An Incomplete Theory: The Search for Quantum Gravity

by Megan Henry

Distinguished Favorite in the 2023 Independent Press Awards for Non-Fiction

Megan Henry gives us a delightful reading of philosophical ideas behind physics – Einstein’s theory of general relativity mainly among them. The unifying theme of the book is “Mach’s principle”, a principle that is natural to most physicists. As Dr. Henry describes “theory should be based on the measurement of observables, efficiently expressing relationships among phenomena.” It is well known that such a theory puts all observers on the same footing, nothing is privileged. This in principle suggests the theory incorporates Mach’s ideas. But does it? This book is the history of this “Incomplete Theory”.

Written with excellent teaching skills, the author starts giving us the history of various concepts in physics starting from the ancient Greeks and its passage through the Arab world into the Middle Ages, reaching Copernicus, Kepler, Galileo and Newton, Faraday, Maxwell, Einstein (of course) and key figures of quantum mechanics. She includes many interesting historical notes that make a lively prose easy to read, even when touching on deep subjects. The chapters on frontiers of physics, with the history of the Japanese school of nuclear physics of Yukawa and Nishina, the issue of infinities in quantum field theory, the quest for a theory of everything, cosmology, the Big Bang, dark matter, dark energy and the detection of gravitational waves bring us to modern times, showing how it’s built on shoulders of giants.

Megan tells us how she started her own physics reading passion and curiosity, and tying up dead ends and loose ends, poses a challenge for physicists and is general relativity compatible with Mach’s principle? She says no, and this could be a clue for advancing the theory – but the theory is still incomplete, as we learn when we finish the book.

Jorge Pullin and Gabriela González, Baton Rouge, June 14, 2021

441 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 4, 2024

About the author

Dr. Megan Henry is a theoretical physicist and high school physics teacher, who has done independent research in gravitational theory for two decades. She was awarded "Distinguished Favorite" in the non-fiction category by Independent Press for her book, An Incomplete Theory: The Search For Quantum Gravity (a story).

Reviews

[Yin Ling · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most important book I have read this year.
Loved, will recommend to anyone who have an unwavering commitment to truth ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ thank you for writing this, Megan.

[Daniel K Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Henry has written a treasure: it is a deeply researched and thoughtful work on the history of the theory of gravity, but is accessible to anyone with a casual interest. Her knowledge of the the subject matter demonstrates decades of study, while her writing makes this book a compelling read you won’t want to put down.

If you have even a casual interest in the area, this is a must-read. I cannot recommend this highly enough.

[Anthony D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was an enjoyable read despite having no knowledge, experience, or background in physics. It was a refreshing walk through history to understand the developement of physical theory. I got to understand why Einstein was considered to be a most popular genius. There is so much more that I could say but I don't want to be a spoiler. It's obvious that one cannot begin to have a discussion about physical theory without Einstein. So there, you'll just have to read this book for yourself. You won't be disappointed.