Brief History of the Universe

by Joe McEvoy

Minimal cover wear.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, History, Astronomy, Physics, Unfinished

317 pages, Paperback

First published November 5, 2009

Reviews

[Hafeez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book tells of man's discovery of the universe from the ancient Babylon to the Big Bang, from the Hipparchus to Hubble, from observation using bare eyes to observation using powerful telescope, from astrology to astronomy/cosmology. To cut it short, our universe can be divided into 3 eras of discovery; Ptolemy's universe which lasted 1,400 years, Newton's universe which lasted 300 years and Einstein's universe, which probably will last forever.

When we talk about 'brief', it really feels brief. Great writing style and the explanation was very brief and concise, and very suitable for someone who has no knowledge about astronomy.

[Luke Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

After reading this, I feel like I know the names of the scientists who developed our understanding of “A Brief History of the Universe,” rather than said history.

Three stars because, though it was a chore to get through, I think I did learn, though primarily through the synthesis by the professor who required the reading. 🫣

[Syed Fathi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall its a good book, a good work of history. Just like what E.H. Carr said, that history is not merely a collection of facts. McEvoy clearly passed the bar set by Carr. The story was carefully blended with analysis, commentaries, and explanations. A short biographies also were added before jumping into a specific discovery, in this way, readers are not only aware of the discovery, but the very human behind them. Some controversies in the field are also discussed, adding spices to the stories, this make reading more bearable, and less-monotonous. My problem with the book is that its too Euro-centric, its only focuses on European history, even when Europe descended into dark ages, McEvoy just assumed that the whole world was pitch black. As if the whole world was Europe. He failed to see other development especially in Medieval Muslim scholarship which expand the knowledge beyond the Hellenistic period. I suggest readers to digest on the work of George Saliba who wrote about the contribution of these scholarships that McEvoy neglected. Overall its a good casual book, suitable for a beach-read.

[Catalina · Rating 4 out of 5]

On page 131 and so far really enjoying it. I really like this whole series "A Brief History Of ..." I find them in the bargain section of the Chapters/Indigo chain and they are a great way to learn about all sorts of subjects. This is one of my faves along side of " A brief History of Mankind" & "A brief History of Infinity"

[Syed Ali Hussain Bukhari · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Brief History of The Universe by J. P. McEvoy, an impressive work on the scientific history of cosmology. The book tells us the beginning of man's search for meanings hidden in the heavens. It enlists the important works; theoratical, observational as well as experimental; of the ancient civilizations from Babylonians to the present day's accepted version of the Big Bang Theory. All vital details of the scientists/astronomers like Nicholas Copernicus, Tycho Brahe, Kepler, Galileo, Newton, Einstein and many more are given in a simple way with a little touch of their short life stories. I really enjoyed reading it with getting familiarity with many things new to me.

[Martin Blake · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm never sure about historical surveys which focus on the 'great man' (and occasionally woman) view of progress. Having said that, I found it an interesting read until we got to the 20th century, which became a breathless dash whilst managing to say virtually nothing about quantum physics, dark energy, dark matter or the Hubble Space Telescope, let alone the implications of recent discoveries for the possibilities of life in our own solar system. It's also been poorly proofread and edited (presumably having been written in a hurry) - there are glaring mistakes, like a reference at one point to our solar system moving through intergalactic space!

[Brie · Rating 3 out of 5]

At 317 pages this is definately a Brief history of astronomy. The problem with books on the history of astronomy is that there is so much material out there, its difficult to decide where to start and what to include. Mankind has pretty much been practicing astronomy in some way (however primitive) since humans have been around.

This book starts with ancient Babylon and works its way through the Big Bang and the discovery of the CMB. Despite being published recently, there is no mention of the current research in Dark Matter and Dark Energy. Perhaps because this isn't 'history' yet. The writing is good and if you're looking for an overview of the main points throughout astronomical history, than I would recommend this book. It can help you to decide where you may be the most interested and find a more in depth book on that particular topic.

My only real gripe is the amount of typos in the text. There were way too many for a published book to have. Other than that it is worth a read for those who are interested in the topic.

