In recent years, our understanding of gravity has jumped ahead tremendously. Though we have long since understood the mechanisms of how gravity affects us and the world around us, we still have so much to comprehend about the actual generation and function of gravitational force. In this book, the author walks the reader through centuries of theories and experiments conducted by some of the brightest minds of our species in order to identify and pinpoint what gravity is and how it works. From the supposition of the aether as a substance occupying empty space to Einstein’s theories of general and special relativity to cutting edge science like string theory, the collected thoughts and proofs of each scientist are presented here for readers to follow on up to our current comprehension.

In each chapter, a different topic is examined and then added to the full understanding of the topic. Beginning with aether and the laws of motion, eventually readers will learn about the history and function of tired light theory, relativity, wave theory, and quantum physics. The author answers questions as small as how the particles in an atom move and relate to each other to topics as large as whether the universe is continually expanding or not. Each chapter contains a mixture of the history of our knowledge of it, the people who advanced the science, the fundamental properties by which it functions, formulas to prove how it works, and the author’s personal insights as to any unexplained gaps or theoretical inconsistencies. As we continue to pull back the curtain on the beyond microscopic forces at work in our world, this book will help get the reader to the modern advancements being made.

Readers looking for an introductory text or a layman’s approach to these vastly complex subjects will not find it impossible to follow along, but this book is clearly written for those that already possess a strong understanding of physics and other scientific knowledge. Nearly every chapter is packed with mathematical formulas that show how conclusions were drawn and how concepts can be proven. When applicable, diagrams also exist to visually represent some of the ideas regarding spatial positioning and motion. The main focus, however, is the text itself, following a clear path through both time and the complexity of the chapter’s subject. The author’s style is confident, providing plenty of information to the reader and offering his own thoughts and opinions about certain developing theories.

Readers who are already interested and have been studying electromagnetic and gravitational properties will have a lot of content here to sink their teeth into. Those just looking for an interesting read without an existing knowledge of the book’s focus will most likely be fascinated by the developing theories coming from a host of household names like Da Vinci, Newton, Einstein, Hawking, Kepler, and more. In order to truly explore the phenomenon described, readers will have to keep up with the author’s pace, but a bibliography is included that helped inform his own decisions, as well, encouraging the audience to get as involved in the studying aspect as they personally want to. This book is perfect for those who want to know more about how the world works and the leading thoughts and developments into the subject.

Return to USR Home