I read John Gribbin’s “Simply Schroedinger” recently and really liked it. Cosmology is fascinating if complicated concepts can be outlined in an engaging way, and John Gribbin is really good at that.

Time travel is not forbidden by the laws of physics, and that means it should be possible – at some point of time in some form says Gribbin. This book focuses on time theories with the aim of checking on implications for time travel. There is just enough background of fundamental particles, relativity, black holes to explore in what forms time travel can be possible. While in our minds we often picture devices which transport us across time periods, there are various natural formations in the universe which might help the cause. Quite often, as Gribbin points out – science fiction provides a train of thought which can be developed further. The book has many references to scientists’ papers, musings, stories and movies where various theories for time travel have been put forward.

That I was familiar with quite a bit of the theory helped, but more than that it was the writing which made it engrossing & fascinating.

My rating: 4.5 / 5.

I have never come across John Gribbin before but I will definitely be seeking out his previous books as I thoroughly enjoyed this one. He covers some incredibly complex concepts such as quantum physics but apart from a few scary-looking equations (which we are told we can skip if we wish!) the science is clearly and accessibly explained, using examples that are very easy to follow. I learned so much from this book, although I read it in small chunks rather than all at once because there is a lot of information here to absorb.

Subjects covered include light moving faster than light, black holes and wormholes, how to build a time machine, and parallel universes. He cites relevant science fiction stories to show the crossover between fiction and reality, and how sci-fi often has ideas first, that are then proven by the science. Some of the ideas presented here as fact are mind bending, but the scientific references are there; physicists have shown, using equations, that this stuff could happen. Science fiction becoming fact - I loved it!

If you are intrigued by the concept of time travel and would love to know the science behind it, or even if you want to write a time travel novel and want to incorporate as much real science as you can, read this book. Everything you need to know is here.

With thanks to Netgalley and Icon Books for providing an advance review copy. All opinions here are my own.

I love John Gribbins books as he always finds a way to take a bunch and whole host of information and disseminate it in a cool and interesting way! This one (like the others in his series) is centred on a specific topic: time. Can we travel in time? What is time? Time in science fiction? I think we’re all intrigued by the concept and this book will definitely satisfy your curiosity!

It’s split into nine different musings, drawing on scientific facts and what we know as inferred from physics and experimental evidence. It’s written for every kind of reader, whether you don’t know science at all or are a long term lover; it’s for everyone.

It’s brilliantly written as always and succinct and to the point without being too brief. I learnt from it and found it to be a great recap to some things I already knew. Each chapter was really insightful and informative and it’s full of intrigue and interesting information to keep you reading.

Another great addition to his outstanding series of books!