The Cosmic Code

It is a shame that this book is out of print. Pagels lucid explanations of the quantum world are the best within lay science publishing. I also believe that Pagels rational approach is far and away a better introduction/exploration than the Eastern Mysticism-based books like Zukav s "The Dancing Wu Li Masters" or Fritjof Capra s "The Tao of Physics." Of course, those books are useful as entertainment (as exotic Parallelism) but it should be noted that the connections between Eastern Mysticism and Quantum Mechanics in regards to questions of conciousness and reality are not accepted as valid by any but a minuscule minority of thinkers. Pagels approach is much more true to the thinking in new physics circles. In regards to a second edition that Mr. Beagle is hoping for, it will not be forthcoming due to the untimely demise of Pagels in a mountaineering accident in the late 80 s. He is sorely missed! Also, for the very best in Computer Culture-related lay science (even though it is somewhat dated) I can t recommend his "The Dreams of Reason" highly enough - especially to those familiar with his other works! I ve seen both books in used book shops many times.