Cosmology and the universe Books
Oneworld Publications Life in the Universe: A Beginner's Guide
Book SynopsisAstrobiology, the study of life and its existence in the universe, is one of the hottest areas of scientific research. Lewis Dartnell considers some of the fascinating questions facing researchers today. Could life exist anywhere else in the universe? What might aliens really look like? Dartnell explains why Earth is uniquely suited for life and reveals our profound connection to the cosmos.Trade Review"Dartnell’s guide is much-needed overview of a discipline extending across life, the Universe and everything. Demanding read, but definitely rewarding" * BBC Sky at Night *"Explores the latest theories for how life came to evolve on Earth, and adds fascinating speculations on the prospects for finding it elsewhere." * The Times *"Dartnell explores the latest theories for how life came to evolve on Earth, and adds fascinating speculations on the prospects for finding it elsewhere." * The Times *"If one were to read a single book on astrobiology, this would be an excellent choice." * Choice *"Few books are more wide-ranging and thought-provoking than Life in the Universe, an excellent introduction to the emerging science of astrobiology." * Oxford Today *"If one were to read a single book on astrobiology, this would be an excellent choice… The book is a must for the newcomer to astrobiology and an excellent resource for anyone wishing to expand their understanding of the subject." * Choice *"Dartnell's style is direct, easy to follow and the subject matter comprehensive." * The Biologist *"Quite simply, this is a fantastic book… I recommend it for anyone with an interest in astrobiology in particular, biology in general, life, the universe and everything." * Microbiology Today *"A much-needed overview of a discipline extending across life, the universe, and everything." * BBC Sky at Night *
£9.99
Inner Traditions Bear and Company The Tao of Cosmos
Book SynopsisExplores the interplay between ancient wisdom and modern cosmology Is the universe inert and empty space, or is it some way responsive to consciousness? Breathing new life into a question that has perplexed philosophers since ancient times and scientists for the last century, physicist Zhen G. Ma, Ph.D., offers a quantitative “theory of everything” that beautifully integrates ancient I Ching philosophy, Eastern Taoism, modern cosmology, and the quantum brain dynamics of consciousness. Sharing insights from his years of research on space physics and black-hole spacetime at institutions in China, Canada, and the US, complemented by studies in quantum brain dynamics and cosmological powers with Brian Swimme at the California Institute of Integral Studies, Dr. Ma explains how his integrated theory draws primarily on two key paradigms in the philosophy of cosmology and consciousness: Swimme’s cosmic creation story of the universe as a green d
£22.50
Dorling Kindersley Ltd Astronomy
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£22.50
HarperCollins Publishers Diamonds Everywhere
Book SynopsisAnswers to the mysteries of the cosmos for inquiring minds.Explore the entire cosmos in 101 fascinating topics from mind-blowing numbers, astonishing sights, to strange-but-true discoveries and everything in between.Feed your cosmic curiosity with this comprehensive guide to the Universe, featuring 101 out-of-this-world astronomical facts, discoveries and innovations. From gravitational curls to strange new worlds; the night sky to the end of time you're sure to find something you never knew before in this mind-expanding book, and with stunning images from the latest and greatest observatories, every turn of the page offers a visual treat. It's the perfect gift for earthlings who love to learn.Trade Review“Kerss’ writing is engaging as always and his science rock-solid, accompanied by stunning images from telescopes around the world, including the Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes, which are always especially breathtaking when seen in print.” BBC Sky at Night “A compendium of the most exciting topics in space—from tantalizing exomoons to mysterious dark matter—Kerss’ authoritative and entertaining style helps make this a must-read for anyone with even a passing interest in space and astronomy.” Forbes Magazine
£15.29
National Geographic Society To Infinity and Beyond
Book SynopsisLinked to a special mini season of the award-winning StarTalk podcast, this enlightening illustrated narrative by the world’s most celebrated astrophysicist explains the universe from the solar system to the farthest reaches of space with authority and humor.No one can make the mysteries of the universe more comprehensible and fun than Neil deGrasse Tyson. Drawing on mythology, history, and literature—alongside his trademark wit and charm—Tyson and StarTalk senior producer Lindsey Nyx Walker bring planetary science down to Earth and principles of astrophysics within reach. In this entertaining book, illustrated with vivid photographs and art, readers travel with him through space and time, starting with the Big Bang and voyaging to the far reaches of the universe and beyond. Along the way, science greets pop culture as Tyson explains the triumphs—and bloopers—in Hollywood’s blockbusters: all part of an entertaining ride through the cosTrade Review"Buoyed by eye-popping photos of supernovas and distant galaxies, this is equal parts entertaining and informative."—Publisher's Weekly"This is a book that makes you want to go out and look up at the night sky. Buzz Lightyear would be proud."—Kirkus Reviews
£19.99
Cambridge University Press The Cosmic Revolutionarys Handbook
Book SynopsisFree yourself from cosmological tyranny! Everything started in a Big Bang? Invisible dark matter? Black holes? Why accept such a weird cosmos? For all those who wonder about this bizarre universe, and those who want to overthrow the Big Bang, this handbook gives you ''just the facts'': the observations that have shaped these ideas and theories. While the Big Bang holds the attention of scientists, it isn''t perfect. The authors pull back the curtains, and show how cosmology really works. With this, you will know your enemy, cosmic revolutionary - arm yourself for the scientific arena where ideas must fight for survival! This uniquely-framed tour of modern cosmology gives a deeper understanding of the inner workings of this fascinating field. The portrait painted is realistic and raw, not idealized and airbrushed - it is science in all its messy detail, which doesn''t pretend to have all the answers.Trade Review'Overthrowing all of modern cosmology isn't easy, but it could happen. Maybe you will be the one to do it! If you're up for the challenge, Luke A. Barnes and Geraint F. Lewis tell you exactly what you have to accomplish. Even if you don't topple the stodgy edifice of modern science, you'll certainly learn some exciting things about the universe along the way.' Sean Carroll, author of Something Deeply Hidden: Quantum Worlds and the Emergence of Spacetime'If you are looking for a fun rendezvous with the universe, this is the book for you! Barnes and Lewis help you understand the basics of cosmology with simplicity and clarity - quite a feat given the complexity of our universe.' Priyamvada Natarajan, author of Mapping the Heavens: The Radical Scientific Ideas that Reveal the Cosmos'… a great starting point for budding astronomers or cosmologists who want to be able to 'debunk' would-be revolutionaries - or answer the 'but how do we know …' they're likely to get asked.' Chris North, BBC Sky at Night Magazine'A must-read for anyone interested in better understanding why cosmologists believe all those very strange things about the Universe. Mind you, new Galileo, you will still need a degree in physics and professional research training if you want to overthrow the Big Bang model, but this book might very well be the first step towards your goal.' Sunny Vagnozzi, Nature Astronomy'The general educated public has heard about many key terms of modern science: 'evolution,' 'virus,' 'quantum theory,' and the 'big bang,' for example. But the framework and methodology of science are barely understood by most … Here, Barnes (Western Sydney Univ.) and Lewis (Sydney Institute for Astronomy) inform the general reader about many fascinating aspects of astronomy, astrophysics, and cosmology. The book is full of scientific facts and clarifying figures. More importantly, it clarifies the routes that lead to major scientific results … Readers will gain a more than nodding acquaintance with the basics of astrophysics, including magnetic monopoles, dark matter, the inflationary model, and related key concepts … books like this will inform and educate those who respect science and are willing to learn about good science and how it is done. This should be required reading for all college students, regardless of their major.' V. V. Raman, Choice'The book is well written and includes a bit more 'how' (do we know) in addition to the 'what' of the standard model of cosmology … I enjoyed reading this book; it's a breezy but careful introduction to where we are in our understanding of the Universe and how we got there.' Phillip Helbig, The ObservatoryTable of ContentsPreface; Acknowledgements; 1. Understanding science; 2. How dark is the night?; 3. Run for the hills!; 4. Going gently into that good night; 5. An ever-changing universe; 6. The wood for the trees; 7. We are (mostly) made of stars; 8. Ripples in the night sky; Notes; Further reading; Index.
£11.69
Penguin Publishing Group Life as No One Knows It
Book SynopsisAn intriguing new scientific theory that explains what life is and how it emerges.What is life? This is among the most difficult open problems in science, right up there with the nature of consciousness and the existence of matter. All the definitions we have fall short. None help us understand how life originates or the full range of possibilities for what life on other planets might look like.In Life as No One Knows It, physicist and astrobiologist Sara Imari Walker argues that solving the origin of life requires radical new thinking and an experimentally testable theory for what life is. This is an urgent issue for efforts to make life from scratch in laboratories here on Earth and missions searching for life on other planets.Walker proposes a new paradigm for understanding what physics encompasses and what we recognize as life. She invites us into a world of maverick scientists working without a map, seeking not just answers but better ways to formulate the biggest questions we have about the universe. The book culminates with the bold proposal of a new theory for identifying and classifying life, one that applies not just to biological life on Earth but to any instance of life in the universe. Rigorous, accessible, and vital, Life as No One Knows It celebrates the mystery of life and the explanatory power of physics.
