A bold and well-reasoned thought experiment that falls short of a true scientific theory.
Maxwell offers a unique theory for the organization of the infinite universes we just might be a part of.
The Eternal Cyclic Omniverse, as described by the author, is a “living organism, a conscious intelligence of infinite magnitude” that connects an infinite number of universes in an unending cycle. Maxwell’s 39-year-long project to develop a new theory for cosmological organization aims to answer the question of what preceded the Big Bang without violating any principles of entropy or the second law of thermodynamics. He posits that parallel universes may organize themselves in a lattice structure, resulting in a system in which each universe is equidistant from 12 adjacent universes. These universes are all subject to the same laws of nature, and events that occur in one universe will occur simultaneously in every other. After establishing the basic tenets of his proposed multiverse, the author delves into the underlying geometry of his vision of space-time. Despite having no prior knowledge of the subject, he endeavors to outline some of the most prominent contemporary theories about quantum physics and relate them to his work. Maxwell succinctly summarizes the concepts of string theory, quantum gravity, dark energy, and nucleosynthesis, claiming that all of these ideas fit seamlessly into his own model; the author further proposes that practical applications of his work could include new ways to generate electricity, travel the cosmos, or anything else we put our minds to. The author effectively and concisely explains complex subjects, and he’s candid about the burden he faces as a layperson attempting to pose such a grand hypothesis to the scientific community. The journey Maxwell charts in this book is as much personal as it is scientific—he depicts periods of doubt and describes imagination and perseverance as his major strengths. Prioritizing his personal narrative over attempting to prove an abstruse theory may have resulted in a more rewarding reading experience.
A bold and well-reasoned thought experiment that falls short of a true scientific theory.Pub Date: April 3, 2026
ISBN: 9798248703586
Page Count: 109
Publisher: Self
Review Posted Online: March 25, 2026
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
This a book of earlier, philosophical essays concerned with the essential "absurdity" of life and the concept that- to overcome the strong tendency to suicide in every thoughtful man-one must accept life on its own terms with its values of revolt, liberty and passion. A dreary thesis- derived from and distorting the beliefs of the founders of existentialism, Jaspers, Heldegger and Kierkegaard, etc., the point of view seems peculiarly outmoded. It is based on the experience of war and the resistance, liberally laced with Andre Gide's excessive intellectualism. The younger existentialists such as Sartre and Camus, with their gift for the terse novel or intense drama, seem to have omitted from their philosophy all the deep religiosity which permeates the work of the great existentialist thinkers. This contributes to a basic lack of vitality in themselves, in these essays, and ten years after the war Camus seems unaware that the life force has healed old wounds... Largely for avant garde aesthetes and his special coterie.
Pub Date: Sept. 26, 1955
ISBN: 0679733736
Page Count: 228
Publisher: Knopf
Review Posted Online: Sept. 19, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 1955
Worthwhile reference stuffed with facts and illustrations.
A compendium of charts, time lines, lists and illustrations to accompany study of the Bible.
This visually appealing resource provides a wide array of illustrative and textually concise references, beginning with three sets of charts covering the Bible as a whole, the Old Testament and the New Testament. These charts cover such topics as biblical weights and measures, feasts and holidays and the 12 disciples. Most of the charts use a variety of illustrative techniques to convey lessons and provide visual interest. A worthwhile example is “How We Got the Bible,” which provides a time line of translation history, comparisons of canons among faiths and portraits of important figures in biblical translation, such as Jerome and John Wycliffe. The book then presents a section of maps, followed by diagrams to conceptualize such structures as Noah’s Ark and Solomon’s Temple. Finally, a section on Christianity, cults and other religions describes key aspects of history and doctrine for certain Christian sects and other faith traditions. Overall, the authors take a traditionalist, conservative approach. For instance, they list Moses as the author of the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Hebrew Bible) without making mention of claims to the contrary. When comparing various Christian sects and world religions, the emphasis is on doctrine and orthodox theology. Some chapters, however, may not completely align with the needs of Catholic and Orthodox churches. But the authors’ leanings are muted enough and do not detract from the work’s usefulness. As a resource, it’s well organized, inviting and visually stimulating. Even the most seasoned reader will learn something while browsing.
Worthwhile reference stuffed with facts and illustrations.Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2005
ISBN: 978-1-5963-6022-8
Page Count: -
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: May 23, 2010
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
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