The Grip of Gravity : The Quest to Understand the Laws of Motion and Gravitation

Gravity is the most enigmatic of all known forces of nature. It controls everything, from ocean tides to the expansion of the Universe. The search for the laws of motion and gravitation started over two thousand years ago. The reader is taken on an exciting journey through the subsequent centuries, identifying the blind alleys, the profound insights and flashes of inspiration that have punctuated this search. Despite the fantastic progress that has been made, the true nature of gravity is still a mystery and this book attempts to show how the current developments in string theory(s) (perhaps the 'Theory of Everything') may lead to a new and radical interpretation of gravity. This book describes the fundamental concepts, developments and experiments, both performed and planned, to increase our understanding of gravity and the natural phenomena in which gravity is the principal player.

• Uses non-technical language and jargon
• Describes natural phenomena like the ocean tides, seasons, ice ages, the formation of planets, stars, and exotic objects like black holes and neutron stars and the evolution of the Universe
• Explains how developments in string theory may lead to radical reappraisal of our understanding of the nature of gravity