---
product_id: 1375548
title: "For the Love of Physics: From the End of the Rainbow to the Edge of Time - A Journey Through the Wonders of Physics"
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---

# Deep dive into X-ray astronomy 320 pages of immersive physics Interactive links for extended learning For the Love of Physics: From the End of the Rainbow to the Edge of Time - A Journey Through the Wonders of Physics

**Price:** R474
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## Summary

> 🌈 Unlock the universe’s secrets—because physics is the ultimate love story!

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- **What is this?** For the Love of Physics: From the End of the Rainbow to the Edge of Time - A Journey Through the Wonders of Physics
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## Key Features

- • **A Timeless Companion:** 320 pages of inspiring content that stays relevant for lifelong physics enthusiasts.
- • **From Everyday to Cosmic:** Explore everything from rainbows to black holes with accessible, hands-on explanations.
- • **Physics Made Passionate:** Fall in love with physics through engaging storytelling and real-world experiments.
- • **Expert Insight, No Jargon:** MIT Professor Walter Lewin’s expertise distilled for curious minds without the math overload.
- • **Interactive Learning Journey:** Includes helpful online resources and links to deepen your understanding beyond the book.

## Overview

‘For the Love of Physics’ by MIT’s Walter Lewin is a 320-page bestseller that transforms complex physics into an accessible, passionate journey. Covering classical mechanics to cutting-edge X-ray astronomy, it blends everyday phenomena with cosmic wonders, enriched by interactive online resources. Perfect for curious professionals eager to see the world through the lens of physics without the intimidation of heavy math.

