From Library Journal
Antimatterincluding positrons, antiprotons, and other inverses of "normal" particleshas been considered a plaything of research physicists and science fiction writers. But retired physicist Forward and science writer Davis do not limit themselves to relating the history of antimatter. They give some moderately technical information about techniques for production and storage of antiprotons. They also give serious attention to the possibilities for practical use of antimatter, especially in rocket propulsion. Interspersed are brief chapters from the authors' science fiction effort concerning a teenager in 2035 who is fascinated by uses of antimatter. A full-length popular book on this topic is uncommon; this should be welcome in public and academic libraries. Jack W. Weigel, Univ. of Michigan Lib., Ann ArborCopyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Book Description
For nearly four decades the fictional spaceships of the "Star Trek" universe have been powered by antimatter. But antimatter is not science fiction, and neither is the idea of using it for space propulsion. In Mirror Matter: Pioneering Antimatter Physics, renowned physicist Dr. Robert L. Forward and science writer Joel Davis show why, and how. Mirror Matter is the answer to the skeptics who say that using antimatter is too risky, too difficult, or too expensive. Forward and Davis describe how to make, capture, store, and use antimatter. Mirror Matter explains, step-by-step, how to greatly improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of antimatter production; how antimatter can be captured and safely stored until it is used; and how it can improve the propulsion capability of interplanetary rocket engines by one to two orders of magnitude. If the solar system is to one day be our big backyard, it will come about using "mirror matter" for space propulsion.

The publisher, John Wiley & Sons
This book describes how to make, capture, store, and use antimatter. It is the answer to the skeptics who say that using antimatter is too risky, too difficult, or too expensive. Explains, step-by-step, how to greatly improve the cost-effectiveness of antimatter production, how antimatter can be used in power stations, and how it can improve the propulsion of interplanetary rocket engines by one or two orders of magnitude.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

This book describes how to make, capture, store, and use antimatter. It is the answer to the skeptics who say that using antimatter is too risky, too difficult, or too expensive. Explains, step-by-step, how to greatly improve the cost-effectiveness of antimatter production, how antimatter can be used in power stations, and how it can improve the propulsion of interplanetary rocket engines by one or two orders of magnitude.

FROM THE CRITICS

Library Journal