Description
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
