The central story of 20th century physics was the confrontation between quantum mechanics and reality. Einstein was correct to point out and to regret the loss of reality in quantum mechanics, but it was Bohr whose argument was ultimately to triumph because, while the handling by quantum mechanics of the concept of motion admittedly failed to provide a satisfying picture, the theory did give a thoroughly realistic account of the particles that constitute the physical universe. It explained why they existed and also enabled the construction of the coherent account of their properties that lie behind the whole of modern physics. Einstein demanded a radical modification of quantum mechanics, but today there are practically no physicists with that aim on their agenda.
Such is the thesis of Roger Newton’s latest book, and to back it up, he provides, in less than 150 pages, not only an account of the emergence...