£18.99
Mandrake Interview with a Wizard
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£13.49
Headline Publishing Group The History of Our Universe in 21 Stars: (That
Book SynopsisPreviously published as A History of the Universe in 21 Stars.'A delight and triumph ... A thing of beauty ... Truly, truly magical' talkRADIOLook up on a clear evening, and you'll see thousands of stars shining in the night sky, each telling a story of their own. With star maps to help easily identify key celestial bodies, astronomer Giles Sparrow takes 21 stars (and three imposters) to look at what each pinprick of light can tell us about the birth, life and death of our universe.From red giants to supernovae and from stellar cities to our own Sun, The History of Our Universe in 21 Stars shows how the lights we see in the sky can help us unravel the mysteries of the cosmos.Trade Review'A delight and a triumph ... A thing of beauty ... Truly, truly magical' -- Mark Dolan * talkRADIO *Table of ContentsPolaris • Mizar • 61 Cygni • Aldebaran • Alcyone/The Pleiades • The Trapezium • T Tauri • The Sun • Proxima Centauri • Tau Ceti • Algol • Mira • Sirius A and B • RS Ophiuchi • Betelgeuse • Eta Carinae • The Crab Pulsar • Cygnus X-1 • Omega Centauri • Delta Cephei • Andromeda Nebula • S2 • 3C 48 • Supernova 1944D.
£9.99
Penguin Books Ltd The Biggest Ideas in the Universe
Book SynopsisINSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER?Most appealing... technical accuracy and lightness of tone... Impeccable.??Wall Street Journal?A porthole into another world.??Scientific American?Brings science dissemination to a new level.??ScienceThe most trusted explainer of the most mind-boggling concepts pulls back the veil of mystery that has too long cloaked the most valuable building blocks of modern science. Sean Carroll, with his genius for making complex notions entertaining, presents in his uniquely lucid voice the fundamental ideas informing the modern physics of reality. Physics offers deep insights into the workings of the universe but those insights come in the form of equations that often look like gobbledygook. Sean Carroll shows that they are really like meaningful poems that can help us fly over sierras to discover a miraculous multidimensional landscape alive with radiant giants, warped space-time, and bewilderingly powerful forces. High school calculus is itself a centuries-old marvel as worthy of our gaze as the Mona Lisa. And it may come as a surprise the extent to which all our most cutting-edge ideas about black holes are built on the math calculus enables. No one else could so smoothly guide readers toward grasping the very equation Einstein used to describe his theory of general relativity. In the tradition of the legendary Richard Feynman lectures presented sixty years ago, this book is an inspiring, dazzling introduction to a way of seeing that will resonate across cultural and generational boundaries for many years to come.
£18.00
Tyndale House Publishers Believing Is Seeing
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£15.19
John Murray Press Starborn
Book SynopsisA BBC RADIO 4 BOOK OF THE WEEK''A stunning and unforgettable voyage through the stars'' STEPHEN FRY''Trotta writes like a poet'' WALL STREET JOURNAL''Will leave readers viewing the stars with fresh eyes'' MARTIN REES''A powerful call to preservation'' SEAN CARROLLA sweeping inquiry into how the night sky has shaped what it means to be human.One of our species'' most enduring and universal relationships is with the night sky itself. Across the ages, the stars have served as clocks, maps, compasses, muses and gods, defining our laws of reality and our dreams of the sublime. How radically different would we be if we looked to the night sky and saw . . . nothing? Leading cosmologist Roberto Trotta explores how stargazing has shaped the course of civilisation and offers a dramatic alternate history - imagining how a world without stars would change our understanding of scien
£10.44
Harvard University Press The Number of the Heavens
Book SynopsisOne of the most controversial, cutting-edge ideas in cosmologythe possibility that there exist multiple parallel universesin fact has a long history. Tom Siegfried reminds us that the size and number of the heavens have been contested since ancient times. His story offers deep lessons about the nature of science and the quest for understanding.Trade ReviewThe best new book on the Multiverse out this year. -- Ethan Siegel * Forbes *The Number of the Heavens is a thrilling history of our quest to grasp the whole of reality and determine our place within it. Whether there is one universe or many, Siegfried's masterful prose allows us all to delight in our species' passionate urge to look up and wonder. -- Brian Greene, author of The Elegant UniverseWhile it is debatable how closer we might be to verifying the multiverse compared to Aristotle, a recounting of the history of this philosophical and scientific debate in the entertaining and often tongue-in-cheek tone of Siegfried is certainly fascinating. * Nature Astronomy *This ‘multiverse,’ a hot topic of debate in physics today, is only the latest example of how scientists have expanded our horizons…This intriguing book examines that changing understanding of the universe, and of science as well. -- Jeff Foust * Space Review *You might think this book is only about the multiverse, but it’s really about something bigger: how science has been done through the ages—and how our perspective changes along with our view of the cosmos. -- Alan Boyle * GeekWire *This clear and thoughtful work of popular science serves as a fascinating history of one of the most provocative concepts in modern physics, while also tracing its roots in ancient ideas and exploring its implications for this universe and others. * Publishers Weekly (starred review) *What sets this book by Siegfried apart from others is the quality of his writing, as well as the direct links he draws between contemporary and ancient views of the multiverse concept. * Library Journal *Starting with the ancient Greeks…chronicles how the concept of the multiverse has evolved as scientists’ understanding of the universe has expanded. * Science News *The most readable tour of cosmology from the perspective of the multiverse to date. -- Robert Schaefer * New York Journal of Books *Packed with surprising historical tidbits and witty asides, Siegfried tells the riveting tale of millennia-long efforts to define not merely the extent of existence, but also the nature of science itself. -- K. C. Cole, author of The Universe and the Teacup: The Mathematics of Truth and BeautyPrepare to enter the mysterious realm of the multiverse! The Number of the Heavens displays unusual depth across several fields of research, allowing scientists, historians, and the general public to experience firsthand a debate of great cosmological import. -- Steven J. Dick, former NASA Chief HistorianExamining the positions of medieval thinkers and today’s physicists alike, this book is a very thorough and timely study of the concept of the multiverse through the ages. -- Marcelo Gleiser, author of The Simple Beauty of the UnexpectedCombining interviews of modern physicists and philosophers with a detailed historical narrative of ancient, medieval, and Renaissance interpretations of the word ‘world,’ Siegfried’s text fills an important gap in the expanding body of multiverse literature. -- Brian Keating * Physics Today *A fast-paced account of the multiverse. -- Julius Lobo * Book Riot *
£22.46
Random House USA Inc The Road to Reality
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£24.65
HarperCollins Big Bang
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£16.99
Princeton University Press The LargeScale Structure of the Universe
Book SynopsisTrade Review"James Peebles, Co-Winner of the Nobel Prize in Physics"
£48.00
HarperCollins Publishers (Australia) Pty Ltd Warped Passages
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£17.99
HarperCollins Publishers Inc When the Earth Had Two Moons Cannibal Planets Icy
Book SynopsisAn astonishing exploration of planet formation and the origins of life by one of the world’s most innovative planetary geologists.In 1959, the Soviet probe Luna 3 took the first photos of the far side of the moon.Trade Review“Delightful. ... The story swings from the birth of the universe, through the history of astronomy, to the modern understanding of the piece-by-piece building of the planets. ... Makes the solar system an even weirder and more wonderful place than it seemed before.” — Wall Street Journal “A gripping and endlessly fascinating account of how planets formed.” — Alan Stern, planetary scientist and leader of NASA’s New Horizons mission to Pluto "If the planets were born out of material orbiting the Sun, like raindrops condensing from a cloud, why do they differ so much in structure and chemical composition? This detailed book assesses the astronomical and geological evidence on the origin of planetary diversity." — Nature. "Best Science Picks of the week" “When the Earth Had Two Moons is a lyrical exploration of our solar system, introducing not just the facts of its formation and nature but the implications for all of us living on Earth.” — Amy Mainzer, visiting scientist at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and professor of planetary science at the University of Arizona “An enthusiast as well as a fine writer, Asphaug lays it out from the beginning. . . . An expert, entertaining review of what’s known about the solar system.” — Kirkus Reviews “Asphaug draws upon his years of research and expertise to provide the reader with a truly wondrous and surprising exploration of planet formation and the origins of life. A meticulous and expertly presented work of science, When the Earth Had Two Moons is unreservedly and enthusiastically recommended.” — Midwest Book Review “An enthusiastic and erudite guide.” — Publishers Weekly
£20.90
Elsevier Science Modern Cosmology