## Description

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Review: It's not a matter of understanding physics, it's a matter of falling in love with it! - For the Love of Physics: From the End of the Rainbow to the Edge of Time, A Journey Through the Wonders of Physics by Walter Lewin "For the Love of Physics" is the wonderful, educational book that enlightens the layperson to physics. Professor Lewin's passion for physics shines throughout the book as he takes readers on a journey from the tiniest particles to the utter vastness of our universe. Acclaimed MIT professor Walter Lewin, helps us see the world through the eyes of physics. This book is in essence a two-part book, in the first part Lewin focuses on the basics of physics. The second part has to do with his area of expertise, X-Ray Astronomy. An enjoyable, instructive read that is perfect for the layperson who wants to learn about physics through a practical lens versus a mathematical one. This 320-page book is composed of the following fifteen chapters: 1. From the Nucleus to Deep Space, 2. Measurements, Uncertainties, and the Stars, 3. Bodies in Motion, 4. The Magic of Drinking, 5. Over and Under, Outside and Inside, the Rainbow, 6. The Harmonies of Strings and Winds, 7. The Wonders of Electricity, 8. The Mysteries of Magnetism, 9. Energy Conservation - Plus ca change..., 10. X-rays from Outer Space!, 11. X-ray Ballooning, the Early Days, 12. Cosmic Catastrophes, Neutron Stars, and Black Holes, 13. Celestial Ballet, 14. X-ray Bursters! And. 15. Ways of Seeing. Positives: 1. A well-written book about physics that focuses on the beauty of it rather than the details. 2. Well-researched book that is accessible to the masses. 3. Professor Lewin's goal are to educate and to exude excitement over his topics...mission accomplished. As a reader and reviewer, I appreciate the passion 4. An inside look at the world of a physicist. The love for astronomy...Interesting. 5. One of the great strengths of this book is how Lewin educates his students on physics. By using everyday experiences, he is able to convey complex topics in an understandable and hands on way. 6. There are some heart-warming and tragedy behind Professor Lewin's fascinating life and he is kind and brave enough to share them with the readers. 7. The wonderful world of optics. One of the most fascinating optical phenomena...glories. 8. Newton's three laws of motion. 9. The gravity of the situation. Mass vs. weight. 10. Does a wonderful job of properly attributing discoveries to their discoverers. 11. Answers a lot of everyday questions through physics: why is the sky blue, what causes rainbows, how do planes fly, etc.... 12. The basics of sound waves. Myths debunked along the way. 13. Electricity in a whole new light. Magnetism. The physics of lightning. The great Maxwell. 14. How energy works. The various types and applications. 15. The second part of the book, the author concentrates in his area of expertise X-ray astronomy. A tour deluxe of the x-ray universe. The author goes in more depth and takes you out of the classroom. It feels like a memoir of sorts. 16. A lot of amusing tales regarding his days in the field. 17. Neutron stars, supernovae, black holes, neutrinos, pulsars..oh my! 18. Some of the most amazing facts you will ever read, "A teaspoon of neutron star matter would weigh 100 million tons on Earth". 19. X-ray bursts! 20. Stellar spectroscopy...the most powerful tool in astrophysics. 21. The golden age of cosmology. 22. Find out about Professor Lewin's "other" love. 23. Links, very helpful links that add depth to the topics discussed. Negatives: 1. The Kindle version omits the picture inserts unless you count the links for the Kindle Fire. 2. This book is intended for the masses so those in the field of physics will find it too basic. 3. Let's face it, it pains me to say it but a lot of people just can't handle science even at its most accessible. In summary, after reading this educational book the quote that best summarizes it, " A woman does not want to be understood, she wants to be loved". I apologize for not properly attributing the quote but I feel it captures the essence of this book. Professor Lewis wants you to learn about physics but his focus is for you to fall in love with physics. The love for physics will drive one's innate curiosity toward learning physics. It's a wonderful philosophy to have and this book emanates rays of wisdom. If you are a layperson and want to see the world in a different light by all means pick up this book! Further suggestions: " Physics of the Future: How Science Will Shape Human Destiny and Our Daily Lives by the Year 2100 " by Michio Kaku, " The Physics Book: From the Big Bang to Quantum Resurrection, 250 Milestones in the History of Physics (Sterling Milestones) " by Clifford A. Pickover, " Death from the Skies!: These Are the Ways the World Will End . . . " by Phillip C. Plait, " Death by Black Hole: And Other Cosmic Quandaries " by Neil deGrasse Tyson, " A Universe from Nothing: Why There Is Something Rather than Nothing " by Lawrence Krauss, " Knocking on Heaven's Door: How Physics and Scientific Thinking Illuminate the Universe and the Modern World " by Lisa Randall, " Wonders of the Universe " and " Why Does E=mc2? (And Why Should We Care?) " by Brian Cox, " Big Bang: The Origin of the Universe (P.S.) " by Simon Singh, and " The Grand Design " by Stephen Hawking.
Review: a brilliant teacher - This is a wonderful book. It takes the reader on a journey through classical mechanics, electricity and magnetism, waves and Professor Lewin's area of long term research, X-ray astronomy. Although this outline mirrors to some extent the three MIT courses (now available to all, see the post Ellipses), this is more than a cut down version of these lectures. Professor Lewin takes us on this journey with passion, with humor and with enthusiasm. On every page are connections to experiences in everyday life. These connections are not dry explanations of common phenomena but encouragements to the reader to test these ideas. I found myself having the almost uncontrollable desire to turn on a hose with the sun at my back and spin around to generate my own rainbow. I was also saddened that my shower and sun configuration prevents my own personal grasp on these rainbows. These small experiments are not solely qualitative but quantitative exercises. This powerful explanatory and predictive nature of physics is bed rock in the book. At every opportunity, Professor Lewin helps us to understand the enormous numbers (mass, energy, power, etc) of the quantum and astronomical scale by comparisons with values of these properties on objects and states on our human scale. As testimony to the Professor's connection with the reader (we are another wave of students) there are repeated references to internet resources that amplify his words. I have provided some of these in previous posts. The chapters on X-ray astronomy take us on the journey of a an active experimental research physicist. There is agony and ecstasy. This revelation of the invisible, distant and historical amazing view of the cosmos is "mind-blowing". The book not only reveals the fundamental importance of physics in understanding the universe but weaves seamlessly the insightful views of a grand master physicist on issues of global importance: the energy crisis, human obesity, the safety of nuclear power, the Large Hadron Collider. Finally, Professor Lewin gives us instructive glimpses of the formative influences of his life: family, the Nazi occupation and Holocuast (an ever-present shadow), Lady Luck (the visit to MIT, the opportune meetings with friends and colleagues) and the transformative powers of education and Art. It is also clear that "fortune favours the prepared mind". May we all learn to enrich our connections with the world through education, reason and art. If the intelligence, enthusiasm and wonder that Professor Lewin conveys transforms us even a little, then bonus intra melior exi, i.e we enter good but leave better. What greater honour to a bestow on a brilliant teacher?

