Cosmic Imagery: Key Images in the History of Science - Hardcover

John D. Barrow

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0393061779 ISBN 13: 9780393061772

Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company, 2008

Synopsis

A remarkable book tracing the history and influence of nearly two hundred iconic images that changed human conceptions of the universe and our place in it.

We live in a visual age, an age of images―iconic, instant, and influential―that have crystallized our conception of the large, the small, and the complex, of both inner and outer space. Some, like Robert Hooke's first microscopic views of the natural world, arose because of new technical capabilities. Others, like the first graphs, were breathtakingly simple but perennially useful. The first stunning picture of Earth from space stimulated an environmental consciousness that has grown ever since; the mushroom clouds from atomic and nuclear explosions became the ultimate symbol of death and destruction; Mercator's flat map of the Earth cemented an entire worldview. John D. Barrow's collection encompasses the frontiers of modern science and its most memorable historic moments. But this is much more than a picture book. Entertaining and informative essays accompany the powerful display of images that have illuminated concepts of far-reaching significance.Full color throughout; 190 illustrations

About this title

About the Author

John D. Barrow is professor of mathematical sciences and director of the Millennium Mathematics Project at Cambridge University, as well as a Fellow of the Royal Society. He is the best-selling author of many books on science and mathematics, including Mathletics: 100 Amazing Things You Didn’t Know about the World of Sports and 100 Essential Things You Didn’t Know You Didn’t Know: Math Explains Your World.

Review

"A captivating pictorial and literary journey through the history of science... a must for every home. It is a book that will repay constant visits, and Bodley Head is to be congratulated on its lavish, robust production." * Sunday Times * "Fantastic brain-food." -- Andrew Graham Dixon "Barrow has found a vivid way to focus our attention on cutting-edge science, and there is an awful lot to learn already from this lusciously produced and captivating book." * The Times * "Barrow highlights the power of pictures in discovering and understanding our universe... [and] true to his reputation for excellence in communicating science... this book is sure to provide enjoyable summer-time reading" -- Carlos Lourenco * CERN Courier *

Edition details

• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 0393061779
• ISBN 13: 9780393061772
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 608