Book SynopsisExplains the structure of the acoustic peaks in the CMB, the E/B decomposition in polarization which may allow for detection of primordial gravity waves, and the modern analysis techniques used on increasingly large cosmological data sets. This book provides foundations, calculations, and interpretations which illuminate the thinking in cosmology.Trade Review"...I like the choice of topics and detailed derivations of some of the basic processes which cannot be found in any other textbook and which really make this book a textbook out of which one can actually learn something. Examples include detailed derivation of inflationary spectrum, Boltzmann equation etc. ... I also like the extensive list of problems at the end of each chapter. This is a great textbook that is long overdue given the importance of the subject..." --Uros Seljak, Princeton University "This book is very up to date and gives excellent treatments of structure formation...This provides what is the most complete such description in an textbook." —Paul H. Frampton, Universtiy of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, CERN COURIER (Oct 2003) "(In) Dodelson's Modern Cosmology we have recently obtained an appropriate textbook for the dawn of this new epoch...In a sense, this book is postmodern cosmology (with an affirmative connotation!), in being the first to consider the new wave of challenges for this oldest scientific philosophical pursuit...it provides an excellent introduction to some of the most dynamical areas in physics and astronomy, very likely to remain attractive for at least a couple of decades." —Milan M. Cirkovic, Astronomical Obervatory of Belgrade, FOUNDATIONS OF PHYSICS (Oct 2003) "Dodelson writes well and the mathematical derivations are generally well laid out and easy to follow. Useful sets of exercises appear at the end of each chapter, along with suggestions for further reading, often with amusing commentaries. New graduate students, Dodelson's intended audience should find it easy to learn from this book." --George Efstathiou, University of Cambride, England (July 2004)Table of Contents1. The Standard Model and Beyond2. The Smooth, Expanding Universe 3. Beyond Equilibrium 4. The Boltzmann Equations 5. Einstein Equations 6. Initial Conditions 7. Inhomogeneities 8. Anisotropies 9. Probes of Inhomogeneities 10. Weak Lensing and Polarization 11. Analysis A. Solutions to Selected Problems B. Symbols C. Numbers D. Special Functions
£64.79
Penguin Books Ltd The Fabric of the Cosmos
Book SynopsisFrom the bestselling author of The Elegant Universe, Brian Greene''s The Fabric of the Cosmos takes us on an irresistible and revelatory journey through the biggest of the big questions. What is reality? Could we exist without space and time? Can we travel to the past? What are the limits of the universe? Brian Greene has made the mysteries of space and time accessible to millions with his acclaimed writings and award-winning TV series. Now he reveals a world more beautiful and bizarre than we could have imagined, where ''dark matter'' reigns, space warps and wiggles through eleven dimensions, minute particles dance, fizz and teleport across vast distances, everything is made of vibrating strings and, like an ant on a lily-pad, we may be floating on a sliver of spacetime. Revealing new layers of reality that lie just beneath the surface of our everyday lives, this grand tour of the universe will make you look at the world in a completely new way. ''A must-read'' Sunday Times ''Greene takes us to the limits of space and time'' Guardian ''Sends the reader''s imagination hurtling through the universe on an astonishing ride'' The New York Times Brian Greene is well known to many fans as a populariser of theoretical physics. He is the author of the bestselling books about string theory, The Elegant Universe, which was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for nonfiction, The Fabric of the Cosmos, and The Hidden Reality. Educated at Harvard and Oxford, he has taught at both Harvard and Cornell and has been Professor of Physics and Mathematics at Columbia University since 1996.
£14.24
Penguin Books Ltd The Goldilocks Enigma
Book SynopsisPaul Davies'' The Goldilocks Enigma: Why is the Universe Just Right for Life? gets to the heart of what makes the universe tick - and what makes our place in it so special. It''s not too hot, it''s not too cold, and its forces act together in a way that''s just right: why does the universe seem so perfectly tailor-made for life to exist? Paul Davies, one of the world''s most acclaimed science writers, shows how everything from the humble carbon atom to the speed of light and the laws of physics themselves interact. He asks: is there a theory of everything within our grasp? If there was a big bang, what happened before it? Is there on universe or many? Could we exist within an endless time loop? ''This is popular science as home to the really big questions'' Independent Books of the Year ''Beautifully judged'' Guardian ''Britain''s most eminent cosmologist ... Davies is effortle
£10.44
Penguin Books Ltd Origin Story
Book SynopsisDavid Christian, creator of Big History (''My favourite course of all time'' Bill Gates), brings us the epic story of the universe and our place in it, from 13.8 billion years ago to the remote future''Nails home the point: Life is a miracle ... A compelling history of everything'' Washington Post ''Spectacular'' Carlo RovelliHow did we get from the Big Bang to today''s staggering complexity, in which seven billion humans are connected into networks powerful enough to transform the planet? And why, in comparison, are our closest primate relatives reduced to near-extinction? Big History creator David Christian gives the answers in a mind-expanding cosmological detective story told on the grandest possible scale. He traces how, during eight key thresholds, the right conditions have allowed new forms of complexity to arise, from stars to galaxies, Earth to homo sapiens, agriculture to fossil fuels. This last mega-innovation gave us an energy bonanza that brought huge benefits to mankind, yet also threatens to shake apart everything we have created.''Rather like the Big Bang, the book is awe-inspiring ... Superb'' The Times''With fascinating ideas on every page and the page-turning energy of a good thriller, this is a landmark work'' Sir Ken Robinson, author of The ElementTrade ReviewIf you read one book this year, make it this one -- Fareed Zakaria, CNNA journey through billions of years that nails home the point: Life is a miracle ... [A] remarkably cogent and compelling history of everything * Washington Post *Rather like the Big Bang, the book is awe-inspiring. The processes it describes are all familiar, but I'd never seen them explained with such clarity and verve ... Superb -- Gerard Degroot * The Times *[Origin Story is] long-haul science with wit and oomph * Nature *Christian tells this story very well, providing, in effect, a short course in modern science. This is a brief history of the universe, and an excellent one * Wall Street Journal *I have long been a fan of David Christian. In Origin Story, he elegantly weaves evidence and insights from many scientific and historical disciplines into a single, accessible historical narrative -- Bill GatesIn Origin Story, David Christian has found a spectacular way to use history to put order in the entire set of our knowledge about the world. This is a wonderful achievement -- Carlo Rovelli * author of Seven Brief Lessons on Physics and The Order of Time *Origin Story is a majestic distillation of our current understanding of the birth of the universe, of the solar system, of the oceans, of mountains and minerals, of all life on earth and of the driving dynamics of human culture and achievement. All of this in just over 300 pages of captivating prose that weaves together innumerable insights from the sciences, arts and humanities. With fascinating ideas on every page and the page turning energy of a good thriller, this is a landmark work that comes at a time when it has never been more important for humanity to have a clearer, more informed understanding of our place on earth and of the earth's place in the cosmos. A spellbinding synthesis -- Ken Robinson * educator and bestselling author of The Element and You, Your Child and School *A remarkable book that puts us self-important humans in our proper place in the cosmos, yet also explains why the story of human culture and knowledge - what Christian calls collective learning - matters for understanding our present world and shaping its future -- Merry Wiesner-Hanks, President of the World History Association
£10.44
Penguin Books Ltd Mlodinow L Stephen Hawking
Book SynopsisCHOSEN AS A BOOK OF THE YEAR BY THE GUARDIAN, DAILY TELEGRAPH, NEW STATESMAN AND BBC SCIENCE FOCUS''An intimate, unique, and inspiring perspective on the life and work of one of the greatest minds of our time. Filled with insight, humour, and never-before-told stories, it''s a view of Stephen Hawking that few have seen and all will appreciate'' James Clear, author of Atomic HabitsAn icon of the last fifty years, Stephen Hawking seems to encapsulate genius: not since Albert Einstein has a scientific figure held such a position in popular consciousness. In this enthralling memoir, writer and physicist Leonard Mlodinow tells the story of his friend and their collaboration, offering an intimate account of this giant of science. The two met in 2003, when Stephen asked Leonard if he would consider writing a book with him, the follow up to the bestselling A Brief History of Time. As they spent years working on a seconTrade ReviewA very fine book indeed. Mlodinow is himself a physicist of some distinction, but he is also a very skilled writer. Writing of the stubbornness that enabled Hawking to pursue theoretical physics despite his motor neurone disease, he says, "It allowed his spirit to dance in the prison of his limp body." The great merit of this book is to convey so vividly the dance, the spirit and the prison -- Ray Monk * New Statesman Books of the Year *Even Stephen Hawking's brain was not a computer; fellow physicist Leonard Mlodinow provides a warm and three-dimensional portrait of a brilliant and stubborn human being, rather than simply a genius in a chair * Daily Telegraph Books of the Year *One of the most touching biographies of the year shows the human side of the great physicist Stephen Hawking, as seen by his friend and collaborator Leonard Mlodinow. With admirably easy-to-grasp digressions into favourite subjects such as Einstein, dark energy and black holes, Mlodinow tells us about Hawking the man -- Katy Guest * Guardian Books of the Year *A personal and intellectual biography - and tremendously entertaining. . . Leonard Mlodinow is himself a theoretical physicist, and a brilliant writer to boot. . . Five stars -- Daily Telegraph * Steven Poole *Hawking's collaborator retells his story with humour and fondness, and helps us know the famous scientist as he really was. . . Highly enjoyable. . . a tender account, full of genuine affection, which doesn't shy away from Hawking's intense focus, self-centredness and unpredictability -- Guardian * Jim Al-Khalili *A compelling read. . . fresh and