DownloadThe Portobello Bookshop Gift Guide 2024

The Particle at the End of the Universe

Winner of the Royal Society Winton Prize

Sean Carroll author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Oneworld Publications

Published:1st Aug '19

Should be back in stock very soon

The Particle at the End of the Universe cover

This book chronicles the thrilling journey of discovering the Higgs boson, a pivotal moment in modern physics, as narrated by Sean Carroll.

In The Particle at the End of the Universe, acclaimed physicist Sean Carroll delves into one of the most significant scientific achievements of our time: the discovery of the Higgs boson. This book offers a comprehensive behind-the-scenes look at the monumental efforts that led to the detection of this elusive particle, which plays a crucial role in our understanding of the universe. Carroll not only explains the science behind the Higgs boson but also shares the human stories, rivalries, and challenges that accompanied this groundbreaking journey.

The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of the Large Hadron Collider at CERN, a colossal project that represents the pinnacle of human ingenuity and ambition. Carroll highlights the risks and complexities involved in such a massive scientific endeavor, revealing the passion and dedication of the scientists who worked tirelessly to unravel the mysteries of particle physics. The book paints a vivid picture of the excitement and anticipation that surrounded the discovery, making it accessible to readers with varying levels of scientific knowledge.

Ultimately, The Particle at the End of the Universe is not just a tale of scientific triumph; it is a reflection on the nature of discovery itself. Carroll invites readers to ponder the profound implications of the Higgs boson for our understanding of the universe and our place within it, making this an essential read for anyone interested in the wonders of science.

‘An authoritative account of science’s discovery of the year. Remarkable.’

* Financial Times *

‘This book is so hard to put down. That’s testament to Carroll, a practising scientist, also being a gifted writer.’

* New Scientist *

‘Compelling.’

* Independent *

‘A very good – and very accessible – guide to all the theoretical physics, precision engineering, data handling, probability-measuring and other marvels.’

* Guardian *

‘Delightful… for anyone excited by the particle at the end of the universe, start here.’

* BBC Focus *

‘Carroll keeps it real, getting at the complex guts of cutting-edge cosmology in discussions that will challenge fans of Hawking’s A Brief History of Time.’

* Washington Post *

‘The science is authoritative, yet bold and lively. The narrative is richly documented, yet full of human drama. Carroll’s saga pulls you aboard a modern voyage of discovery.’

-- Frank Wilczek, Nobel Laureate in Physics and author of A Beautiful Question

‘In this superb book, Sean Carroll provides a fascinating and lucid look at the most mysterious and important particle in nature, and the experiment that revealed it. Anyone with an interest in physics should read this, and join him in examining the new worlds of physics to which this discovery may lead.’

-- Leonard Mlodinow, internationally bestselling author of Subliminal and Elastic

  • Winner of Royal Society Winton Prize for Science Books 2013 (UK)

ISBN: 9781786076069

Dimensions: 198mm x 129mm x 25mm

Weight: unknown

352 pages