Product Description

Eminent scientist Joseph Silk gives the inside view of cosmology: how scientists reconstruct the evolution of the universe, from its moment of origin - the Big Bang - to the distant future. Using plain language, he describes the implications of major discoveries such as fluctuations in the cosmic microwave background radiation and investigates the vital cosmological questions, What is the future of the universe? What is the nature of most of the matter in the universe? "The best introduction to cosmology for the general reader currently available." Michael Rowan-Robinson, Nature

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1188523 in Books
• Published on: 1997-05-29
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 256 pages

Customer Reviews

An excellent introduction into the world of cosmology
The stated purpose of this book, was to provide readers with an introduction to the world of cosmology. For those who are unfamiliar, cosmology is the branch of astronomy that deals with the evolution and formation of the universe.

By and large, the book delivers on its objectives, with a varied content that covers many of the different aspects of current theories, from dark matter and universe-expansion through to galaxy formation and Big Bang theory. It delves into the history of some of the theories as well, and certainly maintained my interest throughout.

My only criticism of the work, from the perspective of someone with little scientific background, is that it can on occasion be a little dry, becoming bogged down in details of theories, although on the whole these instances are rare. The layout helps maintain interest, with some excellent photographs and diagrams to illustrate points.

In summary, the book is a fascinating account of current theories, and is strongly recommened for anybody who questions "Why are we here and how?" There are books available that provide a more 'TV-friendly' style of coverage, but as a means of familiarising the reader with the actual theories in a relatively simple way, I have read none better.

I started reading with one perspective on life, and have emerged with quite a different one! Whilst the book does not pretend to explain everything, if nothing else, I now at least know what a WIMP, the COBE, and a parsec are...