Physics: Everyday Science At the Speed of Light by Isaac McPhee (2011) Hardcover

by Isaac McPhee

Physics is an entertaining introduction to the world of physics, written with the curious beginner in mind. Covering everything from early Greek thinkers to modern scientists, it will take you on a fascinating journey through many of history’s greatest scientific achievements.

Written in a highly readable style and with illustrated examples throughout, Physics does not require prior knowledge of the subject. From the workings of the world around you to the mysteries of the universe, it conveys the concepts of physics in a clear and accessible way. It is also filled with challenging problems and fun exercises designed to test your knowledge as you progress.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, Physics, Education

176 pages, Hardcover

First published April 11, 2011

About the author

Isaac was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest and, but for a brief four-year stint navigating the streets of Manhattan (adventures which will, almost certainly, warrant a book of their own), has lived in western Washington his entire life. After majoring in English Literature, Isaac actively pursued his passions for both learning and writing.

Isaac experimented with numerous novels and short stories before making his way into non-fiction. In early 2007 Isaac made the decision to learn and write about physics, to paraphrase George Mallory, "Because it was there." Always eager for a new challenge, Isaac followed through and devoted himself to the study of math and science, writing hundreds of online articles on this and other subjects. After five years, Isaac finally published his first book: "The Bedside Book of Physics" (2012, Quid Publishing), which was released in five countries and translated into three languages.

In recent years Isaac has focused much of his writing on theology and philosophy, actively updating a blog on Christian Apologetics and religious philosophy, while still pursuing his love for interesting fiction, still working regularly on novels, experimenting in detective fiction, historical fiction, religious fiction, and middle grade fiction.

Reviews

[Enrique · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good book to have a general understanding of how humanity has being developing its understanding of nature.

[irene · Rating 5 out of 5]

i feel way smarter now...... i really enjoyed it

[Ryan Gellman · Rating 3 out of 5]

All in all, I found it informative. As someone who hasn't really read anything about this subject since college, I thought it gave a concise and broad overview of the development of physics. I suspect that the author felt more comfortable with pre-1950 developments; I suspect that there is much more going on currently than is depicted. There were certain issues that I only partially understood (my fault or the authors?), but I feel like I know more from having read it.

[Node · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun intro.

Author describes mostly the history of physics but also some of the concepts that have arisen and have been built upon. It really is a great primer, though not technical, at understanding some of the basics of physics.

On a negative note: the book has various typographical errors and the numbers don't add up on the exercises. Still the book is alright if you can overlook this.

[Dr. Thomas Wasser · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was what I wanted. A simple to read short chapter based book. Easy to read and understand for someone who wants to know something about physics. I liked the mini-biographies on the famous people.

[James Patrick McGrath · Rating 1 out of 5]

Incredibly incomplete and misleading book, designed in England, published in the USA, and fails to mention Gilbert, Romagnosi, Oersted, Andre-Marie Ampere, Coulomb, and Pillipe Lenard. This book is NOT for beginners, it seems to attempt to delude by omission. --JPM

[Audie Little · Rating 5 out of 5]

very informative and they really lay out visuals well. I learned a lot.