Want to know everything about time? Read Jim Al-Khalili’s new book
If you want a thorough examination of time, then the excellent – and extremely meaty – book On Time is for you, says Joshua Howgego
Theoretical physicist Jim Al-Khalili delves into the physics of time in his latest book, "On Time: The physics that makes the universe tick." Al-Khalili aims to help readers understand more about time, which can be an intricate subject. The book is divided into two categories: manifest time – the way we experience time, such as feeling its continuous flow and the difference between past, present, and future; and physical time – the various ways physics interprets time and the efforts to resolve the contradictions between these interpretations.
Al-Khalili finds early sections of the book helpful in separating these questions. However, he cautions that some popular physics books focus on poetic aspects rather than clear explanations. Al-Khalili's explanation of whether time or change is more fundamental is praised, as is his clear, methodical focus on elucidating what physics has taught us about time over the past 100 years.
The book includes a bonus chapter on the possibility of time travel, covering well-known paradoxes and exploring various variants. Overall, the book offers a comprehensive look at time and its complexities, appealing to readers who want a thorough understanding of the subject.
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