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Print Price: $13.50

Format:
Paperback
128 pp.
numerous figures, 111 mm x 174 mm

ISBN-13:
9780192802521

Publication date:
May 2002

Imprint: OUP UK

Quantum Theory: A Very Short Introduction

John Polkinghorne

Series : Very Short Introductions

Quantum Theory is the most revolutionary discovery in physics since Newton. This book gives a lucid, exciting, and accessible account of the surprising and counterintuitive ideas that shape our understanding of the sub-atomic world. It does not disguise the problems of interpretation that still remain unsettled 75 years after the initial discoveries. The main text makes no use of equations, but there is a Mathematical Appendix for those desiring stronger fare. Uncertainty, probabilistic physics, complementarity, the problematic character of measurement, and decoherence are among the many topics discussed.

Readership : General reader interested in physics but frightened by the inherent complexity of the subject; students of physics courses, sixth formers, and first year university students.

Reviews

`John Polkinghorne has brought to life that most mysterious and perplexing of revolutions in understanding and has made its mysteries accessible.'
Peter Atkins, University of Oxford
`John Polkinghorne has produced an excellent piece of work. ... Many authors of "popular" books on modern physics have the regrettable habit of mixing science fact with science fiction. Polkinghorne never does that: he always allows the truth to stand by itself and show its own fascination. ... I think that this is an excellent contribution to the literature on quantum theory for a general audience.'
Chris Isham, Imperial College, London
`This splendid book explains both the triumph and the mystery that is quantum theory. It is a triumph because of its towering mathematical structure, and amazing empirical accuracy. It is a mystery because of the conundrums about how to interpret it. John Polkinghorne, himself a distinguished quantum physicist, is a sure guide to all of this: he celebrates the successes of the theory, and shows unfailingly good judgement about the conundrums.'
Jeremy Butterfield, University of Oxford

1. Classical cracks
2. The light dawns
3. Darkening Perplexities
4. Further developments
5. Togetherness
6. Lessons and meanings

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John Polkinghorne was from 1968 to 1979 Professor of Mathematical Physics in the University of Cambridge, and later president of Queen's College. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society, and was knighted in 1997. His many books include The Quantum World (1986), The Faith of a Physicist (1994), and Science and Theology (1998).

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Special Features

Central ideas of quantum theory presented entirely without mathematics
Author is a renowned authority in the subject, and is also known for his writings on science and religion
Accessible, concise, exciting introduction to a part of physics which has revolutionized our thinking about the world
Based on John Polkinghorne's very successful The Quantum World (several hundred thousand copies sold) - now completely revised and updated