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Stardust: The Cosmic Recycling Of Stars Planets And People
'Superb ...Gribbin has done it again ...the story of how the matter that makes up our bodies travelled from the stars ...a wonderful account' - "Sunday Times", Books of the Year. Every one of us is made of stardust, John Gribbin explains in this dazzling book. Everything we see, touch, breathe and smell, nearly every molecule in our bodies, is the by-product of stars as they live and die in spectacular explosions, scattering material across the universe which is recycled to become part of us. It is only by understanding how stars are made and how they die that we can every understand how we came into being. Taking us on an enthralling journey, John Gribbin shows us the scientific breakthroughs in the quest for our origins. With the raw materials for creating life all around us, he concludes, it is impossible to believe we are alone in the universe. 'An incredible story ...gives a sense of the almost unbelievable coincidence of physical laws and circumstances that resulted in your being able to read these words today' - "Literary Review". 'Gribbin skilfully and engagingly traces the historical sequence ...rather like Sherlock Holmes reading clues' - "New Scientist".
238 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2000
14 people are currently reading
441 people want to read
About the author
John Gribbin
386 books857 followersJohn R. Gribbin is a British science writer, an astrophysicist, and a visiting fellow in astronomy at the University of Sussex. His writings include quantum physics, human evolution, climate change, global warming, the origins of the universe, and biographies of famous scientists. He also writes science fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 26, 2023
Pretty good, albeit a written a little too densely without the scientific diagrams needed to fully illustrate the concepts in the book. Yes, that is a fancy way of saying there were not enough pictures. However, these would be extraordinarily helpful in depicting the intense concepts portrayed in the book. All in all, this book on the science of solar habit is worth a read if you would like to explore the topic.
June 11, 2023
This is a great account of the beginning of the solar system and how the components of life were created out of nuclear fusion in stars, nova and super nova. I knew most of this secondhand and colloquially 'we are all stardust' - but I loved reading a generally nontechnical account. This is the appropriate level of sophistication and length for someone reading for edification or non scientific research. Highly recommended!
October 22, 2017
Great, a very enjoyable read explaining how elements heavier than hydrogen and helium are created through the physics/chemistry of supernovae (exploding stars). Recommended
March 6, 2021
Absolute must read for anyone interested in astronomy.
April 19, 2021
We are Stardust.
June 10, 2021
A solid, eye-opening read. Occasionally the details came too thick and fast for my brain. But it I did some judicious skipping to pick up the thread. The original quotations are a nice touch.
January 19, 2022
Worth a read.
March 25, 2017
Origins of chemical elements/solar systems/us. OK
July 11, 2020
15th June 2020
I first read this book between the 1st and 15th of June of 2019, absolutely loving it then, and I am now rereading it in 2020, unintentionally on the same date as I finished it last year, the 15th of June.
I will probably get more out of this second reading because I remember it offering all the promise of a more in-depth revelation that only some books can offer in the way of a second reading.
Gribben explores and relays the mysteries of Space with such adeptness that it can capture the imagination of the average layman without confusing or mystifying them, considering this a topic that is in fact extremely vast and complicated.
It doesn't read like a Textbook; it's a charming narration with just enough detail and depth to pique an interest in the subject, enough to go off and explore further. I look forward to reliving this adventure through the cosmos and hope to better consolidate what I learned the first time around, catapulting myself into further exploration of the themes described, using this book as an exciting foundation.
Post edit (after completion)
I've read this book twice, about a year apart (June 2019 and June 2020), it just so happens to be perfectly tuned to my semi-layperson knowledge of Astronomy or Astrophysics on particular, a fairly complex subject of course which can be difficult to explain let alone understand if you're just harbouring a personal curiosity for the subject.
I have degree level knowledge of biology and chemistry (but not of physics doh! 🙄) how I wish I'd paid more attention at high school!. I did have to go off on a tangent to look further into aspects of Quantum physics as well as learning about some of the standard tools used for measurement these days such as HR plots, Doppler Laws, and some basic information on the many researchers and lead scientists mentioned along the way! This is, however, also part of the fun for all tenacious readers!!
