The Whats and Wherefores of Physics -- Dramatis Personae (The Actors) -- Is Physics an Exact Science? -- Newton and Beyond -- Statistical Mechanics and Thermodynamics -- Electromagnetism and Cracks in the Edifice of Classical Physics -- Relativity -- Quantum Mechanics -- Atomic and Nuclear Physics -- Fields and Particles -- Cosmology -- Complexity -- Conclusions and Philosophical Implications.

This book explains - in simple terms and with almost no math - the physics behind recent and glamorous discoveries in Cosmology, Quantum Mechanics, Elementary Particles (e.g. Higgs bosons) and Complexity Theory. En route it delves into the historical landmarks and revolutions that brought about our current understanding of the universe. The book is written mainly for those with little scientific background, both college students and lay readers alike, who are curious about the world of modern physics. Unsolved problems are highlighted and the philosophical implications of the sometimes astounding modern discoveries are discussed. Along the way the reader gains an insight into the mindset and methodology of a physicist.