The River of Time

An overview of the history of the study of time and presentation of the modern state of physical research.

Igor D. Novikov (Author), Vitaly Kisin (Translated by)

9780521008488, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 31 May 2001

300 pages
21.6 x 13.8 x 1.9 cm, 0.41 kg

'… easy and enjoyable to read.' Bill Unruh, Physics World

Can we change the past? The surprising answer to this question can be found in the final chapters of this book. Examining the history of the study of time and presenting in detail the modern state of physical research on the subject, this book is a superb overview of a fascinating subject. The figures who have helped to shape our views on time are presented as real people, in the context of their own times and struggles: from Socrates' troubles in Athens, to the experiences of physicists under the former Soviet Union. In addition Novikov details his own experiences with great Russian and Western physicists, such as Sakharov, Zeldovich, Rees and Hawking. Details of modern theories in fields such as the possibility of time machines, anomalous flows of time (at black or white holes) and the possible source of The River of Time are described with authority and clarity.

Preface to the Russian edition
Preface to the English edition
1. Origins of thinking about time
2. Science of time is born
3. Light
4. The pace of time can be slowed down!
5. Time machine
6. Time, space and gravitation
7. Holes in space and time
8. Energy extracted from black holes
9. Towards the sources of the river of time
10. Journey to unusual depths
11. Grand unification
12. Sources
13. What produces the flow of time and why in a single direction only?
14. Against the flow
15. Can we change the past?
Conclusion
Name index
Subject index.

Subject Areas: Astronomy, space & time [PG]