Anyway it's mainly written in a poetic, conversational prose by John Gribbin, an inspiring astrophysicist, science writer and speaker (you can watch some of his lectures on YouTube) he just has this knack of explaining the complicated themes in a very digestible way... Enough to satisfy you to want to know further.
Back when I read the book in 2019 (which was written in 2000 and is about 187 pages long) I knew I'd read it again because I reckoned I'd be able to grasp some of the deeper themes a bit better from a second read, and this was indeed true.
Although since it was written 20 yrs ago, its probably a good idea to read something a bit more up to date to come to terms with latest cosmology/astrophysics research. Its a sufficient place to start if you are coming in as a beginner(ish) to the subject.
Gribbin has a number of other books available which I've only just discovered 👀.. Definitely looking forward to reading more from him!
I first read this book between the 1st and 15th of June of 2019, absolutely loving it then, and I am now rereading it in 2020, unintentionally on the same date as I finished it last year, the 15th of June.
I will probably get more out of this second reading because I remember it offering all the promise of a more in-depth revelation that only some books can offer in the way of a second reading.
Gribben explores and relays the mysteries of Space with such adeptness that it can capture the imagination of the average layman without confusing or mystifying them, considering this a topic that is in fact extremely vast and complicated.
It doesn't read like a Textbook; it's a charming narration with just enough detail and depth to pique an interest in the subject, enough to go off and explore further. I look forward to reliving this adventure through the cosmos and hope to better consolidate what I learned the first time around, catapulting myself into further exploration of the themes described, using this book as an exciting foundation.
Post edit (after completion)
I've read this book twice, about a year apart (June 2019 and June 2020), it just so happens to be perfectly tuned to my semi-layperson knowledge of Astronomy or Astrophysics on particular, a fairly complex subject of course which can be difficult to explain let alone understand if you're just harbouring a personal curiosity for the subject.
I have degree level knowledge of biology and chemistry (but not of physics doh! 🙄) how I wish I'd paid more attention at high school!. I did have to go off on a tangent to look further into aspects of Quantum physics as well as learning about some of the standard tools used for measurement these days such as HR plots, Doppler Laws, and some basic information on the many researchers and lead scientists mentioned along the way! This is, however, also part of the fun for all tenacious readers!!
Anyway it's mainly written in a poetic, conversational prose by John Gribbin, an inspiring astrophysicist, science writer and speaker (you can watch some of his lectures on YouTube) he just has this knack of explaining the complicated themes in a very digestible way... Enough to satisfy you to want to know further.
Back when I read the book in 2019 (which was written in 2000 and is about 187 pages long) I knew I'd read it again because I reckoned I'd be able to grasp some of the deeper themes a bit better from a second read, and this was indeed true.
Although since it was written 20 yrs ago, its probably a good idea to read something a bit more up to date to come to terms with latest cosmology/astrophysics research. Its a sufficient place to start if you are coming in as a beginner(ish) to the subject.
Gribbin has a number of other books available which I've only just discovered 👀.. Definitely looking forward to reading more from him!
February 20, 2013
Most of us have heard that all of the atoms in our bodies other than helium and hydrogen were forged in the nuclear furnaces of stars - that we are ourselves, so to speak, stardust.
Popular science writer John Gribbin, with the assistance of his wife and co-author, spin this intriguing and evocative factoid into a book-length review of findings in cosmology, astrophysics, chemistry and evolutionary biology to explore the literal truth of the claim.
The result is not just a poetic whimsy or arbitrary romp through two hundred years of science. As Gribbin notes in the conclusion: "We have answered the biggest question of them all - where do we come from? But hardly anybody outside a small circle of scientific specialists seems to have noticed at all!"
