Physics for Poets

Starred review from October 1, 2014

Kouzes (physics, Washington State Univ.) here presents an informative introduction to physics in eight college lectures, a format specifically targeted at listeners with a minimal understanding of the field. He eschews the mathematical and conceptual complexity of higher level physics in favor of translating many of the fundamental principles of the discipline into terms suitable for lay listeners. The author discusses key historical events in the various realms of physics and presents marvelous, succinct explanations of the laws of motion, energy, thermodynamics, and electromagnetism. He also manages to make understandable quantum mechanics and nuclear physics while smartly connecting the dots of how a fundamental understanding of physics helps one to understand better some of today's exciting new scientific advances. This work follows in the tradition of and updates the material found in Robert H. March's 1975 Physics for Poets and covers a broader range of topics than Leon M. Lederman and Christopher T. Hill's 2011 Quantum Physics for Poets. The author's own classroom lecture delivery enhances this addition to the always valuable litany of college-level audio courses available from the Modern Scholar. The written course guide should be made available for listeners who wish to review the material for further understanding. VERDICT Highly recommended for erudite, lifelong learners.--Dale Farris, Groves, TX

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