Big Bang.
Simon Singh is, bar none, my favorite physics and mathematics author. He has published three non-fiction books:
- Fermat’s Enigma, a mathematical “thriller” which discusses a centuries-old mathematical puzzle.
- His sophomore effort, The Code Book, a captivating history of cryptography.
- And his latest, Big Bang: The Origin Of The Universe.
Singh has the gift of scientific gab, the unique ability to explain difficult mathematical and scientific concepts in a manner that is both accessible to the layman and yet still interesting to the expert. I highly recommend each of his books. All three are on my list of all-time favorite non-fiction.
Fermat’s Enigma is perhaps the most accessible mathematics book I’ve read. Singh even manages to transform the subject matter into something nearly approaching a thriller, as the most brilliant mathematicians continue to be baffled by a 350 year-old problem. The Code Book was an even better read. He combines an engrossing mix of history and cryptography—I couldn’t put the book down—and explains the concepts so clearly that, by the end, any reader could, for example, explain the principle behind an RSA algorithm.
Big Bang follows in this tradition. Although the title indicates a focus on the current theory for the origin of the universe, the book is more a history of astronomy. He begins with the earliest astronomical explorations of the universe, dedicating a few pages to early Greek philosophers, and those who first calculated reasonably accurate astronomical distances: the distance from the Earth to the Moon, to the Sun, and the circumference of the Earth. Not only does Singh explain that they did these things, he explains how they did them—how they approached the problem. This trait sets him apart from most other technical authors who publish for the larger “ignorant” audience.
Big Bang was a great read. It does not quite match the excellence of his first two books; I would definitely read either Fermat’s enigma or Code Book first. But if you’re interested in science, have had a fascination with the stars or the night sky, Big Bang delivers the goods.
(Rating: 4/5)