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| Best Sellers Rank | #142,556 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #51 in Science Essays & Commentary (Books) #129 in Astrophysics & Space Science (Books) #165 in Scientist Biographies |
| Customer Reviews | 4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars (2,608) |
| Dimensions  | 5.5 x 0.7 x 8.44 inches |
| Edition  | First Edition |
| ISBN-10  | 145160713X |
| ISBN-13  | 978-1451607130 |
| Item Weight  | 4.5 ounces |
| Language  | English |
| Print length  | 320 pages |
| Publication date  | February 7, 2012 |
| Publisher  | Free Press |

## Images

![For the Love of Physics: From the End of the Rainbow to the Edge of Time - A Journey Through the Wonders of Physics - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81ddg-cgmiL.jpg)

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ It's not a matter of understanding physics, it's a matter of falling in love with it!
*by B***K on May 24, 2012*

For the Love of Physics: From the End of the Rainbow to the Edge of Time, A Journey Through the Wonders of Physics by Walter Lewin "For the Love of Physics" is the wonderful, educational book that enlightens the layperson to physics. Professor Lewin's passion for physics shines throughout the book as he takes readers on a journey from the tiniest particles to the utter vastness of our universe. Acclaimed MIT professor Walter Lewin, helps us see the world through the eyes of physics. This book is in essence a two-part book, in the first part Lewin focuses on the basics of physics. The second part has to do with his area of expertise, X-Ray Astronomy. An enjoyable, instructive read that is perfect for the layperson who wants to learn about physics through a practical lens versus a mathematical one. This 320-page book is composed of the following fifteen chapters: 1. From the Nucleus to Deep Space, 2. Measurements, Uncertainties, and the Stars, 3. Bodies in Motion, 4. The Magic of Drinking, 5. Over and Under, Outside and Inside, the Rainbow, 6. The Harmonies of Strings and Winds, 7. The Wonders of Electricity, 8. The Mysteries of Magnetism, 9. Energy Conservation - Plus ca change..., 10. X-rays from Outer Space!, 11. X-ray Ballooning, the Early Days, 12. Cosmic Catastrophes, Neutron Stars, and Black Holes, 13. Celestial Ballet, 14. X-ray Bursters! And. 15. Ways of Seeing. Positives: 1. A well-written book about physics that focuses on the beauty of it rather than the details. 2. Well-researched book that is accessible to the masses. 3. Professor Lewin's goal are to educate and to exude excitement over his topics...mission accomplished. As a reader and reviewer, I appreciate the passion 4. An inside look at the world of a physicist. The love for astronomy...Interesting. 5. One of the great strengths of this book is how Lewin educates his students on physics. By using everyday experiences, he is able to convey complex topics in an understandable and hands on way. 6. There are some heart-warming and tragedy behind Professor Lewin's fascinating life and he is kind and brave enough to share them with the readers. 7. The wonderful world of optics. One of the most fascinating optical phenomena...glories. 8. Newton's three laws of motion. 9. The gravity of the situation. Mass vs. weight. 10. Does a wonderful job of properly attributing discoveries to their discoverers. 11. Answers a lot of everyday questions through physics: why is the sky blue, what causes rainbows, how do planes fly, etc.... 12. The basics of sound waves. Myths debunked along the way. 13. Electricity in a whole new light. Magnetism. The physics of lightning. The great Maxwell. 14. How energy works. The various types and applications. 15. The second part of the book, the author concentrates in his area of expertise X-ray astronomy. A tour deluxe of the x-ray universe. The author goes in more depth and takes you out of the classroom. It feels like a memoir of sorts. 16. A lot of amusing tales regarding his days in the field. 17. Neutron stars, supernovae, black holes, neutrinos, pulsars..oh my! 18. Some of the most amazing facts you will ever read, "A teaspoon of neutron star matter would weigh 100 million tons on Earth". 19. X-ray bursts! 20. Stellar spectroscopy...the most powerful tool in astrophysics. 21. The golden age of cosmology. 22. Find out about Professor Lewin's "other" love. 23. Links, very helpful links that add depth to the topics discussed. Negatives: 1. The Kindle version omits the picture inserts unless you count the links for the Kindle Fire. 2. This book is intended for the masses so those in the field of physics will find it too basic. 3. Let's face it, it pains me to say it but a lot of people just can't handle science even at its most accessible. In summary, after reading this educational book the quote that best summarizes it, " A woman does not want to be understood, she wants to be loved". I apologize for not properly attributing the quote but I feel it captures the essence of this book. Professor Lewis wants you to learn about physics but his focus is for you to fall in love with physics. The love for physics will drive one's innate curiosity toward learning physics. It's a wonderful philosophy to have and this book emanates rays of wisdom. If you are a layperson and want to see the world in a different light by all means pick up this book! Further suggestions: " Physics of the Future: How Science Will Shape Human Destiny and Our Daily Lives by the Year 2100 " by Michio Kaku, " The Physics Book: From the Big Bang to Quantum Resurrection, 250 Milestones in the History of Physics (Sterling Milestones) " by Clifford A. Pickover, " Death from the Skies!: These Are the Ways the World Will End . . . " by Phillip C. Plait, " Death by Black Hole: And Other Cosmic Quandaries " by Neil deGrasse Tyson, " A Universe from Nothing: Why There Is Something Rather than Nothing " by Lawrence Krauss, " Knocking on Heaven's Door: How Physics and Scientific Thinking Illuminate the Universe and the Modern World " by Lisa Randall, " Wonders of the Universe " and " Why Does E=mc2? (And Why Should We Care?) " by Brian Cox, " Big Bang: The Origin of the Universe (P.S.) " by Simon Singh, and " The Grand Design " by Stephen Hawking.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ a brilliant teacher
*by U***N on June 21, 2011*

