The Elegant Universe: Superstrings, Hidden Dimensions, and the Quest for the Ultimate Theory
Best starting point for Greene's core popular-science work and introduction to string theory.
Author guide
Brian Greene Books in Order
Brian Greene is a professor of physics and mathematics at Columbia University and director of its Center for Theoretical Physics. He is known for research in superstring theory and for translating complex ideas about space, time, cosmology, and reality for general audiences. His books include bestselling popular-science works, a science-fiction novella for younger readers, and theatrical works developed with the World Science Festival, which he co-founded with Tracy Day.
popular sciencephysicscosmologyscience writingscience fictiontheater
Catalog record updated .
Not sure where to begin?
Start with one of these
Icarus at the Edge of Time
Accessible fictional starting point for younger readers.
Outside the series
Bibliography by category
Novels (5)
- The Elegant Universe: Superstrings, Hidden Dimensions, and the Quest for the Ultimate Theory
nonfiction · 1999
Brian Greene, one of the world's leading string theorists, peels away layers of mystery to reveal a universe that consists of eleven dimensions, where the fabric of space tears and repairs itself, and all matter―from the smallest quarks…
- The Fabric of the Cosmos: Space, Time, and the Texture of Reality
nonfiction · 2003
A foremost string theorist discusses such topics as Newton's perspectives on space, Einstein's fusion of space and time, and recent breakthroughs on multidimensional universe theory.
- Icarus at the Edge of Time
novella · 2008
A futuristic reimaging of the classic Greek myth, as a boy ventures through deep space and challenges the awesome power of black holes. The beauty of the book lies in the images, provided by NASA and the Hubble Space telescope, and…
- Until the End of Time: Mind, Matter, and Our Search for Meaning in an Evolving Universe
nonfiction · 2020
From the world-renowned physicist and bestselling author of The Elegant Universe and The Fabric of the Cosmos, a captivating exploration of deep time and humanity's search for purpose In both time and space, the cosmos is astoundingly…
Plays (2)
- Spooky Action
play · 2017
Frequently asked questions about Brian Greene
Who is Brian Greene?
Brian Greene is a theoretical physicist, mathematician, and science communicator. He is a professor of physics and mathematics at Columbia University and directs its Center for Theoretical Physics.
Where did Brian Greene study, and what has his academic career included?
Greene graduated from Harvard in 1984 and earned a Ph.D. from Oxford in 1987 as a Rhodes Scholar. He later became a professor in Columbia University’s physics and mathematics departments.
Sources: pbs.org (opens in a new tab)physics.columbia.edu (opens in a new tab)
What influenced Brian Greene’s interest in science and performance?
His enthusiasm for mathematics began in childhood, and a Columbia mentor helped him pursue advanced study while he was still in school. His father was a vaudeville entertainer, composer, and voice coach, and Greene’s own theater experience helped shape his later skill as a public science communicator.
Sources: thecrimson.com (opens in a new tab)time.com (opens in a new tab)
Which awards has Brian Greene received?
Greene’s science programs won a Peabody Award and the French Prix Jules Verne Award. In 2022, Columbia awarded him the Michael Pupin Medal for contributions to mathematics, theoretical physics, and cosmology.
Sources: briangreene.org (opens in a new tab)physics.columbia.edu (opens in a new tab)
Why is Brian Greene influential beyond academic physics?
Greene helped bring advanced ideas in string theory and cosmology to broad audiences through public lectures, television, and educational projects. He also co-founded the World Science Festival, whose mission is to make science accessible and culturally prominent.
Sources: physics.columbia.edu (opens in a new tab)worldsciencefestival.com (opens in a new tab)