A Holistic Story of Space and Time

Space and time as a science topic has always been fascinating but at the same time it stretches my ability to really comprehend. If you are in the same boat then this book will help you. Here we have a book that tries to explain and debunk the topic. I definitely understand more about the topic having read the book. The examples are very helpful in explaining the ideas and theories. I really liked the little anecdotes about the prominent Scientists who have contributed to research on space and time. This book does need a very confident reader. Thank you to Matador and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.

Fascinating book that helped me further understand physics concepts as relating to space and time. I have little background knowledge. I do enjoy time travel novels and movies, that was about the extent of my previous knowledge. I feel I have a better, broader understanding.’
I would recommend this book for anyone interested in theory of relativity, and physics.

Math has never been my strongest suit, but I never gave up on understanding it beyond basic algebra. In the book, "A Holistic Story of Space and Time", Pearcey helps present a complicated topic in a way, that both the layperson with an interest in physics, especially quantum and/or theoretical physics can grasp with helpful visualizations from the charts, some of the foundational settings of the world of physics. Introducing the philosophers Kant and Schopenhauer helps especially, with his brief overview of them, and more well-known figures such as Galileo, and of course Einstein.

The writing is concise, and the use of illustrations, and charts help guide both the layman and those more familiar with the basic concepts of physics through the ten chapters of "A Holistic Story of Space and Time", where Pearcey interlaces theoretical, applied, and philosophy all together to show the beauty and art of mathematics in understanding our perception of the world and the concept of time itself.

For those who are not familiar with math, the book is not complicated or overfilled with known equations, but at the same time, gives individuals a start, if not insight, into more of the "basic" equations which have led to the exploration of space and time.

There is a helpful glossary at the end of the book which helps readers who may find themselves feeling like they are in over their heads, and the conclusion nicely wraps up Pearcey's discussion, and how understanding space, and time can affect our sense of perception. He maintains by understanding physics in the context of the geometry of the world (Pearcey, 2127), versus our perception of reality, a clearer picture evolves, and makes an effective argument for the need to re-evaluate and develop our perception of the real world, especially through the lens not only of philosophy, but how it is influenced by physics and geometry. Especially in a time, when humanity seeks to grow beyond the confines of Earth and seek to explore the world beyond this rock, there is with it, a need to have a growing understanding as Pearcey puts it, "the physics of the geometry of space and time" (Pearcey, 2153), and it's relation to our understanding of reality, and the ability to go beyond the forces of gravity itself.

While for many of us, we understand the world and the perception of reality in three dimensions, there is consideration of a more four-dimensional geometrical set of principles, which in relation to humanity's understanding of space, and time, could hold keys to future growth for both humanity, space exploration, and in the understanding of the dynamics of quantum physics.

There is so much yet to be learn, and Pearcey's book brings with it, a fascinating insight and need to continue to explore the unknown world.

Thank you to Netgalley, and Matador for the wonderful opportunity to read, and review this book in exchange for my personal opinion.