Synopses & Reviews
"Part fiction, part overview of 'Aha!' moments in the forward march of physics, Only the Longest Threads takes readers dramatically through scientific fields such as quantum field theory, electromagnetism, relativity, quantum mechanics, and string theory. Each idea or concept is explored in an inventive chapter, each told from a different first-person narrator; the faux emails, letters, and diary entries take place from 1728 to the present day."—Boing Boing, "The Best Books for Nerds from 2014"
"Science is done by real human beings, with human concerns. Only the Longest Threads tells a story that conveys the human side of science in a way that is as moving as it is accurate."Sean Carroll, theoretical physicist at Caltech and author of The Particle at the End of the Universe
Only the Longest Threads will thrill readers with its dramatic and lucid accounts of the great breakthroughs in the history of physicsclassical mechanics, electromagnetism, relativity, quantum mechanics, quantum field theory, and string theory, each from the viewpoint of a (fictional) witness to the events.
Tasneem Zehra Husain re-imagines the pivotal moments in the history of physics when radical new theories shifted our perception of the universe, and our place in it. Husain immerses the reader in the immediacy and excitement of the discoveriesand she guides us as we begin to understand the underlying science and to grasp the revolutionary step forward each of these milestones represents.
"Tasneem Zehra Husain writes lyrically, poetically about life, love, and physics. I highly recommend this wonderful book for anyone interested in what physics, and indeed all of science, is about. She masterfully describes the most momentous moments in physics history with verve and talent."Amir D. Aczel, bestselling author of Fermats Last Theorem
"A delightful meditation on the development of modern physics, culminating in the discovery of the Higgs. Husain follows the thread of its creation through a dialog between a journalist and young theory student, and as seen through the eyes of witnesses."John Huth, Donner Professor of Science, Harvard University
"Well-written and cleverly constructed, this book takes us on a journey through the history of physics as a series of fictional adventures, loosely linked by another fiction, the storytellers' emails to each other. Some books are praised because 'I couldnt put it down,' but this one merits a deeper reading, one that stops, muses on, and savors each story before going on to the next. Each one captures not only the emergence of a significant idea in physics, but also something of the characters, culture, and times surrounding that development. So take your time, pause to ponder, but persevere, you will be well rewarded!"Helen R. Quinn, Physicist, Science Educator, and co-author of The Mystery of the Missing Antimatter, Professor Emeritus SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory
"How do theoretical physicists think? Tasneem Zehra Husain knows. She knows their purpose, feels their passions, articulates their frustrations, shares their triumphs. Through the device of fiction Only the Longest Threads communicates the history of physical thoughtits roots in inquisitiveness and essential disinterest in outcomewith greater clarity than any popular science text."Michael Duff FRS, Abdus Salam Professor of Theoretical Physics, Imperial College London
"An artfully constructed journey through space and time."Freddy Cachazo, Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics
"Husain skillfully weaves a poetic tapestry."Joseph Mazur, author of Enlightening Symbols
Tasneem Zehra Husain is a writer, educator, and Pakistans first female string theorist.
Synopsis
String theorist explores six breakthrough discoveries in physics from the point of view of an imaginary participant to the events.
Synopsis
Dramatic and lucid accounts of six monumental breakthroughs in physicsNewton's universal laws of motion and gravitation, electromagnetism, relativity, quantum mechanics, quantum field theory, and string theoryeach told from the viewpoint of a (fictional) witness to the events. A tour de force of science made accessible.
Tasneem Zehra is a Pakistani theoretical physicist. She obtained her PhD in theoretical physics from Stockholm University in 2003, after which she went to Harvard University for a two-year postdoctoral research position. She lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Synopsis
"Tasneem Zehra Husain writes lyrically, poetically about life, love, and physics. I highly recommend this wonderful book for anyone interested in what physics, and indeed all of science, is about. She masterfully describes the most momentous moments in physics history with verve and talent."Amir Aczel
"Only the Longest Threads is a page-turner that portrays the excitement of discovery in physics from Isaac Newton to string theory. I highly recommend it for anyone who wants to feel the thrill of the succession of ideas that have led us to the current highly successful, but incomplete, understanding of our universe."Richard Dower, Chairman, Science Department, Roxbury Latin School
Dramatic and lucid accounts of six monumental breakthroughs in physicsNewton's universal laws of motion and gravitation, electromagnetism, relativity, quantum mechanics, quantum field theory, and string theoryeach told from the viewpoint of a (fictional) witness to the events. A tour de force of science made accessible.
Tasneem Zehra Husain is a Pakistani theoretical physicist. She holds a PhD from Stockholm University and did post-doctoral research at Harvard University. She lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
About the Author
Tasneem Zehra Husain is a writer, educator and Pakistan's first female string theorist. She holds a PhD from Stockholm University and did post-doctoral research at Harvard University. Husain is fascinated by scientific theories, how we engage with them, and how they change us. She explores these themes in her fiction and nonfiction writing, her popular talks, and the educational workshops she conducts for science teachers. Husain is actively involved in science outreach, and frequently delivers talks about theoretical physics to students and lay audiences. She lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts.