A Briefer History of Time: The Science Classic Made More Accessible

Leonard Mlodinow is a celebrated American author and physicist, renowned for his ability to thoughtfully demystify complex subjects in physics and make them accessible to a broad audience. A former Caltech professor, Mlodinow holds a PhD in theoretical physics from the University of California, Berkeley. His expansive career includes valuable contributions to television, where he served as a writer for popular shows like “MacGyver” and “Star Trek: The Next Generation.”

Driven by his passion for quantum mechanics and randomness, Mlodinow has written several bestselling books that beautifully blend science, philosophy, and history. Notable among these are “The Grand Design” and “A Briefer History of Time,” both co-authored with the eminent physicist Stephen Hawking. His book “The Drunkard’s Walk: How Randomness Rules Our Lives” was a New York Times bestseller and shortlisted for the Royal Society’s book award.

Mlodinow has a gift for inspiring curiosity about the intricacies of the universe and physics through his engaging and accessible writing style. He has been praised for his knack for conveying difficult scientific concepts through rich narratives and clear, uncomplicated language, thus inviting readers of varying science backgrounds to grasp and appreciate the world of physics.

Stephen Hawking, a theoretical physicist, cosmologist, and author, was born on January 8, 1942, in Oxford, England. Recognized for his revolutionary work with black holes and relativity, Hawking held the position of Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at the University of Cambridge for thirty years, a prestigious role once occupied by Sir Isaac Newton. Despite his early diagnosis of ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, at age 21, Hawking persevered, becoming a beacon of resilience and a voice of authority in the world of theoretical physics.

Best known to the public for his fascinating exploration of the cosmos in his bestselling publication, “A Brief History of Time”, Hawking made complex theories about space and time accessible to the everyday reader. His ability to articulate mind-bending scientific concepts in a digestible manner has endeared him to people across the globe. Other notable titles from his repertoire include “The Universe in a Nutshell” and “On the Shoulders of Giants.”

Hawking passed away on March 14, 2018, leaving behind a profound scientific legacy that continues to inspire and shape understanding. His groundbreaking contributions to theoretical physics, coupled with his dedication to making science accessible to everyone, make Hawking a cherished figure in human history. His life and work serve as a testimony to the limitless potential of the human mind.