Introduction 1
 
Part 1: Introducing String Theory 5
 
Chapter 1: So What Is String Theory Anyway? 7
 
Chapter 2: The Physics Road Dead-Ends at Quantum Gravity 21
 
Chapter 3: Accomplishments and Failures of String Theory 35
 
Part 2: The Physics Upon Which String Theory Is Built 45
 
Chapter 4: Putting String Theory in Context: Understanding the Method of Science 47
 
Chapter 5: What You Must Know about Classical Physics 61
 
Chapter 6: Revolutionizing Space and Time: Einstein's Relativity 81
 
Chapter 7: Brushing Up on Quantum Theory Basics 101
 
Chapter 8: The Standard Model of Particle Physics 119
 
Chapter 9: Physics in Space: Considering Cosmology and Astrophysics 141
 
Part 3: Building String Theory: A Theory of Everything 161
 
Chapter 10: Early Strings and Superstrings: Unearthing the Theory's Beginnings 163
 
Chapter 11: M-Theory and Beyond: Bringing String Theory Together 187
 
Chapter 12: Exploring Strings and Their Landscape 203
 
Chapter 13: Gaining Insights from the Holographic Principle 217
 
Chapter 14: Putting String Theory to the Test 237
 
Part 4: The Unseen Cosmos: String Theory on the Boundaries of Knowledge 261
 
Chapter 15: Making Space for Extra Dimensions 263
 
Chapter 16: Our Universe -- String Theory, Cosmology, and Astrophysics 279
 
Chapter 17: Have Time, Will Travel 297
 
Part 5: What the Other Guys Say: Criticisms and Alternatives 317
 
Chapter 18: Taking a Closer Look at the String Theory Controversy 319
 
Chapter 19: Loop Quantum Gravity: String Theory's Biggest Competitor 339
 
Chapter 20: Considering Other Ways to Explain the Universe 349
 
Part 6: The Part of Tens 365
 
Chapter 21: Ten Tests for a Theory of Quantum Gravity 367
 
Index 373