIP Science Writing Award for Books, American Institute of Physics
Author Information
Charles L. Adler is professor of physics at St. Mary's College of Maryland.
