introduction
Preface to the 2017 edition

1 - Our Universe
2 - Time and space
3 - The expanding universe
4 - Uncertainty Principle
5 - Elementary Particles and the Forces of Nature
6 - Black hole
7 - Black holes aren't that black
8 - The Origin and Fate of the Universe
9 - The Arrow of Time
10 - Wormholes and Time Travel
11 - Unification of Physics
12 - Conclusion

Albert Einstein
Galileo Galilei
Isaac Newton
supplement
Glossary of Terms
Acknowledgements
Definitive Edition Translator's Note
Translator's Note on the First Edition
Biographical Index

History of Time
First published in 1988, A Brief History of Time achieved unprecedented success at the time of its publication, including being a New York Times bestseller for 147 weeks and a Sunday Times bestseller for 237 weeks, a rarity for a science book.
It also made Stephen Hawking, who was only a prominent British physicist, a world star and an icon of physics.

Stephen Hawking wanted to write an accessible science book for the general public.
Because there weren't many popular science books before then.
So he explained the vast history of the universe, matter, time and space as concisely as possible, using difficult theories and easy examples.
In this book, we can clearly examine the central ideas that form the backbone of modern physics, including Einstein's special and general theories of relativity, quantum theory, particle physics, black holes, and string theory.
In twelve chapters, including “Our Universe,” “The Expanding Universe,” “The Origin and Fate of the Universe,” and “Wormholes and Time Travel,” Hawking retraces the history of humanity’s discovery of the universe and its exploration of its nature, and examines in detail the theories that have helped us understand the nature of the universe.
Furthermore, based on this understanding and theory, the principles and structure of the universe are explained.
In other words, in this book, Hawking attempts to find answers to the questions “why we are here and where we came from.”

Through this book, we can trace at a glance the evolution of humanity's knowledge of the world and the universe, and hear concise and accessible explanations of the nature of the universe from world-renowned scholars.


A History of Time “In Pictures”
『A Brief History of Time in Pictures』 is a book that adds over 240 color illustrations to the original content to enhance readers' understanding after the publication of A Brief History of Time in 1988.
Also included is information on scientific advances made since the first edition of A Brief History of Time was published.
This definitive edition includes the preface and appendix written by Stephen Hawking for the 2017 edition of A Brief History of Time, which introduces the latest physics research and Stephen Hawking's views on it.
This is the most recent work on scientific theory by Stephen Hawking, who passed away in 2018.
In the Korean edition, translator Professor Kim Dong-gwang added footnotes and revised sentences based on recent research results.
Already a classic in science literature, this book provides readers with a cutting-edge understanding of cosmology and tells the story of our ongoing exploration of the myriad secrets that lie at the heart of space-time.

“He is a man who can explain the complexities of cosmology with remarkable clarity and wit. … He is the owner of an extraordinary mind.” _The New York Times Book Review

“Hawking succeeded in combining two books into one.
One is a famous book that explains the role of time in physics in an accessible way, and the other is an in-depth critique. … … What makes both of these so engaging is his ability to explain essential physics knowledge purely through words.” _Physics Today

“In his first popular science book, Stephen Hawking has proven himself a master of clear writing. … No one can handle difficult mathematical topics with greater clarity.” —Chicago Tribune

“A fascinating and lucid account…provides the general reader with a valuable opportunity to learn the profound principles of science directly from the source…a lucid and brilliant book.” _The New Yorker

“This book combines the awe of a child with the intellect of a genius.
As we journey into Hawking's universe, we are left in awe of his brilliant mind.” _The Sunday Times

“It turns out that this renowned theoretical physicist, best known for his work on black holes, was also a mathematician and a brilliant writer of popular science books. … The result is this book, which makes astrophysics accessible to the general reader in a single, compelling volume.
Thank you.
"Dr. Hawking!" _Booklist

“It is vivid and arouses curiosity and interest. … Hawking is clearly a natural born teacher.
He has a knack for explaining complex theories with great humor and using analogies to everyday life.” _The New York Times

“An excellent introduction that shows what the concepts physicists hold today are based on and how they were formed.” _The Wall Street Journal