This is the best thing I've read in quite a while. The book basically jumps every other chapter from discussing the complex science Hawking has worked on throughout his life (book was published in 1992) to a description of Hawking's life. The science involved is obviously extremely complex physics, but the effort to put it into layman's terms was impressive and in most cases, led me to enough of an understanding of the subject matter to find it interesting.

Even more interesting was the subject of Hawking's life. Learning about the type of person he was growing up, how he dealt with a diagnosis of ALS at the age of 21, and how he continued to persevere in everything he did.

Of course, if the science doesn't interest you and you really don't want to read about Hawking's entire life, I can throw in two fun spoiler facts:

1. Apparently, after becoming confined to a wheelchair, when Hawking was mad at someone (the example given was when someone would change the topic while he was discussing physics) he would show his anger by spinning his wheel chair around and quickly leaving the room until the person was ready to discuss the topic at hand. But if he was really pissed, hawking would purposely run over their toes.

2. After Hawking started using a computer voice system for speech, when giving lectures he would still have a Q and A session. It would take time for him to answer (having to slowly type responses in himself). The audience would be told to talk among themselves as they waited for a response. Sometimes Hawking would make them wait for a good while just for fun, and then give a yes or no answer.

La cabala del cosmos dios ampare esta obra.
Atentamente el que lo dice.

A man so afflicted in body yet so gifted in mind. A story of a courageous if sometimes wilful life.

White and Gribbin, adept science writers, have masterfully depicted an indomitable genius and an expansive scientific intellect in the book - Stephen Hawking: A Life in Science. It was first published in 1992.

As I read the pages of this book, I'm struck by how the writers effortlessly blend clear explanations of Hawking's scientific achievements with a heartfelt account of his personal life. Their approach allows readers like me to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for both facets of his remarkable journey.

The book recounts how at the age of 21, just before his marriage, Hawking was given a grim prognosis of only two years to live due to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Despite this, he defied the odds and lived for 55 years, surpassing all expectations and breaking records for longevity with the condition. However, the shadow of mortality always lingered over him. Part of his appeal came from this vulnerability, as well as from the contrast between his brilliant mind and his frail body.

In terms of his personal life, the book highlights the role of Jane Wilde, who married Hawking shortly after his ALS diagnosis. Jane's unwavering dedication and selflessness were evident as she cared for him and their three children for 25 years. However, their marriage eventually ended when Hawking moved in with Elaine Mason, his caregiver. It's worth noting that Mason was married to the person who had adapted Hawking's computer for his wheelchair.

The authors effectively traced Hawking’s influence on the development of cosmology. They utilized his own words to illustrate how he integrated fresh evidence into mathematical models, shedding light on the connection between black holes and the expanding universe. Additionally, they propose that Hawking could be viewed as carrying on Einstein's pursuit of a unified theory of physics, a lofty ambition indeed. However, the book emphasizes that his achievements were often the product of collaboration with other scientists, notably mentioning Roger Penrose.

Stephen Hawking and Albert Einstein share a connection forged by their profound influences on theoretical physics. Just as Einstein's name is synonymous with his revolutionary theories of relativity, Hawking's legacy is marked by his pioneering work on Hawking radiation, which he proposed as particles emitted by black holes.

This groundbreaking contribution firmly cements Hawking's esteemed reputation and enduring influence in the scientific community, echoing Einstein's lasting legacy in the field of physics.

As someone who isn't a scientist, I'm fascinated by concepts like the creation of the universe, black holes, quantum fluctuations, multiverses, spacetime fabric, and time travel. In this book, the authors have managed to explain these complex ideas in simple terms and with plenty of metaphors, which I really appreciate. I've noticed a similarity with Stephen Hawking in this regard. His ability to explain intricate concepts using accessible language, vivid metaphors, and a touch of humor is truly impressive. In fact, it's thanks to him that I've developed an interest in cosmology.

I highly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in science who is seeking an engaging and accessible read. It offers a unique blend of scientific exploration and biography, making it a captivating choice for both enthusiasts and newcomers to the field.

Reproduced from my blog: Stephen Hawking by Michael White & John Gribbin

The cover of the book initially sent me nostalgic to see the young charming Mr.Hawking with his pressed all too classical suit and a tad tilted head that hinted of thought. As you dwelve inside its pages you come face to face with one of the world's most famous and ingenious human being. His wits and bravery are too infectious that it leaves you in awe. Wits because well, he is more than witty. Bravery to cross the chasm of ALS through all odds and stand in the brink of life that is only very well lived. Salute to the most intriguing and inspiring individual!

Overall tone of the book was very adulatory of Hawking. Sexism is prevalent in the portrayal of some of the women throughout Hawking's life. The very first example being the juxtaposition of Shirley Maclaine to Hawking as "Hollywood actress & Cambridge professor". Maclaine is an actress but to portray it as the only noteworthy thing she's done is inaccurate. She led a politically active life campaigning for George McGovern for the 1972 presidential election. In 1970, she also began to write books, eight of which were published prior to this one.

Authors feel the need to clarify what they mean by the term theory, despite the fact that the target audience of this book is likely well aware of what theory means in this context. Briefly mentioned is Hawkings own upbringing, in which it's explained his parents both attended Oxford. The relationship between Hawking & Jane is described in a way that feels one sided. It's elaborated the ways in which Jane sacrificed her personal ambitions throughout their life together, to take care of Hawking's needs relating to his condition. A statement from jane within the book reads:

"When I married him I knew there was not going to be the possibility of my having a career, that our household could only accommodate one career and that had to be Stephen's. Nevertheless, I have to say I found it very difficult and very frustrating in those early years. I felt myself very much the household drudge, and Stephen was getting all the glittering prizes"

Hawking's attitude regarding this seems insouciant overall. The average lifespan of an ALS patient after diagnosis is 2-5 years, making Hawking's extended lifespan truly remarkable. Hawking didn't die until 55 years after his ALS diagnosis, at 76 years old. Overall the book provides some interesting info regarding both physics & Hawking's life.

This is a chronological account of Stephen's life, interspersed with theoretical physics as the field has developed over the years.

It's a fascinating read from the physics perspective. Really interesting and really well explained for the lay-man with analogies that can be understood by anyone. Even so, I still found myself rereading the same page a few times over before things sunk in. It was amazing to understand the process behind discovering advancements in the field that fundamentally changed the way we think about the universe, and seeing how these advancements changed over time, from the theory of general relativity to neutron stars, pulsars etc.

I found the actual depictions of Stephen's life a bit contrived, but this is the downside of unofficial biographies. I'm sure the major pieces were there, but it did feel very third-person and I was conscious that I was reading someone's interpretation of Stephen's life.

3.5 due to its length and difficulty with comprehension of advanced physics and math.

Although most of the biography written when the actual person concerned is living, tend to be crappy this one is actually nice, a good read if you want to know what Hawking is all about and how he got there.