Since Einstein, physicists have been pursuing a single theory that would order all the elements of the universe and unify the forces of nature. Such a theory would answer questions like: how did the universe begin?; what is the origin of time?; what is matter? In 1984, a theory - involving superstrings - burst upon the scientific world; a theory which seemed to defy the imagination, and at the same time, appear to explain these physical phenomena. This book sets out to explain its development and meaning in a manner accessible to readers with no knowledge of mathematics.