worthwhile. As a serious theoretical physicist who co-wrote two books with Hawking, Leonard Mlodinow saw the great man from a unique vantage point. He can delve into intimate details and survey the intellectual high ground -- James McConnachie * Sunday Times *Leonard Mlodinow has done the impossible. He has skillfully woven together a thoughtful, insightful, intimate, and engaging portrait of Stephen Hawking, one of the greatest minds of our times, while being scrupulously faithful to the physics. Hawking would have been proud of this book -- Michio KakuStartlingly good ... What really comes over is his modest delight that he made a friend of such an eminent man. Mlodinow explains the science with a clarity and an elegance. You will learn from this what you signally failed to learn from A Brief History of Time -- Daily MailStephen Hawking was a unique scientist and person, and Leonard Mlodinow's book is a unique glimpse into how he worked and lived. As educational as it is touching, this is a deeply human look at a mind that spanned the cosmos -- Sean Carroll, author of Something Deeply HiddenDespite the acclaim, there is still much to discover about Steven Hawking ... theoretical physicist Leonard Mlodinow offers an intimate glimpse inside the famous scientist's life * New Scientist *Hugely enjoyable. . . fresh and compelling. Instead of the spellbound exaltation of a great mind, it is a humane and intimate portrayal of a brilliant scientist. It is also written from a special vantage point. Mlodinow, a theoretical physicist and gifted author, spent several years working with Hawking, co-writing two books. Their working sessions form the narrative backbone of this emotionally satisfying and intellectually stimulating memoir John Paul Rathbone, Financial Times -- Financial Times * John Paul Rathbone *An intimate, unique, and inspiring perspective on the life and work of one of the greatest minds of our time. Filled with insight, humour, and never-before-told stories, it's a view of Stephen Hawking that few have seen and all will appreciate -- James Clear, author of Atomic HabitsStephen Hawking surpassed science and touched the world with his transcendent genius and heroic courage that inspired millions. In this intimate memoir, his long-time friend and physics collaborator Leonard Mlodinow, one of the finest science writers of our time, shares insights into Hawking that humanizes him while also revealing what made him one of history's greatest minds -- Michael Shermer, author of The Believing Brain
£9.49
Penguin Publishing Group Hiding in the Mirror The quest for alternate realities from Plato to String Theory by way of Alice in Wonderland Einstein and The Twilight Zone
Book SynopsisAn exploration of mankind's fascination with worlds beyond our own-by the bestselling author of The Physics of Star Trek Lawrence Krauss -an international leader in physics and cosmology-examines our long and ardent romance with parallel universes, veiled dimensions, and regions of being that may extend tantalizingly beyond the limits of our perception. Krauss examines popular culture's current embrace (and frequent misunderstanding) of such topics as black holes, life in other dimensions, strings, and some of the more extraordinary new theories that propose the existence of vast extra dimensions alongside our own. BACKCOVER: An astonishing and brilliantly written work of popular science. -Science a GoGo A brilliant, thrilling book . . . You'll have so much fun reading that you'll hardly notice you're getting a primer on contemporary physics and cosmology. -Walter Isaacson, author of Benjamin Franklin: An American LifeTrade Review“An astonishing and brilliantly written work of popular science.” —Science a GoGo“A brilliant, thrilling book . . . You’ll have so much fun reading that you’ll hardly notice you’re getting a primer on contemporary physics and cosmology.” —Walter Isaacson, author of Benjamin Franklin: An American Life
£17.11
Penguin Putnam Inc Eating the Sun
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£19.12
Oxford University Press Gravity From Falling Apples to Supermassive Black
Book SynopsisGravity: From Falling Apples to Supermassive Black Holes provides a fascinating historical account of how we have reached our current understanding of gravity, and places the most sensational developments in gravitational physics, including the detection of gravitational waves and supermassive black holes, in their true context.Trade ReviewIt's welcome that Nicholas Mee has updated his fine book to include, in this new edition, the exciting recent advances in studying gravity and its cosmic manifestations. But what makes the book special is that the narrative builds on a fascinating description of the historical context that can be traced right back to ancient times. * Lord Martin Rees, Astronomer Royal, former President of the Royal Society *With clear diagrams, questions and puzzles and interesting notes for each chapter this is an unusually stimulating book. * Sir James Hough, Associate Director of the Institute for Gravitational Research, Research Professor in Natural Philosophy, University of Glasgow *The quality of writing is high, the style is engaging and the explanations clear and accessible. * Mike Cruise, Emeritus Professor of Astrophysics and Space Research, University of Birmingham *Written in an engaging and readable style, this book brings us right up to date in all things concerning gravity. * Julian Onions, Astrophysicist, University of Nottingham *Gravity: From Falling Apples to Supermassive Black Holes is written in a captivating historical style with stories about the researchers of the past and present that illuminate many key ideas in astronomy and physics. * MathSciNet *Gravity (2nd Edition) is a worthwhile addition to the bookshelf of anybody looking to more fully understand the most fundamental of forces, whether from a historical or scientific perspective. It is published by Oxford University Press and available wherever good books are sold. * Blogstronomy *Table of Contents0: Can You Feel the Force? 1: The Cosmic Puzzle 2: The Secret of the Universe 3: The Magic Spyglass 4: Voyaging through Strange Seas 5: The Great Ocean of Truth 6: Lets Do the Time Warp 7: Black Holes 8: Ripples in the Fabric of Things 9: Across the Universe
£22.49
Oxford University Press Relativity Made Relatively Easy Volume 2 General
Book SynopsisAimed at advanced undergraduate or graduate physics students, the book aims to give a working understanding of astronomy and gravitational waves, as well as introducing the reader to the key concepts in cosmology and classical field theory.Trade ReviewReview from previous edition As Albert Einstein once emphasized, one should make things as simple as possible, but not simpler. Andrew Steane follows the master's recommendation and presents a relatively easy tour through the wonderful worlds of Special and General Relativity. He guides the reader patiently and pedagogically through the fundamental concepts as well as their main applications. This book is of great value for both students and lecturers. * Claus Kiefer, Institute for Theoretical Physics, University of Cologne *Steane's book provides a physically oriented introduction to Special Relativity and its consequences, which does not compromise rigour in its exposition. I do not know of any other textbook on the topic covering such a breadth of topics at a detailed, but at the same time accessible and insightful level. In particular, the discussion of electromagnetism in the context of Special Relativity - where Relativity really comes into life - is excellent. The book contains an interesting and original selection of exercises which will help the dedicated reader to gain mastery in the details of the theory. * Juan A. Valiente Kroon, School of Mathematical Sciences, Queen Mary, University of London *Offering a uniquely broad and thorough coverage of one of the standard tools of modern physics, Andrew Steane's Relativity Made Relatively Easy is an approachable and comprehensive coverage of Einstein's most famous contribution to science. It is sure to become a favorite resource for students and researchers alike. * Warren Anderson, Center for Gravitation and Cosmology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee *The book truly has the potential to become a pivotal part of scholarship in physics. This lucid and thoughtful approach to taking the reader pedagogically through how Einsteinian relativity works, and how it supersedes the Newtonian construction with respect to explaining the basic principles of physical law, is comprehensive, thorough, innovative, challenging, and in many cases original. Steane's approach fills a gap in what in many university undergraduate courses has become a topic considered rather too briefly and in a rather too stereotyped manner, and which thereby has always denied physics graduates of the deeper insight into how Lorentz invariance is at the root of almost everything. * John Dainton, Sir James Chadwick Professor of Physics, University of Liverpool *Table of Contents1: Preface 2: Terminology and notation 3: The elements of general relativity 4: An introductory example: the uniform static field 5: Life in a rotating world 6: Linearized general relativity 7: Slow stationary sources 8: Gravitational waves 9: Manifolds 10: Vectors on manifolds 11: The affine connection 12: Further useful ideas 13: Tensors 14: Parallel transport and geodesics 15: Physics in curved spacetime 16: Curvature 17: The Einstein field equation 18: Schwarzschild-Droste solution 19: Further spherically symmetric solutions 20: Rotating bodies; the Kerr metric 21: Black holes 22: Black hole thermodynamics 23: Cosmology 24: Cosmological dynamics 25: The growth of structure 26: Observational cosmology 27: The very early universe 28: First steps in classical field theory 29: Lagrangian mechanics for fields 30: Conclusion Free
£39.42
Oxford University Press A Tale of Two Infinities