[Jessille silv · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love astronomical discussion and all the feeling of inferiority to majestic beast I behold
Yet
You cannot condense it to such simple book. I must be too damn fool to understand all the physical things about it and this book cannot accomplish its mission to me: to deliver message and to make a bit sense of those tangled theory. For anyone with no physic background, I wonder if any half of this book could make sense. Yes it's brief but not going to englighten a caveman

[rakel djemil · Rating 3 out of 5]

very well written but it was not super entertaining or actually informative on the history of the universe itself, which is what i was expecting. i am no physicist, so i didn’t understand most of this and i feel like it was mostly about the development of astronomy, astronomers and astronomical developments, when i was expecting more of an explanation about the big bang as a process and an explanation of cosmic phenomena

[Carole Hazell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book - definitely one to keep for reference. For anyone just interested in & learning about astronomy, & the cosmos, this book is a wonderful introduction.
Recent developments, & the rapid expansion of knowledge of the Universe, mean that this book is already 'outdated'' but focus on the 'history' - and it's all there.

[Raqs · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a book which is hard to read as it is so condensed but once you get into the flow it’s extremely interesting. This book also allows the reader to contemplate and really think about how much astronomy changed and evolved throughout the years. Furthermore, it inspires its readers to develop a certain love for astronomy and the universe in general which I think is really lovely.

[Jacky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Insomnia certainly assists productivity in completing my read list.
A historical walkthrough on cosmology and their key figures, from ancient stargazers who counted the stars to the development and affirmation of the big bang theory.

Somewhat hard to read for people not that familiar with cosmology.

[mybookishrants · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic history of science which keeps you interested in the people and the science they were conducting. It specifically focuses on scientists and discoveries dealing with Astronomy and Astrophysics. One of my favorites and highly recommended.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really easy read. I wouldn’t call it a beach read, but more of an airport read! Something that one can easily consume for a bit of a challenge but not at all a deep dive into the cosmos! I actually did learn a lot and would totally recommend to someone that is interested in the universe!

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fascinating subject matter. Writing alternated between lighthearted, quirky, and fun, and oh-so-very-dry. At times it was a slog.

[Scott Langston · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sound overview of the arrival at Big Bang theory. I was disappointed not to see detail about what is currently cutting edge, but enjoyed the historical storyline.

[Antonio · Rating 3 out of 5]

When it says a brief history it really feels brief. This is more of a book for someone who has no knowledge of astronomy. If you have some, it will probably be tedious.

[Nate Guimond · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

[Saحnoun · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why black holes are not mentioned here?

[E. Graziani · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are fascinated by the dynamic qualities of the universe; if you dream of the possibilities of the future based on the leaps in advancements in recent years; if you love combining the lessons learned in history which go hand in hand with the study of Nature of the past Masters, such as Leonardo da Vinci, Galileo and Sir Isaac Newton, then this book is a must read. It is written in a way that is accessible to anyone. It will fill you with wonder and new awe for the history of the study of Nature.

[Ognjen Rusovac · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly, it should be noted that this is not an astronomy book, or at least over 90% of it isn't. For all intents and purposes it's a book that's meant to describe history and evolution of astronomy as a whole trough the ages and the lives and contributions of it's most important figures, in an appropriate timeline as well as the direct connection and influence on each others' work . The very enjoyable read.

[Cassandra Kay Silva · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is exactly what it says it is. I brief history, mostly of astronomy. If you are looking for something in the cosmology sector you may skip this one as it ends not too many years after Einstein right when the Cosmological world is getting hot so to say. A good short history lesson, not too much fluff, but also not a terrible amount of substance.

[Carole Hazell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Given the scope, historical and scientific, of this book, it is definitely worth my 5 stars.
Fascinating topic, very well written (for amateurs like me!) and a book to keep as a reference. Definitely recommended for anyone interested in astronomy/cosmology/ scientific research into the Universe and its beginnings.
I am amazed at how few reviews there are.

[KC · Rating 4 out of 5]

It definitely made me more knowledgeable about history, when these things (e.g microwave radiation) were discovered, and who discovered them. Too bad I'm too young and stupid to have understood the things in the book completely..

[Roberto Jarimba · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book talks more of the history of whom discovered the universe than the history of universe itself. Although the difficulty of synthesizing all of the facts about this field of sciense, this book loses itself in names of scientists and small details.

[Sobia Be · Rating 3 out of 5]

A brief history from ancient Babylon to the Big Bang...from Plato to Galileo to Newton to Einstein...from Geocentric to Heliocentric...all in the search of The Universe and Beyond !!!

[teohjitkhiam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fitting bookend (pun intended) after watching Cosmos on the small screen & Interstellar on the big screen.

[Ex Libris Haley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great book is you're looking for a broad overview of the history of astronomy and cosmology. I learned quite a lot that I'd never learned before! Recommended for the beginner astronomer.