David L. Gosling: Science and the Indian Tradition. When Einstein met Tagore

Abstract

This fine book could probably only have been written by David Gosling, who combines an advanced education in physics (including research experience, if of some vintage) with a substantial knowledge of Indian religious traditions resulting from a life-time of research and teaching in religious studies, and considerable experience in India and South-East Asia. The publishers have packed a lot of print on to the 186 pages of what used to be called a "slim volume", so that in reality it is a bigger book than meets the eye. Be prepared for substantial chapters on a number of intertwined topics, but be prepared also to enjoy this most instructive account of a complex encounter between civilisations and thought-worlds. Somehow Gosling also manages to tell us where physics in general has got to, in a manner which seems rather understandable to the nonexpert in that field.