Author:Ronald L Mallett,Bruce Henderson
Ron Mallett was just 10 when his father died suddenly. Devastated, he found solace in the science fiction of H.G. Wells, believing that if he could build a time machine, he could go back into the past, warn his father and perhaps save his life.
Ronald Mallett is now a professor of theoretical physics. Remarkably, this working-class African American boy from the Bronx stuck with his vision, overcoming poverty and prejudice in the pursuit of his obsession. This is the story of his extraordinary journey of self- and scientific discovery. With simple language and elegant metaphor he lays out his theories and presents the reader with what is an actual blue print for a time machine.A dramatic and compelling memoir, it is also a brilliant introduction to a riveting but generally baffling subject, and a truly inspirational account of astonishing achievement.
A fascinating man . . . mesmerizing
—— Judy Finnigan, Daily ExpressThis book makes for absorbing reading.
—— Alexander Waugh , TelegraphA hugely readable book, a fascinating subject and a delightful story.
—— www.popularscience.co.ukMallett never comes off as a puffy-chested smarty-pants. His delivery is humble, his voice enthusiastic, his optimism contagious. For anyone, but especially for the aspiring scientist, Time Traveler is a worthwhile and surprisingly entertaining read.
—— Julie Mayeda , San Francisco Chronicle. . . Mallett is such a great teacher that the complex ideas that shape modern physics aren't so scary under the professor's easy guidance . . . strange, interesting and ultimately touching memoir.
—— Bruce Lieberman , San Diego Union TribuneThe powerful story of a son's love for his father ... provides deep insights into the influences, both positive and negative, that impact an individual wishing to go into science, and the interplay between family, emotions, race, and ambition.
—— Ronald E Mickens, PhD, distinguished Fuller E Callaway professor of physics at Clark Atlanta University and the author of MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE and MATHEMATICAL METHODS FOR THE NATURAL AND ENGINEERING SCIENCESMallett's poignant and powerful text correctly paints the scientist as first and foremost a human being in a way few other scientific autobiographies have managed. The science enthusiast who comes to this work fascinated by Mallett's ground-breaking research into time travel will come away with an unexpected understanding of his struggles against prejudice, both societal and scientific.
—— Kristine Larsen, professor of physics and astronomy at Central Connecticut State University and author of STEVEN HAWKING: A BIOGRAPHYThe Time Traveller presents a compelling account of the life of physicist Ron Mallett. The story skillfully interweaves the coupled dramas of growing up, transcending racial tensions, learning physics and chasing a long, long dream. The result is a fascinating biography.
—— Fred Adams, Professor at the University of Michigan and author of THE FIVE AGES OF THE UNIVERSEWhile a theory for time travel is in itself extraordinary, Mallett's own story of how he became one of the first African-American PhDs is just as remarkable . . . There have been a number of time travel books published of late, but this is one of the more accomplished. His theory is the first serious and practical attempt at making the impossible possible. The Time Traveller is about far more than theory, however, and will undoubtedly serve as inspiration to budding scientists and the general reader alike.
—— Science Book ReviewsPhysicist Mallett's theory that "space and time can be manipulated" to make time travel possible has gained national media attention. His research and theories flow nicely through this easy-to-read autobiography. Mallett's, one of the first African-American Ph.D.s in theoretical physics, (and bestselling author Henderson's) simple prose makes for clear and concise explanations of the science involved. The author comes across as a warm, inspired, driven, troubled man who is generous in his descriptions of others and must be an excellent teacher at the University of Connecticut, where he is a physics professor. Mallett describes the path of his education and research into black holes and circulating lasers, which he believes drag time into a closed loop suitable for time travel. Due to the basic level of the science content and the focus on Mallett's personal quest, this book is best suited for a general rather than a science-leaning audience, or as an inspirational text for aspiring young scientists. B&w photos.
—— Publisher's WeeklyScience and memoir combine in the story of a black boy from the Bronx who turned his dreams into reality.
—— Waterstones QuarterlyAn engaging and, at times, moving read.
—— www.the-void.co.ukA terrific book . . . once you start it you'll be hooked.
—— www.motorbar.co.ukBrimming with excitement . . . This is a rewarding tale of courage, determination, and the possibilities of science.
—— The StarDawkins emerges like a prize-fighter, knocking out of the ring all objections
—— NatureMost importantly his writing radiates an intense sense of fascination. He is a great explainer, taking complex biological processes and making them accessible
—— IndependentIf you want to understand evolution, I doubt there are many better at explaining it to laymen than Dawkins... A writer who is red in tooth and pen, his opponents don't stand a chance
—— Scottish Sunday HeraldAn accessible, colourful and beautifully detailed look at many scientific wonders - whether it's the great variety of dogs or the sex life of orchids - and a great primer for those coming fresh to the subject
—— Irish TimesRichard Dawkin's new book... gives the fact-rejecters their just deserts
—— Daily TelegraphThe book is full of evidence, some familiar and some new. Its case is presented in a manner succinct, clear and sometimes vivid
—— Daily TelegraphNo other book currently available approaches Dawkin's comprehensive yet accessible treatment of the extraordinarily diverse and massive body of data that drives ineluctably to the same conclusion
—— National Center for Science EducationThe Greatest Show on Earth is a lucid, thorough and often exciting survey of evolution and takes in rats' teeth, dogs, bacteria, the so-called missing link, crustaceans, giraffe anatomy, hummingbirds, chimpanzees, enzymes - you name it. It is informed in nearly every paragraph by Mr. Dawkins's irrepressible enthusiasm
—— Sarah Lyall , New York TimesThe Greatest Show on Earth... is essential reading. I would currently rate it... as the best overall book on the evidence for Evolution
—— Marc E. Miquel , SCOPEThis is a magnificent book of wonderstanding: Richard Dawkins combines an artist's wonder at the virtuosity of nature with a scientist's understanding of how it comes to be
—— Matt Ridley, author of "Nature via Nurture"