"There is only one source of energy powering the universe, the same force responsible for the expansion of the universe and the creation of matter."
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The Fundamental Force: How the Universe Works by Len Kurzawa Trafford Publishing
book review by Barbara Bamberger Scott
The Fundamental Force provides a comprehensive and compelling look at the nature of the universe. Inspired by the childhood curiosity—"How does everything know which way is down?"—Kurzawa attempts to prove there is one fundamental force that drives all that exists.
The book starts with a foundation of what is already understood. Kurzawa provides a brief refresher course of the discoveries of Galileo, Kepler, Newton, Maxwell, and Einstein. Then, allowing that he, like Newton, is "standing on the shoulders of giants," the author attempts to take the next step beyond what is generally accepted. Starting where Einstein left off, that "the motion of all objects in the universe is determined by the structure of space," Kurzawa works to determine the structure of space itself, and what defines it. The author moves step by step through his premise, examining the nature of gravity, planetary motion, space expansion and contraction. Kurzawa states that, "because great discoveries are built on those that came before, each paving the way for those to come, it is important to read the chapters in sequence." And so it is, as the book moves along in a linear motion, building section by section from a base of the already understood to the author's central premise regarding the fundamental force: "Some refer to this as Dark Energy; I prefer the Fundamental Force."
With this book, Kurzawa has introduced a compelling theory, supported by a liberal use of mathematical equations, as well as clearly presented charts, graphs, and tables. The Fundamental Force is a rather dense read and will require a sound academic understanding of the concepts involved to fully appreciate the author's theories. Kurzawa backs up his premise with two appendices and an annotated reference. However, the book provides no information about the author himself; this is a disappointing omission because it would be helpful to know Kurzawa's qualifications, given the highly academic and theoretical nature of his treatise. His book presents a compelling possibility about what drives the universe around us. It is likely to be well received by those with an interest in scientific subject matter.