Gauge Theories of Weak Interactions.

TAYLOR, J.C. [Stephen Hawking].

$3,000.00

Item Number: 119299

Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1976.

First edition of this work on gauge theory. Octavo, original cloth. From the library of Stephen Hawking, with his signature on the front free endpaper. Stephen Hawking was a theoretical physicist, cosmologist, and author who was director of research at the Centre for Theoretical Cosmology at the University of Cambridge at the time of his death. Hawking’s scientific works included a collaboration with Roger Penrose on gravitational singularity theorems in the framework of general relativity and the theoretical prediction that black holes emit radiation, often called Hawking radiation. He was the first to set out a theory of cosmology explained by a union of the general theory of relativity and quantum mechanics. Hawking may be one of the most recognizable of theoretical physicists in part due to ALS, which gradually paralyzed him over the decades. After the loss of his speech, he was able to communicate through a speech-generating device—initially through use of a handheld switch, and eventually by using a single cheek muscle. He is also well known since he achieved commercial success with several works of popular science in which he discussed his theories and cosmology in general. His book, A Brief History of Time, appeared on the Sunday Times bestseller list for a record-breaking 237 weeks. Near fine in a very good dust jacket. A nice association from this giant in the world of theoretical physics.

The interaction between neutrinos and matter is an example of the type classified as weak, and such interactions also allow many elementary particle decays and the beta decay of the nuclei. The development of gauge theories has provided the basis for a complete and consistent account of weak interactions, at the same time displaying their unity with electromagnetism. Gauge theories in this context were first proposed in 1967. Rapid mathematical development took place from 1971, and on this book's publication in 1976, a moderate amount of empirical verification had been achieved.