Few scientists are as recognizable as Stephen Hawking. Despite having Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's Disease)-an affliction that many experts expected to have killed him decades ago-Hawking remains a vital and influential voice in the scientific community. One of the leading cosmologists studying the celestial phenomenon known as black holes, Hawking has also led the way in popularizing science with his best-selling work A Brief History of Time. This biography of Hawking, written by a physicist, provides an accessible introduction to the life and work of an inspirational figure.


Stephen Hawking: A Biography provides an overview of the life and work of this brilliant scientist that can be read and appreciated by students and lay people alike. The author examines many aspects of his fascinating career:

Hawking's childhood and early education, and the shocking diagnosis of his disease.

His early scientific work on black holes that cemented his reputation as a scientist.

How Hawking managed to remain a productive scientist and scholar despite having a debilitating illness.

The publication and success of the best-selling book A Brief History of Time, which changed the face of popular science publishing. The book includes a list of resources for further information, and a timeline of important events in the life of Hawking. Several appendices explain the details of Hawking's scientific work in more detail for those students seeking more information.