Black holes and baby universes

In A Brief History of Time Stephen Hawking gave us an introduction to some of the important ideas of modern phsyics. Black holes and baby universes takes a different tack. It is a collection of essays written by Hawking, many based on lectures he has given at various times. Many of these explain his views on various issues rather than trying to teach the reader about modern physics, Hence some people might find it a gentler introduction to his work than A Brief History and more advanced readers will benefit from insight into how a brilliant scientist goes about his work.

The book starts with three autobigraphical chapters, looking at Hawking's education and how he came to terms with his disease. The next two chapters look at public attitudes towards science, and Hawking's reaction to the success of A Brief History. Other chapters consider philosophical issues such as freewill, the creation of the universe and the possibility of an ultimate 'Theory of Everything'. The title chapter 'Black holes and Baby universes' looks at Hawking's work on black holes, and at speculations that they may be instrumental in the formation of new universes. The final chapter is a transcript of Hawking's interview on Desert Island Discs