This book has been read. Inner face of dust cover has markings. However all pages intact with no highlighting or writing contained within. The spine remains undamaged with tight binding and the book is generally in good condition. Fast dispatch within and from the UK. 100% money back guarantee.

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Bibliographic Details

Title: Wizards, Aliens, and Starships: Physics and Math in Fantasy and Science Fiction
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Publication Date: 2014
Language: English
ISBN 10: 0691147159
ISBN 13: 9780691147154
Binding: Hardcover
Edition: 1st Edition
Condition: Good
Dust Jacket Condition: Good

About this title

Synopsis

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.

About the Author

Charles L. Adler is professor of physics at St. Mary's College of Maryland.

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Hi, my name is Philip Wittering and I'm an individual book seller trading under the name of Hard to Find Editions, based in Bristol UK. Being established for more than 14 years I specialise in buying and selling a wide eclectic range of used non-fiction and collectible books to hundreds of delighted customers worldwide. If you can't see what your looking for then please don't hesitate to contact me and I will be delighted to help you with your query.

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