On the Origin of Time

Like his mentor and colleague Stephen Hawking, Thomas Hertog has never shied away from being ambitious in theorizing about the universe. This sweeping book provides an accessible overview of both what we know about cosmology, and some audacious ideas for moving into the unknown. It is an introduction to Hawking’s final theory, but also a glimpse into even grander theories yet to come. – Professor Sean Carroll, author of The Biggest Ideas in the UniverseHawking and Hertog, with their “top-down cosmology”, are pushing for nothing less than a new philosophy of physics… The concepts and arguments presented here are truly mind-stretching… The Origin of Time is immensely rewarding. – Lewis Dartnell * The Times *A fascinating insight into one of humankind’s deepest quests, by one of its deepest minds. – Dr Christophe Galfard, author of The Universe in your Hand, and former student of Stephen HawkingHertog’s book is a fascinating tour of cosmology, the science of the Universe’s origins * Nature *Stephen Hawking’s final theory is lucidly explained in this splendidly accessible book. Author Thomas Hertog, one of Hawking’s closest collaborators, gives us a vivid insight into Hawking as both a brilliant physicist and an astonishingly determined human being. – Dr Graham Farmelo, author of The Strangest ManA beautifully written, thought-provoking account of both the physics and the personalities involved in Hawking’s visionary struggle to comprehend the cosmos. Thomas Hertog has provided a fascinating insider view. – Dr Neil Turok, author of The Universe WithinA must read * i newspaper *Why is our universe the way it is? How did everything begin? How might it end? Thomas Hertog probed these overwhelming questions in collaboration with Stephen Hawking - thereby achieving a privileged perspective into how, struggling against daunting physical odds, Hawking’s imprisoned mind yielded astonishing insights even in his later years. This superbly written book offers insight into an extraordinary individual, the creative process generally, and the scope and limits of our current understanding of the cosmos. – Professor Martin Rees, astronomer royal and author of On the FutureA wonderful book about Stephen Hawking’s biggest legacy (which no one outside of physics has heard of)… The origin of the universe, a feeling of cleverness, a possible fresh answer to the ancient metaphysical problem of our insignificance, and a new game - not bad for £20. – Alexander Masters * Spectator *A remarkable collaboration * Observer *

Thomas Hertog is an internationally renowned cosmologist, who was for many years a close collaborator of Stephen Hawking. He received his doctorate from the University of Cambridge and is currently professor of theoretical physics at the University of Leuven, where he studies the quantum nature of the big bang. He lives with his wife and their four children in Bousval, Belgium.