Stephen Hawking, Leonard Mlodinow
Stephen Hawking, Leonard Mlodinow
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Stephen Hawking
A Memoir of Friendship and Physics

Author: Leonard Mlodinow

Narrator: Dan John Miller

Unabridged: 6 hr 56 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 09/08/2020


Synopsis

This “vivid and compelling account” (The Wall Street Journal) opens not only the inner workings of one of physics’ greatest minds, but also a view into an extraordinary friendship and the human capacity to overcome insurmountable challenges.

A BEST SCIENCE BOOK OF 2020 (The Telegraph, The Guardian)
A BEST BOOK OF 2020 (New Statesmen)

One of the most influential physicists of our time, Stephen Hawking touched the lives of millions. Recalling his nearly two decades as Hawking’s collaborator and friends, Leonard Mlodinow brings this complex man into focus in a unique and deeply personal portrayal. We meet Hawking the genius, who pours his mind into uncovering the mysteries of the universe—ultimately formulating a pathbreaking theory of black holes that reignites the discipline of cosmology and paves the way for physicists to investigate the origins of the universe in completely new ways. We meet Hawking the colleague, a man whose illness leaves him able to communicate at only six words per minute but who expends the effort to punctuate his conversations with humor. And we meet Hawking the friend, who can convey volumes with a frown, a smile, or simply a raised eyebrow.
 
Mlodinow puts us in the room as Hawking indulges his passion for wine and curry; shares his feelings on love, death, and disability; and grapples with deep questions of philosophy and physics. Whether depicting Hawking’s devotion to his work or demonstrating how he would make spur of the moment choices, such as punting on the River Cam (despite the risk the jaunt posed), or spinning tales of Hawking defiantly urinating in the hedges outside a restaurant that doesn’t have a wheelchair accessible toilet, Mlodinow captures his indomitable spirit. This moving account of a friendship offers us invaluable lessons from one of physics’ greatest practitioners about life, the universe, and the ability to overcome daunting obstacles.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Tadas

It was a good read, plus I learned a number of really interesting facts that one of Einstein's teachers was Lithuanian.......more

Goodreads review by David

Leonard Mlodinow was "selected" by Stephen Hawking as someone he'd like to collaborate with. How one collaborates with a cosmology genius trapped in a useless body - and write two books together - is the central thread of these memoirs of those times. The result is simply titled Stephen Hawking. The......more

Goodreads review by Jacob

Some reviewers complained that the details about Hawking's physical condition were TMI. But that sort of candidness is precisely what I hope for in biographies. The point is not to gawk or merely to satisfy curiosity. Glimpsing the parts of others' lives that are normally hidden allows us to gain a......more

Goodreads review by Cristie

This was such an amazing tribute to a man that made such an impact in the study of physics. Since this was written by a friend, there was a lot of information the public didn’t know. The perfectionism in getting every minute detail just right by Mr. Hawking is a characteristic many of us can adapt.......more


Quotes

“Mlodinow’s memoir genuinely has something to add, insights that are not to be found elsewhere . . . A vivid and compelling account of Hawking’s character, its many strengths and its occasional deep flaws . . . Mlodinow is very good on the small details of Hawking’s condition . . . Mlodinow understands very well, and can explain very clearly, the twists and turns of Hawking’s physics as it developed from his doctoral thesis to the breakthroughs of his mature years.”
—Ray Monk, The Wall Street Journal
 
“Tremendously entertaining . . . This affectionate memoir by a friend of the great physicist is a marvel of concision and clarity . . . Mlodinow is himself a theoretical physicist, and—rather unfairly—a brilliant writer to boot.”
—Steven Poole, The Daily Telegraph

“Fascinating . . . Fresh and worthwhile . . . As a serious theoretical physicist who co-wrote two books with Hawking, Leonard Mlodinow saw the great man from a unique vantage point. He can delve into intimate details and survey the intellectual high ground . . . Hawking’s significance is made clear . . . A compelling read.” 
—The Sunday Times

 “An intimate exploration of the complex man who's groundbreaking work in physics and cosmology left its mark on the science world and beyond.” 
—Pittsburgh City Paper

“Leonard Mlodinow has done the impossible. He has skillfully woven together a thoughtful, insightful, intimate, and engaging portrait of Stephen Hawking, one of the greatest minds of our times, while being scrupulously faithful to the physics. Hawking would have been proud of this book. Based on his 15 year association with Hawking, he also answers one of the most puzzling questions asked by the public: How was Hawking consistently able to make breathtaking discoveries in physics while suffering from a paralyzing, debilitating illness that would have crushed any mortal?”
—Michio Kaku, New York Times best-selling author of The Future of Humanity
 
“Stephen Hawking surpassed science and touched the world with his transcendent genius and heroic courage that inspired millions. In this intimate memoir, his long-time friend and physics collaborator Leonard Mlodinow, one of the finest science writers of our time, shares insights into Hawking that humanizes him while also revealing what made him one of history's greatest minds.”
—Michael Shermer, author of The Believing Brain


“An intimate, unique, and inspiring perspective on the life and work of one of the greatest minds of our time. Filled with insight, humor, and never-before-told stories, it’s a view of Stephen Hawking that few have seen and all will appreciate.”
—James Clear, author of Atomic Habits

“Stephen Hawking was a unique scientist and person, and Leonard Mlodinow's book is a unique glimpse into how he worked and lived. As educational as it is touching, this is a deeply human look at a mind that spanned the cosmos.”
—Sean Carroll, author of Something Deeply Hidden: Quantum Worlds and the Emergence of Spacetime
 
“An illuminating portrait of perseverance and determination. A valuable account of an extraordinary man.”
Kirkus Reviews