Time. A traveler's guide (Q2723164)

Here is an interesting and well written introduction to the network of ideas surrounding the notion of ``time'' for the intelligent general reader. It includes a broad spectrum of such basic topics as: Feynman and time-travel; Gödel's universes; Minkowskian space-time and Tipler cylinders. These ideas of physics are discussed briefly against Chopin's mazurkas, polonaises, and nocturnes. Indeed, he even explains why gold glitters, viz., gold glitters due to the effects of relativity (time dilation) on the motions of electrons inside the metal. Further, there is a useful Appendix containing computer programs written in C-language and BASIC for the Lorentz contraction, gravitational time dilation near a black hole, and quantum foam diagrams.NEWLINENEWLINENEWLINEThe book is well worth reading, but could be improved with the addition of a thorough Glossary explaining technical terms. Further, a discussion of (quantum computer) processing time would add to the value of this paperback volume on the enigma of ``time''. Indeed, this reviewer believes we need to bring together the creative efforts of the author and his IBM colleague G. J. Chaitin in the near future.