Cosmology: The Science of the Universe - Hardcover

Harrison, Edward R.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0521229812 ISBN 13: 9780521229814

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 1981

Synopsis

Cosmology: The Science of the Universe is a broad introduction to the science of modern cosmology, with emphasis on its historical origins. The first edition of this best-selling book received worldwide acclaim for its lucid style and wide-ranging exploration of the universe. This eagerly awaited second edition updates and greatly extends the first with seven new chapters that explore early scientific cosmology, Cartesian and Newtonian world systems, cosmology after Newton and before Einstein, special relativity, observational cosmology, inflation and creation of the universe. All chapters conclude with a section entitled Reflections containing provocative topics that will foster lively debate. The new Projects section, also at the end of each chapter, raises questions and issues to challenge the reader.

About this title

From Scientific American

Don't say we didn't warn you: this book may well blow your mind. Of course, boggled brains are an occupational hazard in cosmology, the branch of astrophysics that studies the universe on its very largest scales. Practitioners of the field talk about the origin of time and the possibility of parallel universes in the way most people make shopping lists. But why should they have all the fun? This long-awaited update to Harrison's classic textbook is ideal for those who have exhausted the beginners' accounts and want to dig deep into the science and philosophy. Harrison offers fresh ways to think about basic principles, and he strolls down long-forgotten byways that give such richness to the subject. Unfortunately, the book does not keep up with the fast-paced changes of the past several years, including the mounting evidence for cosmic acceleration and a cosmological constant. But then, there are Scientific American articles for that.

EDITORS OF SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN

Review

"Unusual, discursive, nonmathematical, full of reflective comments and disturbing questions, packed with unexpected citations....A beginning serious interest in cosmology can find no better satisfaction than in this helpful overview...this book may well blow your mind." Scientific American

"This very well written book belongs on the shelf of all physicists and in all libraries." Choice

"Harrison's text owes its appeal to its literate presentation of a wide variety of cosmological topics, from the creation myths of ancient Babylon to the relativistic models of Alexander Friedman...so much of Harrison's book is timeless, and so much of it is unique, that it deserves to stay in print for a long time. Like the subject of cosmology itself, Harrison's Cosmology is simultaneously uplifiting and exasperating. Perhaps that is why I admire it so much and will be recommending it to students for many years to come." American Journal of Physics

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 1981
• ISBN 10: 0521229812
• ISBN 13: 9780521229814
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 448