This series of graphic guides has been around for donkey’s years and gets a facelift once in a while, but it’s still a very useful introduction to many a thorny topic. This particular one is a potted history and a quick summary of all the main ideas leading to the discovery of quantum theory. It’s an advanced “Bluffer’s Guide”, but not suitable for everyone. Don’t read if • you are completely new to the subject, and really haven’t got a clue about physics or chemistry • you want everything explained in great detail Do read if • you want to quickly brush up on some half-remembered stuff from school or university • you’re not too worried if you still don’t understand the finer points of quantum mechanics after reading this (nobody does) Congratulations, you’ll be able to name-drop like a pro, can nod thoughtfully during a discussion about the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle and know that the Copenhagen Interpretation hasn’t got anything to do with contemporary Scandi-crime.

Part of the Introducing series of graphic guides, J. P. McEvoy and Oscar Zurate's guide to quantum theory is an absolute gem of a wee book, that has greatly increased (and will continue to do so for I see numerous re-readings in the future) my understanding and knowledge of the science and people behind the "most successful set of ideas ever devised by human beings." The fact that the authors manage to cram so much into such a little guide is quite remarkable. Having read a few physics books that touched on the subject, yet weren't exclusively guides to quantum theory, I thought this might be the perfect way to begin my journey into a deeper understanding of this topic and I wasn't disappointed. The explanations of the theories, experiments and equations that underpin quantum theory were clear, concise and as pellucid (after a little closer rereading on occasion of the more complex concepts) as explanations of the subject could be. Though I must add that (and this is probably my only niggle with this otherwise excellent book) though the book is billed as an introduction, a little knowledge of physics and algebra is essential to really grasp what's going on. As once it gets to the nitty gritty of the science behind the theory, the uninitiated could easily get lost. Even though I have read widely (yet unfortunately retaining significantly less) on physics in the last 7 years or so, I had to refer to my Oxford Dictionary of Physics on occasion to keep up. Despite this minor niggle I find this to be an excellent intro to a truly fascinating subject.