At the same time, over the vast distances between stars and galaxies, Einstein's theory of general relativity instructed us that gravity, the weakest of nature's forces, is best described as a geometric effect, a curvature or warp in space-time. In this view, the earth remains in orbit simply because it is caught in the indentation our massive sun makes in space. The next triumph in physics will arrive when these two seemingly diverse provinces are connected. Early in his legendary career, Mr. Hawking realized that a full understanding of the universe's birth, as well as a determination of its end, will not be attained until the macrocosm is joined with the microcosm in one unifying theory. As the title implies, ''A Brief History of Time'' is a succinct review of this challenging task, providing the reader with a jaunty overview of key cosmological ideas, past and present - including multidimensional space, the inflationary universe and the cosmic fates that may befall us.
Time takes center stage because it is a concept that has no meaning before our celestial genesis.
Both space and time emerged at the instant of creation. In an era of deficits and bottom lines, it is reassuring to hear Mr. Hawking defend this esoteric field for its own sake. The discovery of a complete unified theory . . . It may not even affect our life-style. But ever since the dawn of civilization, people have not been content to see events as unconnected and inexplicable. . . .