A review by chcubic
Black Hole: How an Idea Abandoned by Newtonians, Hated by Einstein, and Gambled on by Hawking Became Loved by Marcia Bartusiak
2.0
Flat, dry, and superfluous. Stacking historical details doesn't make a good story, and lumping physics terminologies doesn't help to establish a deeper understanding. It's partly my own fault, as the author mentions very early in the book that it's more about the history of an idea rather than about the idea itself. However, without making the idea inspiring, it's hard to see why readers should care about how the idea developed.
Perhaps an OK historical overview if the reader really knew NOTHING about black holes, otherwise better to skip it as it's unlikely add anything.
p.s. Before starting the book I have it tagged with "physics" as well, but took the tag off after reading it.
p.s.2 I am surprised to find the whole "black hole" book only mentioned gravitational lens ONCE, only passingly, while it's one of the most important applications of black hole astronomy (and cool by itself!).
Perhaps an OK historical overview if the reader really knew NOTHING about black holes, otherwise better to skip it as it's unlikely add anything.
p.s. Before starting the book I have it tagged with "physics" as well, but took the tag off after reading it.
p.s.2 I am surprised to find the whole "black hole" book only mentioned gravitational lens ONCE, only passingly, while it's one of the most important applications of black hole astronomy (and cool by itself!).