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Time Traveler: A Scientist's Personal Mission to Make Time Travel a Reality Hardcover – October 4, 2006

by Dr. Ronald L. Mallett (Author), Bruce Henderson (Contributor)
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 260 ratings
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This is the dramatic and inspirational first-person story of theoretical physicist, Dr. Ronald Mallett, who recently discovered the basic equations for a working time machine that he believes can be used as a transport vehicle to the past.

Combining elements of Rocket Boys and Elegant Universe, Time Traveler follows Mallett's discovery of Einstein's work on space-time, his study of Godel's work on a solution of Einstein's equation that might allow for time travel, and his own research in theoretical physics spanning thirty years that culminated in his recent discovery of the effects of circulating laser light and its application to time travel.

The foundation for Mallett's historic time-travel work is Einstein's theory of general relativity, a sound platform for any physicist. Through his years of reading and studying Einstein, Mallett became a buff well before he had any notion of the importance of the grand old relativist's theories to his own career. One interesting subtext to the story is Mallett's identification with, and keen interest in, Einstein. Mallett provides easy-to-understand explanations of the famous physicist's seminal work.
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  1. Print length
    280 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Thunder's Mouth Press
  4. Publication date
    October 4, 2006
  5. Dimensions
    5.75 x 0.75 x 8.5 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1560258691
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1560258698
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Physicist Mallett's theory that "space and time can be manipulated" to make time travel possible has gained national media attention. His research and theories flow nicely through this easy-to-read autobiography. Mallett, one of the first African-American Ph.D.s in theoretical physics, has lived under the shadow of his father's death when he was 10. His struggles with poverty, racism and depression, coupled with his extreme drive to succeed at building a time machine and so see his beloved father again are inspirational. Mallett's (and bestselling author Henderson's) simple prose makes for clear and concise explanations of the science involved. The author comes across as a warm, inspired, driven, troubled man who is generous in his descriptions of others and must be an excellent teacher at the University of Connecticut, where he is a physics professor. Mallett describes the path of his education and research into black holes and circulating lasers, which he believes drag time into a closed loop suitable for time travel. Due to the basic level of the science content and the focus on Mallett's personal quest, this book is best suited for a general rather than a science-leaning audience, or as an inspirational text for aspiring young scientists. B&w photos. (Nov. 14)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

About the Author

Ronald L. Mallett, Ph.D., served in the U.S. Air Force for four years. He received his B.S. in Physics in 1969, M.S. in 1970, and Ph.D. in physics in 1973, all lfrom Pennsylvania State University. In 1975 he joined the faculty at the University of Connecticut, where he is a professor of theoretical physics. He has published many papers on theoretical physics in professional journals. His time travel research has been featured in an hour-long TV special, "The World's First Time Machine," as well as publications as diverse as The Wall Street Journal, Rolling Stone, New Scientist, The Village Voice, The Boston Globe and Pravda.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Thunder's Mouth Press (October 4, 2006)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 280 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1560258691
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1560258698
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 14.4 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.75 x 0.75 x 8.5 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 260 ratings

About the authors

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  1. Bruce Henderson

    Bruce Henderson

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    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    Bruce Henderson is the author of more than twenty nonfiction books, including the #1 New York Times bestseller AND THE SEA WILL TELL, which was made into a highly-rated TV series. His latest book, SONS AND SOLDIERS: THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE JEWS WHO ESCAPED THE NAZIS AND RETURNED WITH THE U.S. ARMY TO FIGHT HITLER, hit the New York Times Bestseller List in 2018. Henderson's previous books include RESCUE AT LOS BANOS: THE MOST DARING PRISON CAMP RAID OF WORLD WAR II, and HERO FOUND: THE GREATEST POW ESCAPE OF THE VIETNAM WAR, a national bestseller which told the true story of U.S. Navy pilot Dieter Dengler, with whom Henderson served aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ranger (CVA-61) during Vietnam. Henderson is also the author of TRACE EVIDENCE: THE HUNT FOR THE I-5 SERIAL KILLER and FATAL NORTH: MURDER AND SURVIVAL ON THE FIRST NORTH POLE EXPEDITION. An award-winning journalist and author, he has taught reporting and writing at USC School of Journalism and Stanford University. Visit his website: www.BruceHendersonBooks.com.

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  2. Ronald L. Mallett

    Ronald L. Mallett

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    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    Ronald L. Mallett received his B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. in physics from the Pennsylvania State University. He worked for United Technologies from 1973-5, and in 1975 joined the physics faculty at the University of Connecticut in Storrs, where he is a professor of physics. Prof. Mallett has published numerous papers on black holes and cosmology in professional journals. His breakthrough research on time travel has been featured extensively in the media around the world, including print media such as New Scientist, the Boston Globe, the Hartford Courant and broadcast media such as NPR’s This American Life, the History Channel, and NBC’s Today Show.

