Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

Reality's Mirror Exploring the Mathematics of Symmetry "Here is a book that explains in laymen language what symmetry is all about, from the lowliest snowflake and flounder to the lofty group structures whose astonishing applications to the Old One are winning Nobel prizes. Bunch's book is a marvel of clear, witty science writing, as delightful to read as it is informative and up-to-date. The author is to be congratulated on a job well done." --Martin Gardner "Bryan Bunch's ambidextrous mind leaps with ease from biology to physics as he explores the question of symmetry and handedness in the universe. An excellent treatment of the pervasiveness of symmetry in nature and an admirable weaving of common threads from many diverse fields." --Dr. Eugene F. Mallove Chief Science Writer Massachusetts Institute of Technology "Reality's Mirror is fascinating. It really is something of a grand tour of symmetry in the universe: why it must be here--and what happens when it isn't." --R. L. Graham Director, Mathematical Sciences Research Center AT&T Bell Laboratories

Table of contents provided by Syndetics

• A Moment for Reflection
• A Mirror to Life
• A Transformation of Space
• Even an Odd Equation or Two
• Finding the Way
• Predicting the Unknown
• Of Time and the Mirror
• The Group's All Here
• Taking Symmetry to New Heights

Reviews provided by Syndetics

CHOICE Review

A layperson's guide to the all-encompassing world of symmetry from the primitive notion of line symmetry evidenced even in prehistoric tools to the general abstract mathematical idea with its foundations in group theory and its applications at the frontiers of particle physics and cosmology. In the spirit of Herman Weyl's Symmetry (1952), the role of symmetry in such diverse fields as art, music, the life sciences, anthropolgy, psychology, and physics is surveyed. While not so stylistically elegant as Weyl, Bunch is probably more accessible to the general reader. The presentation is generally clear and succeeds in providing the reader with valuable insights into complex issues. The material is up-to-date and informative. A particular highlight is the presentation of the evolving story of particle physics. The exciting interplay of experiment and creative imagination is captured well, as is the critical role of symmetry and symmetry breaking in Grand Unified Theories, supersymmetry, supergravity, and inflationary cosmological models. Highly recommended not only for the general reader curious about nature and its mathematical description but also for the mathematician or scientist seeking a broad perspective. -G. J. G. Junevicus, Eckerd College

Author notes provided by Syndetics

Bryan Bunch has written or edited numerous science books. He lives in Pleasant Valley, New York.

(Bowker Author Biography)