NONFICTION

When Einstein Walked with Gödel: Excursions to the Edge of Thought

by Jim Holt
Farrar. May 2018. 384p. index. ISBN 9780374146702. $28; ebk. ISBN 9780374717841. PHIL
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Philosopher and New York Times writer Holt (Why Does the World Exist??) takes a collection of profound ideas, from theories on the infinite to how the universe will end, and presents them in a creative and thought-provoking way. He writes that the goal of the book "is to enlighten the newcomer while providing a novel twist that will please the expert." The wide range of topics includes ethics, epistemology, logic, and physics, along with Holt's insight into some of the great thinkers' personal traits and oddities. For example, the mathematician Kurt Gödel thought there was a conspiracy to poison him, which, in turn, led to his death from starvation. This combination makes each chapter distinct, and each could be read on its own.
VERDICT Holt's latest is as stimulating as his previous work; he has a talent for explaining complex ideas in a concise yet accessible way. Recommended for readers with an interest in the history of ideas, philosophy, mathematics, and science. [See Prepub Alert, 11/12/17.]
Reviewed by Scott Duimstra, Capital Area Dist. Lib., Lansing, MI , Jul 01, 2018
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