    Mallett’s recently published memoir “Time Traveler: A Scientist’s Personal Mission to Make Time Travel a Reality” has been translated into Korean, Chinese, Japanese, and is to be made into a feature film by Spike Lee. Additional information about Prof. Mallett's time travel research can be found on on his homepage at: http://www.phys.uconn.edu/~mallett/main/main.htm

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Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
260 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the personal story compelling and interesting. They describe the book as a wonderful, enjoyable read that is believable. Readers appreciate the author's explanation of complicated theoretical physics using everyday analogies. They find the author to be cool and brilliant. Overall, customers consider it a good product and transaction.

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44 customers mention "Story quality"42 positive2 negative

Customers find the story engaging and moving. They appreciate the mix of personal narrative with science. The author's personal life is described as fascinating, touching, and heartfelt. Readers describe the book as a journey that takes them on an impossible journey to make it possible.

"...This fantastic book is a combination of biography and the personal reason which motivated Dr. Mallett to study physics and related subjects in order..." Read more

"...Thank you Dr. Mallett for your very interesting and warm story...." Read more

"I found the way the author shares his personal life extremely moving and I recommend the book to those interested in his story as well as in the..." Read more

"...Incredibly, Mallett embeds this narrative with the most fascinating scientific explanations of how humans can manipulate the passage of time...." Read more

30 customers mention "Readability"30 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging and enjoyable. They describe it as a must-read for those interested in learning about the theory of relativity. The book is described as brilliant and worth reading by readers.

"It's a great book but I feel like it stops a little short. We've never heard the results of his experiments. A follow up would be great." Read more

"...There is nothing crackpot about this. It is all based on the most respected scientists, people like Einstein, and papers that have been reviewed..." Read more

"I read the Time Traveler and I must say it really is a good book...." Read more

"...The inspirational human story alone makes this book worth reading...." Read more

27 customers mention "Comprehension"24 positive3 negative

Customers find the book well-written and easy to understand. They appreciate how the author explains complex theoretical physics using everyday analogies. The narrative blends cutting-edge science with personal drama, making it great for scientists, sci-fi fans, and anyone interested in scientific research.

"...command of mathmatical formulaes, I still found your book so easy to understand and would recommand it to anyone who loves looking up into the..." Read more

"...what truly shines in this book is Dr. Mallett's love of science, of math, and his gift for explaining some of the very complex aspects of relativity..." Read more

"...I must point out, it is very well explained, and I believe even a person without a strong science background will find it comprehensible." Read more

"...well, being a notably point, the author's advanced concepts and easy explanation offered to his public and students." Read more

4 customers mention "Personality"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's personality engaging. They describe Ronald Mallett as an interesting and brilliant man who worked hard throughout his life.

"...Really a good book and a interesting man." Read more

"...I ran out an bought his book. It is a heartfelt story from a brilliant man who worked all his life toward a dream to return to 1955 and rescue his..." Read more

"Love this guy! Fascinating and brilliant. Expand your mind!" Read more

"Ronald Mallett is a very cool guy. I even wrote to him to tell him how much I loved his story. I've never done that before or since." Read more

4 customers mention "Value for money"4 positive0 negative

Customers are satisfied with the book's value for money. They mention it's a great product at a good price and that the transaction was satisfactory.

"...on Amazon for a bargain price I knew I had to have it...." Read more

"Good transaction, well satisfied. I enjoyed the book but it was a little over my head. Its a good concept though." Read more

"Great book, great price, arrived on time. I have no complaints whatsoever. Neille Degrasse Tyson, Michio Kaku some of the great scientest of our time." Read more

"Great Product. Great Price." Read more

Tattered Book
3 out of 5 stars
Tattered Book
I purchased used for $1.99 plus shipping so I suppose I shouldn’t expect perfect condition. The cover is extremely tattered. Even torn a bit. Some of the inside pages are crinkled. Looks like this book has traveled thru time. Writing inside from previous owner which doesn’t bother me — as it adds to the history. It’s definitely used. I hoped the condition would have been better. Hopefully the content will make up for the condition.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Joseph J. Truncale
    5.0 out of 5 stars An interesting and informative book for anyone interested in time travel.
    Reviewed in the United States on July 23, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Like many curious scientific minded people I have always been fascinated with the possibility of time travel. When I saw this 217 page soft cover book (Time Traveler by Dr. Ronald L. Mallett with Bruce Henderson) on Amazon for a bargain price I knew I had to have it. Even though I have read numerous books in the past on this topic; however, this is the first book I ever read by a scientist who has made his life’s work focused on actually attempting to create a time machine.
    This fantastic book is a combination of biography and the personal reason which motivated Dr. Mallett to study physics and related subjects in order to eventually design and create a time machine. Interestingly, my own study of the topic over the years made me aware what the ending would be in this book concerning the issue of time travel. I am not going reveal this essential factor in this review because it might spoil it for those who are thinking of reading this book.
    There are fourteen chapters in this book and if you are into the scientific study of physics, astronomy and cosmology as it relates to time travel you should check out this book. This is a book that explores the scientific and realistic aspects concerning time travel and what it may mean to our future.

