Book · 1940 · Quantum theory
Mr. Tompkins in Wonderland
Or, Stories of C, G, and H
Why people recommend it
Mr. Tompkins in Wonderland by George Gamow is a classic science fiction and popular science book that uses imaginative storytelling to explain complex physics concepts by altering physical constants. Neil deGrasse Tyson and Brian Greene discussed George Gamow's influential book series on StarTalk Radio during the October 2019 episode titled StarTalk @ NY Comic Con: It’s About Time!. In that conversation, Greene and Tyson talked about Mr. Tompkins Wonderland, agreeing on the significance of the work. Earlier, in September 2019, Neil deGrasse Tyson had also mentioned the Tompkins in Wonderland series on the episode StarTalk Podcast: Science in Pop Fiction with Neil deGrasse Tyson. Tyson brought up the author, George Gamow, while discussing narrative frameworks where the fundamental physical constants of nature are altered to make abstract scientific principles accessible and entertaining. Both scientists highlighted how Gamow's creative approach effectively introduced generations of readers to bizarre concepts in physics, such as relativity and quantum mechanics, by placing ordinary characters into extraordinary, altered physical realities.
Who recommended it
- Brian Greene Discussed
- Neil deGrasse Tyson Discussed
Brian Greene — 1 mention
“- Oh you mean "Mr. Tompkins Wonderland." - Yeah, "Mr. Tompkins Wonderland."”
Neil deGrasse Tyson — 1 mention
“So the Tompkins in Wonderland series. Did you know the Tompkins and Wonderland? - No, - Written by George Gamow.”