Quantum

This is one of the most absorbing books I have read and re-read.The stubborn anomalies in theoretical physics that led to the concept of the quantum and the strange world it lives in, engaged the most intelligent and creative minds in the 1920's.The book describes the two protagonists, Albert Einstein and Niels Bohr, their lives and personalities,and of other massive stars in that illustrious galaxy-Rutherford, Heisenberg,Pauli,Scrodinger,Dirac,Born and a host of others who interacted with and influenced them.The central argument was between Bohr and Einstein, about the model of the hydrogen atom that Bohr had proposed,and the intellectual dilemma that it presented; that some common-sense ground-rules of physics were being violated.Bohr built up an elaborate theory explaining the violations, which satisfied most of the eminent physicsts of the time, but not Einstein, who believed that "science does not work quite like that."The arguments of Einstein, and Bohr's counters themselves threw up numbers of new issues that physicists attached to Bohr's Institute at Copenhagen, and to those at Gottingen University (among others) immediately threw themselves.The resulting body of research resulted in the award of many of the Nobel Prizes for Physics awarded at that time.To the end of his life Einstein believed that Bohr's theory did not completely capture reality, and to the end of his, Bohr regretted being unable to convince Einstein.The arguments of and among these great personalities,and of their followers on both sides,their interaction with one another, their friendships,efforts, collaborations, jealousies and intrigues form the captivating material of this book, and must be read if one is to understand how modern physics was formed, evolved, and the personalities behind the great intellectual upsurge.As expected, the book describes portions of the esoteric subject in terms that the layman can understand.It also pens portraits of the lives of the dozens of scientists involve, their triumphs, failures,accolades, and in many cases, their personal tragedies.Interwoven with this story is the turbulences of the times;the rise of the Third Reich and anti-semitism in Germany,and the First and Second World Wars.The treatment of the dramatis personnae is always sympathetic , the style of narration is lucid,yet gripping.

It is an Amazing book on development of quantum theory and development of science. You get to know about the physicists beyond just names, and what triggered them to enhance the quantum mechanics….Thanks to author to bring out such stories…..

If you are looking for a book which beautifully tells the story of how Quantum Mechanics came into being and sheds light on one of the popular scientific debates between two dynamites of Modern Physics, while skipping all technical heaviness of equations and complex Physics, then this is IT. What I liked the most about this book is (as a student of Quantum Chemistry myself) I enjoyed for a change the absence of equations and such and enjoyed knowing more about the legends of Science. The author has devoted rightful number of paragraphs on not just discussing Einstein and Bohr but also other important and great scientists and people in their lives who influenced them.It's as important to know how these "gifted" men and women came to discover or invent such important stuff in science with all the factors playing in their lives. It's the right amount of inspiration especially if you are into academics and research.But, for those who are thinking that it's a technical book on Quantum Mechanics with formulae, equations and Physics, you are looking at the wrong book.However, if you are looking for a book to help you understand how Quantum came into being and what that "big debate" was about, then this is a wonderful boom with great storytelling..kudos to Manjit Kumar.

Having read a range of books on quantum trying to unearth the meaning and the evolution of the thought, finally I came across this one and this is amazing. If you have not read any other book on the subject, you can begin with this one provided you have little background of School level physics - at least Young's double slit experiment. Then you can follow the book and the evolution of the great concept, how the stalwarts of early 20th century Physics philosophers developed it. The arguments of Einstein and Bohr are presented in such a manner that reader will feel as if he/she had been there in Gottingen/ Copenhagen or in the Solvay conference. The book covers the latest concepts in quantum as relevant to this great debate of what reality is. Don't expect string theory in this.

Very good book and very nicely narrated.The book is about history of development of modern physics and it contains the argument occured between Einstein and Bohr, which is dam awesome.Although there were few things which I found wrong. But overall, it is very nice book.If you are interested in physics, then read it, and I'm sure you will love it.

This book doesnot teach you Quantum Mechanics but it is written to explain the history of Quantum in Physics. I read it whenever I got time and the books gets more and more interesting as you read it further. If I have done a QM course just beginner you will really feel the taste of reading this book. I recommend it for students who want to develop interest in QM and want to know it's origin.

Just Awesome book, book for every Higher Secondary and higher students and enthusiasts.

Wow! What a presentation!..Even though I am in a different field now I have always loved physics..after a long time this book has helped me reignite my interest and admiration for the subject...