Book SynopsisThe book explores the surprising connections between the study of the universe on the largest scales, and the physics of the infinitely small, and investigates the extraordinary potential of multi-messenger astronomy to provide answers to the key questions of fundamental physics and thus revolutionise our understanding of the universe.Trade ReviewThe author lets his enthusiasm for the subject and its research enterprises shine through, which is an excellent feature * Dave Pike, The Observatory *Particularly timely, and of great appeal to a wide readership from the professional scientist to the intelligent layperson * Professor Sir James Hough, University of Glasgow *A timely, engrossing, witty yet scholarly work, this book is essential reading for anybody interested in the cutting edge of cosmology. Prof. Bertone is an expert guide with the rare gift of presenting complex ideas in an accessible, original and compelling way. An armchair journey to the limits of the known universe and beyond! * Professor Roberto Trotta, Imperial College London and International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA) *This is an excellent book that will convey to the lay public the excitement of recent discoveries that are bringing us novel and even revolutionary insights about the nature of the cosmos we inhabit * Professor Abhay Ashtekar, Director of the Institute for Gravitational Physics and Geometry at Pennsylvania State University *A clear and readable account of humanity's fascination with the cosmos, from ancient times to the Nobel prizewinning observation of gravitational waves. Explains the triumphs and crises of current theories of the origin and structure of the universe in simple, accessible terms. Enjoyable and informative * Professor Ian Stewart FRS, author of Calculating the Cosmos *An intriguing blend of cosmic mysteries and observational probes, with a delightfully accessible approach * Joseph Silk, Homewood Professor of Physics and Astronomy, Johns Hopkins University *A lively introduction to the newly emerging field of multi-messenger astronomy, outlining the certainties and possibilities as well as the intriguing open questions - a must-read for young minds who want to venture into this new and exciting journey of cosmic exploration * Priyamvada Natarajan, astrophysicist and author of Mapping the Heavens: The Radical Scientific Ideas That Reveal the Cosmos *With equal parts flair and sophistication, Bertone takes us on an incredible tour of our universe's greatest mysteries. The language is at times so evocative you might forget you're actually learning something! * Dan Hooper, Head of the Theoretical Astrophysics Group, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory; Professor of Astronomy and Astrophysics, University of Chicago *In this charming book, Gianfranco Bertone considers puts cutting-edge ideas -- black holes, dark energy, inflationary cosmology -- into their proper context as part of humanity's ongoing quest to understand the universe. Wonderfully written, Tale of Two Infinities manages to illuminate cosmic vistas while never losing sight of the human perspective * Sean Carroll, author of Something Deeply Hidden: Quantum Worlds and the Emergence of Spacetime *The detection of gravitational waves in 2015 was just the beginning. The insatiably curious seeking context and some sense of the promise of these new starry messengers should look no further. Gianfranco Bertone is a sure guide, and A Tale of Two Infinities is an engaging tour * Jim Baggott, author of Quantum Reality *The recent developments in Cosmology have shown that the infinitely big (the Universe) and the infinitely small (fundamental forces and particles, structure of spacetime at the microscopic, subatomic level) have never been so close to each other. Physicists studying both "infinities" ask the same questions and look for the same answers. The reader will feel comfortably cradled between these two infinities. The text manages to present the latest, on-going "revolution" brought about by the recent direct detection of gravitational waves in a simple way yet respecting and reflecting the deep meaning of it. Enjoy! * Licia Verde, ICREA professor, Instituto de Ciencias del Cosmos (ICC), University of Barcelona *Table of ContentsThe architecture of the cosmos 9 Spheres of heaven Dark foundations Cosmic inferno Stories of a certain Gravity Queen of the cosmos The order of heaven The most beautiful theory The new messengers Gravitational waves Einstein's last gift Ghost Particles Black Holes Phenomenology of the absurd Quantum effects Upcoming waves Dark Matter Halos, streams, and lenses New Physics New portals Dark Energy Possible explanations Quantum origins The future Quantum genesis In the beginning Inflation Primordial waves
£20.99
Oxford University Press The Planetary Scientists Companion
Book SynopsisThe Planetary Scientist's Companion is a comprehensive and practical book of facts and data about the Sun, planets, asteroids, comets, meteorites, and Kuiper belt and Centaur objects in our solar system. Also covered are properties of nearby stars, the interstellar medium, and extra-solar planetary systems.Trade Review"It is indeed an extremely useful book. It contains everything that is needed for the one en vogue back of the envelope calculations and much more. Lodders and Fegley have compiled a remarkable combination of data relevant to all aspects of planetology in a handy booklet. The real value of the book is the supporting literature documentation of all numbers listed. I recommend this book without any reservations." -- Herbert Palme, Meteoritics & Planetary Science, Vol 35, 2000 "The Planetary Scientist's Companion is a concise reference book that will be helpful to students and researchers in planetary sciences and related areas. Even the rapid change in knowledge of our planetary system and the fast increase of available data will not outdate this book in the near future. I recommend this compilation to all persons working in the broad field of planetology. Also those teaching in Earth and planetary sciences will appreciate having The Planetary Scientist's Companion available on their bookshelf." -- Ludolf Schultz "This book is incredibly comprehensive and well-organized. It is jam-packed with mostly tabular data from a wide variety of well-documented and relatively up-to-date sources, including classic research and review papers and disparate reference sources. While unusual for a reference book, The Planetary Scientist's Companion actually lends itself to casual reading, which is perhaps fitting for what the authors describe as a "'data journey' through the solar system and beyond." This is a succinct and handy reference book that will be of use to most students and teachers." --EOS, June 15, 1999 "This book has been written for the 'friend of planetary sciences' who might be in need of some physical or chemical data to do a quick calculation or otherwise need some facts and figures. The 17 chapters start with basic technical data and proceed to cover all of the bodies in our solar system--the sun, the planets and their satellites, the asteroids, the comets, and also meteorites. Data for these bodies includes size, shape, composition, atmosphere, and orbital information. There is also a brief chapter, 'Beyond the Solar System' (nearby stars, brown dwarfs, and extrasolar planets), as well as a glossary."--Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society "Lodders and Fegley's modest volume is chock-full of information, a rich handbook for the Solar System. The first 100 pages are devoted to general geometric, chemical, and physical ideas, and data that will be useful later. The bulk of the handbook is a body-by-body description with data relating to the planets, their satellites and rings, asteroids, Centaur and Kuiper belt objects, comets meteorites, stars in the solar vicinity, and substellar objects. . . . The organization and the index are quite well done, and finding specific information is not difficult; the text is rich with a large number of helpful figures and graphs. There is a nice glossary that is extensive and should be useful. It should be a handy book for any physics department teaching an astronomy course, and especially for students or faculty when using telescopes for observation of nearby objects. As a convenient reference, it belongs in any good college library."--Choice "[P]rovides important physical, chemical, and astronomical information that will be of interest to researchers and students in the fields of planetary science, geochemistry, and cosmochemistry. The book is compact, yet filled with easy-to-find tabular data and descriptive information on our solar system's planets and moons, the sun, and other objects such as asteroids and comets. There are also chapters on meteorites . . . and the newly discovered planets outside our solar system. . . . The authors state in the book's preface that they have not intended to create a work to replace textbooks on planetary science or cosmochemistry, but to provide a handy reference tool that brings together information that is widely scattered in scientific journals and books. They have achieved this objective. . . . [R]ecommended for all academic libraries supporting planetary astronomy or geochemistry course offerings and larger public library reference collections."--E-STREAMS "It is indeed an extremely useful book. It contains everything that is needed for the one en vogue back of the envelope calculations and much more. Lodders and Fegley have compiled a remarkable combination of data relevant to all aspects of planetology in a handy booklet. The real value of the book is the supporting literature documentation of all numbers listed. I recommend this book without any reservations." -- Herbert Palme, Meteoritics & Planetary Science, Vol 35, 2000 "The Planetary Scientist's Companion is a concise reference book that will be helpful to students and researchers in planetary sciences and related areas. Even the rapid change in knowledge of our planetary system and the fast increase of available data will not outdate this book in the near future. I recommend this compilation to all persons working in the broad field of planetology. Also those teaching in Earth and planetary sciences will appreciate having The Planetary Scientist's Companion available on their bookshelf." -- Ludolf Schultz "This book is incredibly comprehensive and well-organized. It is jam-packed with mostly tabular data from a wide variety of well-documented and relatively up-to-date sources, including classic research and review papers and disparate reference sources. While unusual for a reference book, The Planetary Scientist's Companion actually lends itself to casual reading, which is perhaps fitting for what the authors describe as a "'data journey' through the solar system and beyond." This is a succinct and handy reference book that will be of use to most students and teachers." --EOS, June 15, 1999 "The Planetary Scientist's Companion is a succinct and handy reference that will be useful to those in the geophysical community looking for a foothold into planetary science or for an interesting compact survey of the present understanding of planetary phenomena."--The Leading EdgeTable of Contents1. Technical Data ; 2. The Solar System ; 3. The Sun ; 4. Mercury ; 5. Venus ; 6. Earth and Moon ; 7. Mars and Satellites ; 8. Jupiter, Rings and Satellites ; 9. Saturn, Rings and Satellites ; 10. Uranus, Rings and Satellites ; 11. Neptune, Rings and Satellites ; 12. Pluto and Charon ; 13. The Asteroids ; 14. Centaur Objects and Kuiper Belt Objects ; 15. Comets ; 16. Meteorites ; 17. Beyond the Solar System ; Glossary ; Index
