Product Description

Poetry Of The Universe sets out to provide a map of the cosmos, as it is now being revealed by the latest theories of quantum physics. But just as it is not possible to make a true representation of the spherical Earth on a two-dimensional piece of paper, so also the true nature of the curvature of space-time cannot be shown on any kind of map or diagram. Professor Osserman approaches the subject historically, recounting the discoveries of the giants of mathematics and astronomy such as Newton, Gauss and Riemann. He carries the reader through to the most recent developments in physics and astronomy, revealing the continuous interplay between mathematical theory and scientific observation.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1343618 in Books
• Published on: 1996-12-02
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 224 pages

Customer Reviews

easy and interesting to read
This book describes the modern problem of drawing a map of the cosmos by drawing many analogies to the age old problem of drawing a map of the earth. Osserman's analogy makes a lot easy that would otherwise be difficult to conceptualize. Osserman gives a thought provoking account of the mathematical developments which have historically provided a foundation of cartography: showing what is possible, what is impossible, and giving an explanation for what had been found practical and aesthetic for years before the mathematics was available to explain it. E.g., you cannot draw a flat paper map of a spherical earth without loosing information. However, as a mathematician myself, I sometimes wished for a bit more detail.