    Rating: 5 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Basic Principles of the most effective Combative Systems).
    8 people found this helpful
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  • C J Adney
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very Great Reading
    Reviewed in the United States on February 10, 2010
    Verified Purchase
    I bought your book, Dr. Mallett after hearing your interview on NPR. Your voice was so warm and inviting and your interest's were mine in so many ways. I have watched the same TV shows and seen the same movies, not necessaryly because my main interest was time travel but, just because I have been in love with the universe all my life.
    The book is as warm as your voice and just held my interest from cover to cover. Thank you Dr. Mallett for your very interesting and warm story. Even though I don't have a good command of mathmatical formulaes, I still found your book so easy to understand and would recommand it to anyone who loves looking up into the starry heavens and enjoys the beautiful pictures we receive from the Hubble Telescope.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Kindle Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good book
    Reviewed in the United States on February 17, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    It's a great book but I feel like it stops a little short. We've never heard the results of his experiments. A follow up would be great.
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  • Marzie
    5.0 out of 5 stars A moving account of the emotional factors behind the author's quest to manipulate space-time
    Reviewed in the United States on April 13, 2008
    Verified Purchase
    I heard Dr. Mallett on NPR and ordered the book right away. While some aspects of this book are less than satisfying (Dr. Mallett alternates between hubris and humility in an odd fashion at times....), the emotional quest that set the author on the path of theoretical physics cannot be anything other than deeply affecting. While his personal accounts were sometimes just not quite authentic or unfeigned to me (hey, he's not perfect!), what truly shines in this book is Dr. Mallett's love of science, of math, and his gift for explaining some of the very complex aspects of relativity theory. In this respect, I heartily recommend the book and would hope that he would write further for the general public on the subject. As a PhD chemist myself, I am very appreciative of the gift of teaching with which he is endowed, a rarity among great researchers. His explanations to a general science audience are almost as powerful as those of Feynman. Dr. Mallett's commitment to his lifelong work, his dogged pursuit of any and all tools (mathematical and instrumental) to achieve that goal stand as a shining example. His story should be required reading for minority youth interested in the sciences, engineering, or just seemingly forging ahead in academia. Any flaws in the book are dwarfed by his true artistry in theoretical physics.
    5 people found this helpful
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  • Eric R. Werner
    5.0 out of 5 stars Ispirational Book For Everybody
    Reviewed in the United States on October 24, 2006
    Verified Purchase
    This book could just as easily be named "Persiverance is the Way to Obtain One's Dreams". The book is the story of Ronald Mallets life that was directed by the traumatic death of his father. Instead of moving on

    to other things and probibly mediocracy Professor Mallett made use of his

    life long love of reading to find a way to fill the gab in his heart. He remained true to his hope and dream of one day discovering time travel.

    He early on found the theories of the great Albert Einstein and his life eventually led him to acedemia and the study of Physics. Ultimately he recieved a full professorship at a prestigious Connecticut University.

    For those who buy the book for more technical information on his time machine, please understand that the book infers that experimentation is still going on and results aren't released in the book. However after reading the book one realizes that his theory is bases on a solid anlyisis of previous works on Einstien's Theorys of Relativity end Professor Mallett's vast expertise in this field as well as work he published in top science journales. So for those who think this is a fad or foolishness, then one day when Mr. Mallett does publish results, they will be disappointed! This book is a must for any serious reader, to put in their collection.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Cassandra Cazarez Ramírez
    5.0 out of 5 stars Both moving at a personal level and extremely interesting at the scientifical level
    Reviewed in the United States on April 8, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    I found the way the author shares his personal life extremely moving and I recommend the book to those interested in his story as well as in the work done by all of those Scientists before Dr. Mallett, which enabled him to generate the theory for the creation of a working Time Machine. I must point out, it is very well explained, and I believe even a person without a strong science background will find it comprehensible.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Roger Bagula
    4.0 out of 5 stars This method for time travel is kind of questionable?!
    Reviewed in the United States on February 6, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I am not really sure the physics that this book talks about is true.
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Vinod Nevrekar
    5.0 out of 5 stars Utterly heart touching of a man who had a kindled ...
    Reviewed in India on March 23, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Utterly heart touching of a man who had a kindled desire to bring back his dad and the course of his journey towards approaching towards it is immense. One can actually feel of being as through an author itself. A must read for those who are inquisitive of what actually goes behind of doing a research.
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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 18, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Absolutely fantastic read. A real human story.
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  • Andres
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
    Reviewed in Canada on March 11, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Very enjoyable and a good introduction for the layman to the physics of time. Mallet's personal experiences as a young African-American in academia are fascinating. Despite various set-backs, he never lost sight of his dream and discovered with a unique approach to time travel.
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  • Marco Parravano
    4.0 out of 5 stars Una storia affascinante e una prospettiva incredibile
    Reviewed in Italy on March 30, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    La narrazione a metà tra biografia e saggio rende la lettura molto piacevole. Una storia di vita e scienza che merita di essere conosciuta.
    Report
  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in India on June 26, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    BEST BOOK
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