Barry Parker. Einstein's Dream. The search for a unified theory of the Universe. Modern ideas about the evolution of the Universe are presented in a popular form, and attempts to construct a unified field theory, unify the general theory of relativity and quantum theory are described. Without involving mathematical apparatus, the author clearly presents the fundamentals of the theory of black holes, quantum chromodynamics, supergravity and superstrings; dwells in detail on unsolved problems of cosmology. Along the way, it tells about scientists who worked in cosmology and related fields, and their main achievements. For readers interested in modern ideas and hypotheses about the structure and evolution of the physical world.