The Elegant Universe

The elusive quest for “unification”--or what scientists refer to as "the theory of everything"--is fascinatingly explored in this three-part program from PBS's excellent, longstanding NOVA series. Bolstered by a bevy of high-profile corporate sponsors and enough computer-generated eye-candy to impress even George Lucas, this provocative and thoroughly engaging study of "string theory" finds Columbia physics professor and author (of the book on which the series is based) Brian Greene playing jovial host to a splendid survey of scientific history, startling revelations, and cutting-edge speculation. Aided by a virtual who's-who of expert physicists from Harvard, MIT, Columbia, and other scientific think-tanks, Greene provides a concise historical perspective on unification theory in Part 1 ("Einstein's Dream"), clarifying the revolutionary way in which string theory--based on the theorized existence of vibrating, subatomic strands of energy which compose the "music" of all matter in the universe--promises to unite "large" (Einstein's general relativity) with "small" (the previously incompatible rules of quantum mechanics). Part 2 ("String's the Thing") explores the discovery and progressive acceptance of string theory, and Part 3 ("Welcome to the 11th Dimension") examines the far-reaching implications that string theory could have on our understanding of the universe. This is where science collides with philosophy in a tantalizing variety of "what if" scenarios, including multiple dimensions, time travel, and parallel universes. The miraculous thing about Greene's presentation is that it presents the most complex ideas in clear, excitingly accessible terms, easily grasped by adults and grade-schoolers alike. With a full slate of educational bonus features (including "making of" featurettes, multidimensional math activities, and an excerpt from Greene's companion book), this will appeal to all of those--young and old--who seek answers to the grandest of all questions. Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. Aud: J, H, C, P. (J. Shannon)