£26.09
Oxford University Press Surfing Through Hyperspace
Book SynopsisDo a little armchair time travel, rub elbows with a four-dimensional intelligent life form, or stretch your mind to the furthest corner of an uncharted universe. With this astonishing guidebook, Surfing Through Hyperspace, you need not be a mathematician or an astrophysicist to explore the all-but-fathomable concepts of hyperspace and higher-dimensional geometry.No subject in mathematics has intrigued both children and adults as much as the idea of a fourth dimension. Philosophers and parapsychologists have meditated on this mysterious space that no-one can point to but may be all around us. Yet this extra dimension has a very real, practical value to mathematicians and physicists who use it everyday in their calculations. In the tradition of Flatland, and with an infectious enthusiasm, Clifford Pickover tackles the problems inherent in our 3-D brains trying to visualize a 4-D world, muses on the religious implications of the existence of higher-dimensional consciousness, and urges allTrade Review"Pickover alternates expositions of math, physics and geometry with episodes of instructional science fiction while showing interested amateurs the mathematical and physical properties of higher spatial dimensions."--Publishers Weekly "Is there, asks Clifford Pickover, more to our Universe than forwards, sidewards, and up? Before I knew it, I was well and truly infected. After explaining how his book would cover all the usual stuff about higher dimensions--their unimaginability, their weird properties, and how physicists think they may hold the key to understanding the Universe--Pickover sprung his trap: 'I want to know if humankind's gods could exist in the fourth dimension'....I read the book in two sittings. I'm still under its influence, which is all the more perplexing considering how abstract and unworldly higher dimensions are."--Robert Mathews, New Scientist "Mark my words: within a few months, you too will come across others in the grip of infection by this amazing book."--New Scientist "Extraordinary book."--Daily Telegraph (UK) "In recent years, Pickover has taken up the helm once worn by Isaac Asimov as the most compelling popular explainer of cutting-edge scientific ideas."--"In Pittsburgh" "Pickover alternates expositions of math, physics and geometry with episodes of instructional science fiction while showing interested amateurs the mathematical and physical properties of higher spatial dimensions."--Publishers Weekly "Is there, asks Clifford Pickover, more to our Universe than forwards, sidewards, and up? Before I knew it, I was well and truly infected. After explaining how his book would cover all the usual stuff about higher dimensions--their unimaginability, their weird properties, and how physicists think they may hold the key to understanding the Universe--Pickover sprung his trap: 'I want to know if humankind's gods could exist in the fourth dimension'....I read the book in two sittings. I'm still under its influence, which is all the more perplexing considering how abstract and unworldly higher dimensions are."--Robert Mathews, New Scientist "Mark my words: within a few months, you too will come across others in the grip of infection by this amazing book."--New Scientist "Extraordinary book."--Daily Telegraph (UK) "In recent years, Pickover has taken up the helm once worn by Isaac Asimov as the most compelling popular explainer of cutting-edge scientific ideas."--"In Pittsburgh"Table of ContentsPreface Introduction 1: Degrees of Freedom 2: The Divinity of Higher Dimensions 3: Satan and Perpendicular Worlds 4: Hyperspheres and Tesseracts 5: Mirror Worlds 6: The Gods of Hyperspace Concluding Remarks Appendix A: Mind-Bending Four Dimensional Puzzles Appendix B: Higher Dimensions in Science Fiction Appendix C: Banchoff Klein Bottle Appendix D: Quaternions Appendix E: Four-Dimensional Mazes Appendix F: Smorgasbord for Computer Junkies Appendix G: Evolution of Four-Dimensional Beings Appendix H: Challenging Questions for Further Thought Appendix I: Hyperspace Titles Notes Further Readings About the Author Addendum Index
£19.34
Oxford University Press Inc Einsteins Unfinished Dream Practical Progress
Book SynopsisHumanity has long looked to the sky and marvelled at the world around us. We''ve wondered why the world is the way it is and whether it has to be that way. For millennia these questions were theological, transitioning to philosophical during the Enlightenment, but the discipline that now drives progress is science. We now look forward, hoping to make additional connections and create a better understanding of the ultimate laws of nature. We dream of a time when we have developed a theory of everything--a theory that answers all questions.There is so much that we don''t know. This book is up front about our ignorance and spends some time dispelling some of the more popular theories. It then redirects the reader''s attention to how we will actually move forward, by identifying things we don''t yet understand and engaging with the experiments that will drive our comprehension.Einstein''s Unfinished Dream explores the cutting-edge research of modern particle physicists that pushes us slowly towards a theory of everything. Marshalling decades of experience in distilling high-level scientific concepts, Lincoln invites readers into the mysteries of dark matter, dark energy, matter/antimatter asymmetry, quark and lepton flavor, and other phenomena that have puzzled humanity for centuries.Trade ReviewThis book is an eminently readable overview of the quest for unification that goes back at least to Newton...Highly recommended. All readers. * Choice *Table of ContentsForeword Chapter 1: God's Thoughts Chapter 2: Current Knowledge Chapter 3: Failed and Incomplete Theories Chapter 4: Dark Matter Chapter 5: Dark Energy Chapter 6: Missing Antimatter Chapter 7: Ultimate Building Blocks Chapter 8: The Future Epilogue Suggested Reading
£26.12
Oxford University Press Inc The Dimming of Starlight
Book SynopsisGalileo and Kepler dreamed of the possibility of space exploration, although its reality was later underappreciated and even challenged by social, ideological, and scientific critics as a diversion from our problems on Earth. The Dimming of Starlight tells the fascinating stories of how space exploration places us in unusual situations that force us to come up with new ideas about nature. This strong connection between scientific exploration and scientific change makes us aware of a new panorama of problems, dangers, and opportunities that leads to new solutions and technologies that would have been unimaginable under old perspectives. Thus, the exploration of Venus led to the discovery of the destruction of Earth''s Ozone layer. This discovery will save hundreds of millions of lives in the coming centuries. As we explore space, we learn to protect our planet from catastrophe, and all the while we change drastically our ideas about the nature of the universe. With its account of serendTrade ReviewA handful of philosophers can write effectively for a broad audience. The same holds true for scientists. Gonzalo Munévar can do both, showing an audience that has little prior knowledge of either philosophy or space exploration why both fields are important, and how these seemingly disparate enterprises can work together to help us decide how aggressively to pursue some of the greatest mysteries we face today." - Douglas Vakoch, President, METI InternationalThere is no doubt that in the third decade of the 21st century, the idea of advanced and long-term space exploration, especially human missions, requires a wise and comprehensive justification. Such wise and comprehensive justification is an extremely difficult art. Repeating general cliches today is no longer enough. This art of philosophical, in-depth justification for space exploration has been perfectly succeeded by Gonzalo Munévar." - Konrad Szocik, Assistant Professor of Philosophy, University of Information Technology and Management in Rzeszow
£24.69
Oxford University Press Theism Atheism and Big Bang Cosmology
Book SynopsisContemporary science presents us with the remarkable theory that the universe began to exist about fifteen billion years ago with a cataclysmic explosion called `the Big Bang''. The question of whether Big Bang cosmology supports theism or atheism has long been a matter of discussion among the general public and in popular science books, but has received scant attention from philosophers. This book sets out to fill this gap by means of a sustained debate between two philosophers, William Lane Craig and Quentin Smith, who defend opposing positions. Craig argues that the Big Bang that began the universe was created by God, while Smith argues that the Big Bang has no cause. The book consists of alternating chapters by Craig and Smith, with each chapter being either a criticism of a preceding chapter or being criticized by a subsequent chapter. Part One consists of Craig''s arguments that the past is necessarily finite and that God created the Big Bang, and Smith''s criticisms of these argTrade Review'stimulating book ... The discussions take full account of recent scientific developments in cosmology and quantum gravity, and are articulated with great philosophical sophistication. They have raised the discussion to a higher though somewhat less accessible place than is to tbe found in numerous popular accounts of modern cosmology.' Peter E. Hodgson, Oxford University, International Philosophical QuarterlyThe book represents a bold attempt to open a new discussion in philosophy of science (and religion). The breadth of the debate is impressive ... The book contains much of interest, not merely to philosophers, but also to scientists and theologians. * International Studies in the Philosophy of Science *Until the publication of this volume, there has been no easily accessible single volume offering a well-informed technical discussion of the issues involved ... It is very clearly written. Readers need not be daunted by pages of mathematical and logical symbols. The most technical parts may be omitted without losing the thread of the