The Theory of Almost Everything

There are two scientific theories that, taken together, explain the entire universe. The first, which describes the force of gravity, is widely known: Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity. But the theory that explains everything else—the Standard Model of Elementary Particles—is virtually unknown among the general public.

In The Theory of Almost Everything, Robert Oerter shows how what were once thought to be separate forces of nature were combined into a single theory by some of the most brilliant minds of the twentieth century. Rich with accessible analogies and lucid prose, The Theory of Almost Everything celebrates a heretofore unsung achievement in human knowledge—and reveals the sublime structure that underlies the world as we know it.

“This highly accessible volume explains the Standard Model to the everyman, using literary references and easy-to-follow analogies to make clear mind-bending physics principles.” —Publishers Weekly

“Accessible and engaging…This book is for anyone interested in modern physics and ultimate answers about the universe.” —Science News

Robert Oerter teaches physics at George Mason University. He holds a Ph.D. in physics from the University of Maryland, and has also taught at Howard University. He lives in Maryland.