The author employs his knowledge of physics and astronomy to lead the reader on a fascinating theoretical journey through the "life" of a single subatomic particle that becomes part of the "Voyager" spacecraft
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
Cosmologist Darling is a proponent of the anthropic principle: life and intelligence had to arise in the universe in order for it to be real--humanity is literally the consciousness of the universe. He follows a proton from the moment of creation 18 billion years ago to "deep time" trillions of years hence when the universe will become an incredibly dilute soup of photons. The proton sees the quasars flare to brilliance and the galaxies condense around massive vibrating cosmic strings. It is forged into a gold atom in a supernova and comes to rest on Earth. Life and intelligence arise on Earth and the gold atom is incorporated into a phonograph album attached to the Voyager 2 spacecraft--a message from Earth to unknown civilizations. From this vantage, the proton watches as the universe ages and grows dark, and eventually even protons evaporate. Physicists are on the verge of the Theory of Everything, i.e., "the all-encompassing set of equations that would unify every physical phenomenon in nature." Darling has written a lyrical introduction to the latest theories in cosmology. First serial to Penthouse.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Cosmology does not often make for light reading, but this book is an exception.Astronomist/physicist Darling has written what can best be called a nonfiction novel in which the hero is a wayfaring proton. Spawned in the Big Bang, the proton wanders the cosmos, encounters black holes and quasars, visits the Earth, hitches a ride with the Voyager spacecraft, and ultimately witnesses the collapse of the universe. Readers who like a little lay mysticism with their cosmology--and there are many--will appreciate this book. Those who prefer straightforward science popularizations will opt for James Trefil's The Moment of Creation ( LJ 10/1/83), Barry Parker's Creation (Plenum, 1988), or, for somewhat more sophisticated tastes, Stephen Hawking's A Brief History of Time ( LJ 4/15/88; "Best Books of 1988," LJ 1/89, p. 48).
- Gregg Sapp, Idaho State Univ. Lib., Boise
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
US$ 3.75 shipping within U.S.A.
Destination, rates & speedsSeller: HPB-Ruby, Dallas, TX, U.S.A.
paperback. Condition: Very Good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority! Seller Inventory # S_435897514
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: World of Books (was SecondSale), Montgomery, IL, U.S.A.
Condition: Very Good. Item in very good condition! Textbooks may not include supplemental items i.e. CDs, access codes etc. Seller Inventory # 00087158442
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: ThriftBooks-Dallas, Dallas, TX, U.S.A.
Paperback. Condition: Good. No Jacket. Pages can have notes/highlighting. Spine may show signs of wear. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less. Seller Inventory # G0385302290I3N00
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: ThriftBooks-Atlanta, AUSTELL, GA, U.S.A.
Paperback. Condition: Very Good. No Jacket. Former library book; May have limited writing in cover pages. Pages are unmarked. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less. Seller Inventory # G0385302290I4N10
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: ThriftBooks-Atlanta, AUSTELL, GA, U.S.A.
Paperback. Condition: Fair. No Jacket. Readable copy. Pages may have considerable notes/highlighting. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less. Seller Inventory # G0385302290I5N00
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: ThriftBooks-Reno, Reno, NV, U.S.A.
Paperback. Condition: Good. No Jacket. Pages can have notes/highlighting. Spine may show signs of wear. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less. Seller Inventory # G0385302290I3N00
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Bay State Book Company, North Smithfield, RI, U.S.A.
Condition: acceptable. The book is complete and readable, with all pages and cover intact. Dust jacket, shrink wrap, or boxed set case may be missing. Pages may have light notes, highlighting, or minor water exposure, but nothing that affects readability. May be an ex-library copy and could include library markings or stickers. Seller Inventory # BSM.QMCA
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: clickgoodwillbooks, Indianapolis, IN, U.S.A.
Condition: acceptable. Used - Acceptable: All pages and the cover are intact, but shrink wrap, dust covers, or boxed set case may be missing. Pages may include limited notes, highlighting, or minor water damage but the text is readable. Item may be missing bundled media. Seller Inventory # 3O6JUN00112B_ns
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Eric James, Lewisporte, NL, Canada
Soft Cover. Condition: Very Good. First Thus. Trade paperback, 192 pages; corners bumped and curled, but no spine or front cover reader's creases, very clean and unmarked throughout. Seller Inventory # 039325
Quantity: 1 available