Need recommendation for good popular science book on QM

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around recommendations for popular science books on quantum mechanics suitable for readers without formal science education. Participants seek titles that cover the history of quantum mechanics, key figures, significant experiments, foundational concepts, and philosophical interpretations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests recommendations for accessible books on quantum mechanics that explain its history, key individuals, and foundational concepts.
  • Another participant suggests a specific book link, but does not provide details about its content.
  • A third participant recommends Richard Feynman's classic work, emphasizing its value and perspective from a renowned physicist.
  • Additional suggestions include a brief book by Scarini, which is noted for its concise length.
  • Another participant mentions A. Rae's book titled "Quantum Physics - Illusion or Reality?" as a potential recommendation.
  • Several titles are proposed, including "Sneaking a Look at God's Cards" by GianCarlo Ghirardi, "The New Quantum Age" by Andrew Whitaker, and "Beyond Measure" by Jim Baggott, each with links provided for further exploration.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple book recommendations without indicating a consensus on which is the best choice. The discussion remains open with various suggestions offered.

Contextual Notes

No specific limitations or unresolved issues are noted in the discussion.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in popular science literature on quantum mechanics, particularly those without a formal background in science.

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If such a thing exists, what is a good popular science book for quantum mechanics?

Multiple book choices would be accepted. Not looking for textbooks, more something you can lend to people who don't have science degrees but who are keenly interested in the subject.

In an ideal world it would explain a history of the discipline, introduce the signficiant individuals, have a laymans description of the seminal experiments (double slit etc), summarise all the important things that comprise the discipline (entanglement, Schrödinger wave equation etc) and some philisophy about the interpretations of QM and what they mean in terms of the nature of existence.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Scarini - only about 130 pages long
 
A. Rae, Quantum Physics - Illusion or Reality?
 
"Sneaking a Look at God's Cards" by GianCarlo Ghirardi. - http://press.princeton.edu/titles/8006.html
"The New Quantum Age" by Andrew Whitaker - http://www.oup.com/us/catalog/general/subject/Physics/Relativity/?view=usa&sf=toc&ci=9780199589135
"Beyond Measure" by Jim Baggott - http://www.oup.com/us/catalog/general/subject/Chemistry/PhysicalChemistry/?view=usa&ci=9780198529279
 
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