argument and the authors have helpfully provided non-technical appendices to assist the non-mathematicians among their readers. Also very helpful are the comprehensive footnotes that make this book an invaluable tool for anyone who is seriously interested in these questions ... this volume will be a stimulus to a great deal more careful thought on these matters. * Theology in Green *Craig and Smith have...produced one of the most important, interesting, and illuminating...treatises in the philosophy of religion that has appeared in print for many years. * International Journal for Philosophy of Religion *An exhaustive examination of the argument for and against the existence of God in the light cast upon this conflict of thought by modern knowledge of the Universe ... a medium of profound thought. * Bible Study Monthly *This book is an important and intriguing debate between Craig, an unshakable theist, and Smith who is equally firm in his unbelief. A brief review can do nothing like justice to the richness of Theism, Atheism, and Big Bang Cosmology. Perhaps the book's most striking feature is the amount of pioneering work it contains. Remarkably few philosophers discuss cosmology's implications for theism. * John Leslie, University of Guelph, Zygon, June 1996 *The focus of the volume is quite sharp ... thanks to some good adaptations and the fact that Craig and Smith sometimes engaged each other in the original articles. * Journal of the American Academy of Religion *A fascinating book. There is much wisdom in preparing a book in which two scholars interact from differing points of view ... I highly recommend this book to intelligent readers interested in the origin of the universe. * Perspectives on Science and Christian Faith *Those frustrated with the many apparently intransigent philosophical unclarities surrounding the issue of the status of big bang cosmology as evidence for a creator will be delighted to read this volume. * Journal of the American Academy of Religion *
£59.85
Oxford University Press Relativity
Book SynopsisRelativistic cosmology has in recent years become one of the most active and exciting branches of research, often considered to be today where particle physics was forty years ago, with major discoveries just waiting to happen. Consequently the part most affected by this second edition is the last part on cosmology. But there are additions, improvements, and new exercises throughout. _ The book''s basic purpose is unchanged. It is to make relativity come alive conceptually, and to display the grand theoretical edifice that it is, with consequences in many branches of physics. The emphasis is on the foundations, on the logical subtleties, and on presenting the necessary mathematics - including differential geometry and tensors - but always as late and in as palatable a form as possible. Aided by over 300 exercises, the book seeks to promote an in-depth understanding, and the confidence to tackle any basic problem in relativity.Trade ReviewRindler's writing is elegant, yet compact and logically precise. ... this book should be on the shelf of all who are intrigued by the startling modern advances in our understanding of space and time. * American Journal of Physics *An outstanding introductory treatise by one of the masters of the subject, this book belongs to the shelves of every physics library. * Foundations of Physics *... a self-contained and balanced work. Every sentence hits home, and no word is superfluous. Each chapter ends with a set of well-chosen and instructive exercises. ... it exposes the reader to the physics with inspiring and occasionally surprising arguments. ... a totally successful textbook and a must for all who study special and general relativity. * Physik Journal *... a first-class presentation of the intellectual glory of the first century of relativity. * Times Higher Education Supplement *Table of ContentsINTRODUCTION; PART I: SPECIAL RELATIVITY; PART II: GENERAL RELATIVITY; PART III: COSMOLOGY
£52.25
Oxford University Press Gravity
Book SynopsisGravity is one of the four fundamental interactions that exist in nature. It also has the distinction of being the oldest, weakest, and most difficult force to quantize. Understanding gravity is not only essential for understanding the motion of objects on Earth, but also the motion of all celestial objects, and even the expansion of the Universe itself. It was the study of gravity that led Einstein to his profound realisations about the nature of space and time. Gravity is not only universal, it is also essential for understanding the behaviour of the Universe, and all astrophysical bodies within it. In this Very Short Introduction Timothy Clifton looks at the development of our understanding of gravity since the early observations of Kepler and Newtonian theory. He discusses Einstein''s theory of gravity, which now supplants Newton''s, showing how it allows us to understand why the frequency of light changes as it passes through a gravitational field, why GPS satellites need their clocks corrected as they orbit the Earth, and why the orbits of distant neutron stars speed up. Today, almost 100 years after Einstein published his theory of gravity, we have even detected the waves of gravitational radiation that he predicted. Clifton concludes by considering the testing and application of general relativity in astrophysics and cosmology, and looks at dark energy and efforts such as string theory to combine gravity with quantum mechanics.ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.Trade Reviewwell worth reading * Physics Education *Table of ContentsREFERENCES; FURTHER READING; INDEX
£9.49
Oxford University Press Astrophysics
Book SynopsisAstrophysics is the physics of the stars, and more widely the physics of the Universe. It enables us to understand the structure and evolution of planetary systems, stars, galaxies, interstellar gas, and the cosmos as a whole. In this Very Short Introduction, the leading astrophysicist James Binney shows how the field of astrophysics has expanded rapidly in the past century, with vast quantities of data gathered by telescopes exploiting all parts of the electromagnetic spectrum, combined with the rapid advance of computing power, which has allowed increasingly effective mathematical modelling. He illustrates how the application of fundamental principles of physics - the consideration of energy and mass, and momentum - and the two pillars of relativity and quantum mechanics, has provided insights into phenomena ranging from rapidly spinning millisecond pulsars to the collision of giant spiral galaxies. This is a clear, rigorous introduction to astrophysics for those keen to cut their teeth on a conceptual treatment involving some mathematics.ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readableTrade Reviewan enjoyably easy read, and a long way from being a stodgy textbook - I mean, what textbook would tell you the Galaxy contains 'zillions of dark-matter particles'? * Andrew May, Popular Science *Table of ContentsFURTHER READING; INDEX
£9.49
OUP Oxford Conjuring the Universe
Book SynopsisThe marvellous complexity of the Universe emerges from several deep laws and a handful of fundamental constants that fix its shape, scale, and destiny. Peter Atkins identifies the minimum decisions that would be needed for the Universe to behave as it does, arguing that the laws of Nature can spring from very little. Or perhaps from nothing at all.Trade ReviewAtkins writes in a clear and humorous manner for the lay reader. Dont skip the notes at the end of the book. Some real gems are hidden there ... Recommended for undergraduates and general readers. * CHOICE *This short volume is essential reading for anyone who balks at the mention of Schrödinger, equations and cats included... Atkins sweeps aside the mathematical mystique with his characteristic wit. * Zoe Hackett, Chemistry World *Tour de force... this is a compact 168 pages that delivers splendidly on the question of where the natural laws came from. * Brian Clegg, popularscience.com *It's rare to find a study of physical laws that is also a bravura display of rarefied humour and experiential depth; but such is this gem by chemist Peter Atkins. * Barbara Kiser, Nature *I enjoyed reading the book, not only for the main themes but also for several asides on history, etymology, and so on. * Phillip Helbig, Observatory Magazine *Atkins writes in a charming, even chummy way. He understands our confusion and leads us onwards with the promise of great insights: how the very laws of physics came to be ... Conjuring the Universe is a clear example of [Atkins's] extraordinary erudition and flair. * Robyn Williams, Australian Book Review *Table of ContentsPreface 1: Back to eternity 2: Much ado about nothing 3: Anarchy rules 4: The heat of the moment 5: Beyond anacrhy 6: The creative power of ignorance 7: The charge of the light brigade 8: Measure for measure 9: The cry from the depths Notes Bibliography
£15.29
Oxford University Press Origins
Book SynopsisJim Baggott sets out the scientific story of creation - 13.8 billion years from the Big Bang to human consciousness, via the origins of space and time, mass and light, stars, the habitable earth, and life itself. From astrophysics to biology, the whole inspiring picture is here.Trade ReviewJim Baggot has impressive mastery, not just of the physics and chemistry, but also of the other sciences that play roles in this story. The story this book tells is compelling, well written, and satisfying. * Richard A. Richards, The Quarterly Review of Biology *Jim Baggott's Origins... recount[s] the greatest story ever told: the evolution of the Universe since the Big Bang. This rich crossdisciplinary tale reminds us that astronomy, physics, chemistry, geoscience, biology and neuro science are interconnected. Baggott takes the reader on a linear, 13.8-billion-year journey. His ... treatment abounds with excellent visuals. At its best, Origins reminds me of Richard Holmes's marvellous The Age of Wonder ... Sweeping scope and detailed description ... [Baggott] reminds us that big questions remain in this most wonderful scientific adventure. * Michael S. Turner, Nature *Origins should be on everyone's bookshelves, whether or not they are a devotee of popular science. * Mark Greener, Fortean Times *Origins is so clearly written, so engaging, so thought-provoking, that it wouldn't surprise me if it inspires a new generation to take up science. * Mark Greener, Fortean Times *this guided tour through space, mass, time and energy is spectacular * Saga *an impressive scientific tour-de-force, and a book which is perhaps itself a unique creation * Chemistry & Industry *this book is a real tour de force ... it is exceptionally well informed and well written * Network Review *The collective mind of humanity has made extraordinary progress in its quest to understand how the current richness of the physical world has emerged, and Baggott with his characteristic lucidity and erudition, has provided an enthralling account of this wonderful and still unfolding intellectual journey. * Peter Atkins *Table of ContentsPreface 1: In the 'Beginning': The Origin of Space, Time and Energy 2: Breaking the Symmetry: The Origin of Mass 3: The Last Scattering Surface: The Origin of Light 4: Setting the Firmament Alight: The Origin of Stars and Galaxies 5: Synthesis: The Origin of Chemical Complexity 6: Sol: The Origin of the Sun and its Planets 7: Terra Firma: The Origin of a Habitable Earth 8: The Cosmic Imperative: The Origin of Life 9: Symbiosis 10: A Song of Ice and Fire: The Origin of Species 11: The Human Stain: The Origin of Humanity 12: Cogito Ergo Sum: The Origin of Human Consciousness Epilogue Appendix: Powers of Ten Bibliography Index
