Difference between the brief and the briefer history in time

In summary, "A Briefer History of Time" by Stephen Hawking is an updated version of his bestseller "A Brief History of Time." The book is shorter and has more accessible content for non-scientists.
  • #1
Llama77
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What is the difference between the brief and the briefer history in time by hawking?

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  • #2
One is shorter than the other?
 
  • #3
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0593054970/?tag=pfamazon01-20
says
"Stephen Hawking's worldwide bestseller, "A Brief History of Time", has been a landmark volume in scientific writing. Its author's engaging voice is one reason, and the compelling subjects he addresses is another: the nature of space and time, the role of God in creation, and the history and future of the universe. But it is also true that in the years since its publication, readers have repeatedly told Professor Hawking of their great difficulty in understanding some of the book's most important concepts. This is the origin of and the reason for "A Briefer History of Time": its author's wish to make its content accessible to readers - as well as to bring it up-to-date with the latest scientific observations and findings. Although this book is literally somewhat 'briefer', it actually expands on the great subjects of the original. Purely technical concepts, such as the mathematics of chaotic boundary conditions, are gone. Conversely, subjects of wide interest that were difficult to follow because they were interspersed throughout the book have now been given entire chapters of their own, including relativity, curved space, and quantum theory. This reorganization has allowed the authors to expand areas of special interest and recent progress, from the latest developments in string theory to exciting developments in the search for a complete, unified theory of all the forces of physics. Like prior editions of the book - but even more so - "A Briefer History of Time" will guide non scientists everywhere in the ongoing search for the tantalizing secrets at the heart of time and space. Thirty-eight full-color illustrations enhance the text and make "A Briefer History of Time" an exhilarating addition in its own right to the literature of science."
 

1. What is the difference between the brief and the briefer history in time?

The brief history in time refers to the popular science book "A Brief History of Time" written by Stephen Hawking, which discusses various topics in physics and cosmology. On the other hand, the briefer history in time refers to the revised and updated version of the book, titled "A Briefer History of Time", which was published later and covers some additional topics.

2. Which book should I read, "A Brief History of Time" or "A Briefer History of Time"?

It depends on your level of understanding of physics and cosmology. If you are new to these topics, it is recommended to start with "A Brief History of Time" as it provides a more in-depth explanation of the concepts. However, if you are already familiar with these topics and want a more concise and updated version, "A Briefer History of Time" would be a better choice.

3. Is "A Briefer History of Time" just a shorter version of "A Brief History of Time"?

No, "A Briefer History of Time" is not just a shorter version of "A Brief History of Time". It includes some additional topics and updates from recent developments in the field of physics and cosmology. It also has a different structure and writing style compared to the original book.

4. Can I understand the concepts in these books without a background in physics?

Both "A Brief History of Time" and "A Briefer History of Time" are written for a general audience and do not require a background in physics. However, some concepts may be challenging to grasp without prior knowledge, and it is recommended to have a basic understanding of physics and math to fully comprehend the topics discussed in the books.

5. Are there any major differences between "A Brief History of Time" and "A Briefer History of Time"?

Apart from the additional topics and updates, there are some minor differences in the content and structure of the two books. For example, "A Briefer History of Time" has fewer pages and includes more illustrations and diagrams to aid in understanding the concepts. However, the core message and ideas remain the same in both books.

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