Product guide

The Emperor’s New Mind by Roger Penrose, Oxford Landmark Science

Oxford Landmark: The Emperor’s New Mind is a popular science book by Sir Roger Penrose about computers, human thought and the laws of physics. It ranges across physics, cosmology, mathematics and philosophy to argue that human thinking cannot be emulated by machines, a demanding mix that may suit curious readers more than those after a straightforward introduction to AI.

At a glance

Penrose examines whether computers can reproduce human thinking, using ideas from physics, cosmology, mathematics and philosophy.
Its 640-page length points to a substantial read rather than a brief overview.
The illustrated edition is listed in English.

Price

£8.29Save 41%

Reference price: ~~£13.99~~

Price checked: 12 Nov 2026

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Often bought together

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Pros and cons

Pros

Brings several disciplines to bear on questions about minds and computation.
Customer feedback calls the book intellectually engaging, with particular appreciation for chapters on the brain and consciousness.

Cons

The breadth and length may be a substantial commitment for readers looking for a concise introduction.
Customer feedback is mixed on readability, with some finding the writing clear and others difficult to follow.

Technical specifications

9 specifications

Publication
Publisher	OUP Oxford
Publication date	28 April 2016
Edition	Illustrated
Language	English
Print length	640 pages

Dimensions and installation
Weight listed	430 g
Dimensions	19.3 x 3.81 x 12.7 cm

Identifiers
ISBN-10	0143446193
ISBN-13	978-0330522847

Who is it for?

A good fit for

Readers interested in consciousness, artificial intelligence and the relationship between minds and physics.
Readers comfortable with a long, cross-disciplinary popular science argument.

Less suited to

Readers seeking a short or purely introductory account of artificial intelligence.
Readers who prefer consistently easy-to-follow prose.

Customer reviews on Amazon

4.5 / 5 · 782 ratings

5 stars75%75%
4 stars13%13%
3 stars7%7%
2 stars3%3%
1 star2%2%

Customer feedback describes the book as intellectually rewarding and worth the effort, with the brain and consciousness chapters singled out as valuable. Readers also praise its intellectual honesty, while opinions on the writing’s clarity differ. For readers drawn to the listed cross-disciplinary scope, the enthusiasm may be appealing, but the mixed readability comments matter if an accessible, consistently easy read is a priority. Aggregate ratings are broadly positive, but do not establish why individual readers rated it as they did.

Positive themes

Readers describe the book as brilliant and worth the effort, and value its intellectual honesty.
The chapters on the brain and consciousness are highlighted as particularly worthwhile.

Mixed feedback

Readers differ on readability. Some find the writing clear, while others find it difficult to follow.

Frequently asked questions

What is The Emperor’s New Mind about?

It explores computers, minds and the laws of physics, drawing on physics, cosmology, mathematics and philosophy. The book argues that human thinking cannot be emulated by a machine.

Is this a short introduction to AI?

No. The listed edition runs to 640 pages and takes a broad, detailed approach to computers and human thought.

What do readers say about its readability?

Feedback is mixed. Some readers find the writing clear, while others say it is difficult to follow.