£17.99
Oxford University Press Planetary Systems
Book SynopsisNot long ago, the Solar System was the only example of a planetary system - a star and the bodies orbiting it - that we knew. Now, we know thousands of planetary systems, and have even been able to observe planetary systems at the moment of their birth. This Very Short Introduction explores this new frontier, incorporating the latest research. The book takes the reader on a journey through the grand sweep of time, from the moment galaxies begin to form after the Big Bang to trillions of years in the future when the Universe will be a dilute soup of dim galaxies populated mostly by red dwarf stars. Throughout, Raymond T. Pierrehumbert introduces the latest insights gained from a new generation of telescopes that catch planetary systems at the moment of formation, and to the theoretical advances that attempt to make sense of these observations. He explains how the elements that make up life and the planets on which life can live are forged in the interiors of dying stars, and make their way into rocky planets. He also explores the vast array of newly discovered planets orbiting stars other than our own, and explains the factors that determine their climates. Finally, he reveals what determines how long planetary systems can live, and what happens in their end-times. Very Short Introductions: Brilliant, Sharp, Inspiring ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.Trade ReviewNamed by the Lunar and Planetary Institute as a 'New and Noteworthy' book. * Lunar and Planetary Institute *Table of Contents1: Beginnings 2: Creation revealed 3: Beautiful theories, ugly facts 4: What are planets made of? 5: A grand tour of exoplanets 6: Planetary climate and habitability 7: How it all ends Further Reading Index
£9.49
Oxford University Press Particle Astrophysics Second Edition
Book SynopsisThe last years have seen a symbiosis of the fields of elementary particle physics and the astrophysics of the early universe. This text presents the background of the subjects and the latest developments at a level suitable for final year undergraduates and beginning graduate students. The first chapters cover the properties and interactions of elementary particles followed by discussion of the early universe, including inflation, dark matter and dark energy, and the growth of the galactic structure. The final chapters discuss cosmic rays and particle physics in the stars. The close relation between particle interactions and large scale development of the cosmos is a constant theme in the text, with emphasis on the interplay between experiment and theory. This book is an enlarged and updated version of the first edition published five years ago. In a rapidly evolving field, emphasis has of course been placed on the most recent developments. However, the opportunity has also been taken Trade ReviewThe real strength of this book lies in the linking particle physics with astrophysics, right from the start. I would especially reccommend this book for senior students. * Astronomy & Space *Table of ContentsPART 1; PART 2; PART 3
£37.04
OUP Oxford New Theories of Everything
Book SynopsisWill we ever discover a single scientific theory that tells us everything that has happened, and everything that will happen, on every level in the Universe? The quest for the theory of everything - a single key that unlocks all the secrets of the Universe - is no longer a pipe-dream, but the focus of some of our most exciting research about the structure of the cosmos. But what might such a theory look like? What would it mean? And how close are we to getting there? In New Theories of Everything, John D. Barrow describes the ideas and controversies surrounding the ultimate explanation. Updating his earlier work Theories of Everything with the very latest theories and predictions, he tells of the M-theory of superstrings and multiverses, of speculations about the world as a computer program, and of new ideas of computation and complexity. But this is not solely a book about modern ideas in physics - Barrow also considers and reflects on the philosophical and cultural consequences of thTrade ReviewReview from previous edition A fascinating journey... Barrow gets right down to fundamental issues in addressing this central question in modern science. * Kirkus Reviews *A fine book. * John Gribbin, The Independent *A worthwhile update. * Amanda Gefter, New Scientist *A highly rewarding intellectual adventure. * Jim Al-Khalili, Focus *Table of Contents1. Ultimate Explanation ; 2. Laws ; 3. Initial Conditions ; 4. Forces and Particles ; 5. Constants of Nature ; 6. Broken Symmetries ; 7. Organizing Principles ; 8. Selection Effects ; 9. Pi in the Sky ; Bibliography and Index
£11.69
Oxford University Press Relativity Gravitation and Cosmology A Basic
Book SynopsisThis book provides an introduction to Einstein's general theory of relativity. A "physics-first" approach is adopted so that interesting applications come before the more difficult task of solving the Einstein equation. The book includes extensive coverage of cosmology, and is designed to allow readers to study the subject alone.Trade ReviewReview from previous edition This is a great time to have published a fresh new undergraduate text on relativity and cosmology...this is an excellent textbook which this reviewer would rate as the text of choice for a course on relativity and cosmology aimed at physics and astronomy undergraduates. * American Journal of Physics *Table of ContentsI: PRELIMINARIES; II: RELATIVITY - METRIC DESCRIPTION OF SPACETIME; III: COSMOLOGY; IV: RELATIVITY - FULL TENSOR FORMULATION
£37.04
The University of Chicago Press A Key to Whiteheads Process and Reality
Book Synopsis
£28.50
The University of Chicago Press Space Time and Gravity The Theory of the Big
Book Synopsis
£21.00
Columbia University Press Frame of the Universe
Book SynopsisDurham and Purrington approach the history of the universe by exploring the frontiers of physics, while maintaining a long-standing interest in astronomy and cosmology. They stress that man can not fully understand himself until he understands the universe, of which he is a part.Trade Review"The authors have chosen to follow the history of cosmological ideas from ancient to modern times at a level suitable for non-specialist college courses and general reading...Yet, the clarity of presentation and the engaging style make this an enjoyable book for any scientist to read." NatureTable of ContentsPreface Overview Earliest Awareness First Astronomy The Fountainhead Synthesis Orb in Orb Medieval Europe Copernican Revolution 1 Copernican Revolution 2 Galileo Galilei Newtonian Synthesis Widening Horizons: Einstein General Theory of Relativity Primeval Atom Gravitational Collapse Epilogue Appendix Notes Bibliography Index
£28.80
Columbia University Press The Birth of the Earth Paper
Book SynopsisExamines some of the most interesting aspects of the solar system, detailing how we unraveled the mystery of our world.
£25.50
Columbia University Press Universe Down to Earth
Book SynopsisThis exploration of the physical universe explains fundamental concepts in a language that is accessible to anyone with little or no science background. It looks at the discoveries of science, the conservation of energy, the electromagnetic spectrum, gravity and thermodynamics.Trade ReviewA delightful, witty, informal, and wise guide to a sampling of essential principles, processes, and concepts of science. Skeptical InquirerTable of ContentsPreface Acknowledgements List of Figures Part I: Methods of Science 1. A Sentimental Journey to the Googolplex: A romp through numbers big and small 2. The Structure of Science: Behind the scenes of the scientific process 3. Measure for Pleasure: Measurement is the lifeblood of all science 4. The Confused Person's Guide to Astronomical Jargon: Names and words that do not always mean what they say Part II: Some Unifying Ideas in the Physical Universe 5. Center of Mass: You will never leave home without it 6. Energy: Where it comes from and where it goes 7. The Electromagnetic Spectrum: The world of light 8. Shapes of Radiation: Why blue-hot is hotter than red-hot 9. The Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram: The most unifying concept in all astronomy 10. Highlights from the Periodic Table of the Elements: Some of your best friends are composed of elements Part III: Astronomy Is Looking Up 11. Menagerie: A cynic's guide to the constellations 12. Horrorscope: An astronomer's rebuttal 13. Celestial Windings: Making sense of heavenly motions Suggested Reading Index
£21.25
Columbia University Press The Origins of Life and the Universe
Book SynopsisWhat is life? Where did it come from? How can understanding the origins of life on Earth help us understand the origins of the universe, and vice versa? This book addresses the beginning of things - of the universe, matter, stars, and planetary systems, and finally, of life itself.Trade Review[Lurquin] treats competing theories with an even hand and skillfully weaves together topics in cosmology, genetics and biology... thought-provoking. Publishers Weekly For readers with an interest in the astronomical and physical sciences and the origination of life. -- B. F. Northeastern NaturalistTable of ContentsFoundations of the Universe Building a Universe Life as It Is Today Prebiotic Earth: First Organic Compounds and First Informational Molecules Life on Its Way Has Life Originated Elsewhere and Will It End?
£90.40
