Wizards, Aliens, and Starships: Physics and Math in Fantasy and Science Fiction
Language: English
Published by Princeton University Press, New Jersey, 2014
- First Edition
- Hardcover
- Used
Seller: Godley Books, Hyde, United KingdomGodley Books
AbeBooks seller since December 12, 2006
Condition: Used - Fine
US$ 21.82
Quantity: 1 available
Add to basketItem description from seller
Book and jacket in as new unread condition. 378pp. The author looks at the ideas which have come out of science fiction and considers their plausibility from a scientific viewpoint. He looks at authors such as Ursula K Le Guin to J K Rowling and visual media like Star Trek and Avatar to explore what might become reality using simple mathematical models in some cases. We do not use stock photos, the picture displayed is of the actual book for sale. Every one of our books is in stock in the UK ready for immediate delivery. Size: 9.5 x 6.5 inches.
Seller Inventory # 024895
- Title
- Wizards, Aliens, and Starships: Physics and Math in Fantasy and Science Fiction
- Author
- Adler, Charles L.
- Publisher
- Princeton University Press, New Jersey
- Publication year
- 2014
- Condition
- Fine
- Dust jacket
- Fine
- Binding
- Hard Cover
- Language
- English
- ISBN 10
- 0691147159
- ISBN 13
- 9780691147154
- Edition
- First Edition.
- Seller catalogs
- Science / Engineering / Maths
Explaining the science behind science fiction and fantasy―from the probable to the impossible
From teleportation and space elevators to alien contact and interstellar travel, science fiction and fantasy writers have come up with some brilliant and innovative ideas. Yet how plausible are these ideas--for instance, could Mr. Weasley's flying car in the Harry Potter books really exist? Which concepts might actually happen, and which ones wouldn’t work at all? Wizards, Aliens, and Starships delves into the most extraordinary details in science fiction and fantasy--such as time warps, shape changing, rocket launches, and illumination by floating candle--and shows readers the physics and math behind the phenomena.
With simple mathematical models, and in most cases using no more than high school algebra, Charles Adler ranges across a plethora of remarkable imaginings, from the works of Ursula K. Le Guin to Star Trek and Avatar, to explore what might become reality. Adler explains why fantasy in the Harry Potter and Dresden Files novels cannot adhere strictly to scientific laws, and when magic might make scientific sense in the muggle world. He examines space travel and wonders why it isn’t cheaper and more common today. Adler also discusses exoplanets and how the search for alien life has shifted from radio communications to space-based telescopes. He concludes by investigating the future survival of humanity and other intelligent races. Throughout, he cites an abundance of science fiction and fantasy authors, and includes concise descriptions of stories as well as an appendix on Newton's laws of motion.
Wizards, Aliens, and Starships will speak to anyone wanting to know about the correct--and incorrect--science of science fiction and fantasy.
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About the Author
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Godley Books
Hyde, United Kingdom
AbeBooks seller since December 12, 2006
Shipping rates from United Kingdom to U.S.A.
| Item | 5 to 15 business days | 4 to 12 business days |
|---|---|---|
| First item | US$ 21.12 | US$ 23.76 |
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Mainly used books, mostly non-fictionSeller's business information
Godley Books
United Kingdom
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