When Theories Collide

Big Bang: The Origin of the Universe, by Simon Singh (Fourth Estate, 544 pp., $27.95)

I HAD better declare an interest right away. Simon Singh is the British author of the 1997 book Fermat’s Last Theorem, after the publication of which the phrase “math best-seller” was no longer an oxymoron. He thus opened up for lesser drudges the opportunity to actually make some money by writing popular books about mathematics, an opportunity I myself have seized upon gratefully. In spite of some minor issues I had with the Fermat book, I am therefore well disposed towards Singh, and picked up his latest production determined to give it the benefit of any possible doubt.

About the Author

John Derbyshire

Mr. Derbyshire is a former contributing editor of National Review.

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Big Bang: The Origin of the Universe, by Simon Singh (Fourth Estate, 544 pp., $27.95)

I HAD better declare an interest right away. Simon Singh is the British author of the 1997 book Fermat’s Last Theorem, after the publication of which the phrase “math best-seller” was no longer an oxymoron. He thus opened up for lesser drudges the opportunity to actually make some money by writing popular books about mathematics, an opportunity I myself have seized upon gratefully. In spite of some minor issues I had with the Fermat book, I am therefore well disposed towards Singh, and picked up his latest production determined to give it the benefit of any possible doubt.