This is a wonderful book. It takes the reader on a journey through classical mechanics, electricity and magnetism, waves and Professor Lewin's area of long term research, X-ray astronomy. Although this outline mirrors to some extent the three MIT courses (now available to all, see the post Ellipses), this is more than a cut down version of these lectures. Professor Lewin takes us on this journey with passion, with humor and with enthusiasm. On every page are connections to experiences in everyday life. These connections are not dry explanations of common phenomena but encouragements to the reader to test these ideas. I found myself having the almost uncontrollable desire to turn on a hose with the sun at my back and spin around to generate my own rainbow. I was also saddened that my shower and sun configuration prevents my own personal grasp on these rainbows. These small experiments are not solely qualitative but quantitative exercises. This powerful explanatory and predictive nature of physics is bed rock in the book. At every opportunity, Professor Lewin helps us to understand the enormous numbers (mass, energy, power, etc) of the quantum and astronomical scale by comparisons with values of these properties on objects and states on our human scale. As testimony to the Professor's connection with the reader (we are another wave of students) there are repeated references to internet resources that amplify his words. I have provided some of these in previous posts. The chapters on X-ray astronomy take us on the journey of a an active experimental research physicist. There is agony and ecstasy. This revelation of the invisible, distant and historical amazing view of the cosmos is "mind-blowing". The book not only reveals the fundamental importance of physics in understanding the universe but weaves seamlessly the insightful views of a grand master physicist on issues of global importance: the energy crisis, human obesity, the safety of nuclear power, the Large Hadron Collider. Finally, Professor Lewin gives us instructive glimpses of the formative influences of his life: family, the Nazi occupation and Holocuast (an ever-present shadow), Lady Luck (the visit to MIT, the opportune meetings with friends and colleagues) and the transformative powers of education and Art. It is also clear that "fortune favours the prepared mind". May we all learn to enrich our connections with the world through education, reason and art. If the intelligence, enthusiasm and wonder that Professor Lewin conveys transforms us even a little, then bonus intra melior exi, i.e we enter good but leave better. What greater honour to a bestow on a brilliant teacher?

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Scientific entertainment.
*by A***S on September 6, 2012*

I haven't finished this book yet and I don't think I will for a while yet, and like any good read, I'll be disappointed when I do. I bought the book in the first place because I saw Walter lewin's MIT lecture by the same name and loved it. I've always been interested in physics and to learn anything new is always worth the time. With 'For The Love of Physics', Lewin captures his wonderful lectures in book form. His love of the subject is so obvious that it becomes infectious and I find myself eagerly explaining the science of rainbows to my wife. Although at times Lewin can go into a subject a little too exhuastively, you soon become used to the style and can skate across the superflous bits. Scattered throughout the text are various autobiographical snippits which give added interest. I think Walter Lewin is not only a very clever physicist, but a talented entertainer as well, not a common combination. A very entertaining and also interesting book, I hope he writes another!

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