In what sense do we now "know where we came from?" Insofar as we can trace almost every step of the process leading from the big bang through the formation of stars to the creation of heavier elements to the creation of our solar system and planet, and to the impregnation of our planet with complex organic molecules and obvious precursors to the machinery of living cells.
The missing link for Gribbin is the step between a collection of amino acids in a primordial ooze and self-catalyzing autopoietic systems. I submit that this step has in fact been well-characterized by Stuart Kauffman's "The Origins of Order."
At times the book's lengthy layperson characterizations of the details of stellar nucleosynthesis started to drag for this reader, but on the whole it was a stimulating read, and revelation.
Popular science writer John Gribbin, with the assistance of his wife and co-author, spin this intriguing and evocative factoid into a book-length review of findings in cosmology, astrophysics, chemistry and evolutionary biology to explore the literal truth of the claim.
The result is not just a poetic whimsy or arbitrary romp through two hundred years of science. As Gribbin notes in the conclusion: "We have answered the biggest question of them all - where do we come from? But hardly anybody outside a small circle of scientific specialists seems to have noticed at all!"
In what sense do we now "know where we came from?" Insofar as we can trace almost every step of the process leading from the big bang through the formation of stars to the creation of heavier elements to the creation of our solar system and planet, and to the impregnation of our planet with complex organic molecules and obvious precursors to the machinery of living cells.
The missing link for Gribbin is the step between a collection of amino acids in a primordial ooze and self-catalyzing autopoietic systems. I submit that this step has in fact been well-characterized by Stuart Kauffman's "The Origins of Order."
At times the book's lengthy layperson characterizations of the details of stellar nucleosynthesis started to drag for this reader, but on the whole it was a stimulating read, and revelation.
December 14, 2015
An excellent qualitative discussion of the evidence based science from post inflation to current day. Gribbin succeeds at describing in detail many of the phenomena involved in formation of the varieties of elements, molecules, stars, and life precursors. I especially liked his detail in describing the variety of supernovae. Although math is sparingly presented, the material is presented in a fashion that a serious lay-scientist (me ;) appreciated. I would have liked to see a bit more of the mathematical underpinnings and a serious addition and upgrade to illustrations to make the points. (those used were essentially straight out of a 1950's sketch book).
Nevertheless, Gribbin gets four solar masses from me!
Nevertheless, Gribbin gets four solar masses from me!
July 17, 2016
I somehow got ahold of a "UPC" version of this book: uncorrected proof copy. Yes, it was full of proof errors, but not as many as I was expecting. I credit Gribbin's writing: simply and very clearly stated. In fact, that's the key to this book and its ideas about Interstellar Organic Genesis. It really is what it says: the birth of life in space, pre-planet.
Sounds a little hokey maybe when I read it back to myself, but don't let that fool you: This book is an exceptional read and a great example of hypothetical research-based discussion.
This idea is the real thing.
Sounds a little hokey maybe when I read it back to myself, but don't let that fool you: This book is an exceptional read and a great example of hypothetical research-based discussion.
This idea is the real thing.
January 6, 2016
This book is a good intro to, physics, astronomy, biology and chemistry. I have not read any of his other books, but I can rest assured that I now understand more of what the world is made up of, and how some of the people today think it got that way.
Interesting discussion of what is inside a star, I can now see why both my parents loved science and still do. Though I will not join them in getting a degree in a science, I will now read more science books.
Interesting discussion of what is inside a star, I can now see why both my parents loved science and still do. Though I will not join them in getting a degree in a science, I will now read more science books.
September 19, 2013
This is another good book by the author. A readable book that will take the reader on a journey of discovery. Interesting and thoughtful narrative on what a star is made of how the forming of stars creates new atoms, and how the dying of stars creates new atoms, and how those atom become life. We are all stardust ... how wonderful.
September 22, 2019
This is a very thorough description of how we are made of stardust. I thought the book was very good, but some parts seemed to be almost textbook like. The very last chapter, called the "appendix" was my favorite part of the book, focused on speculative theories of the universe, less a textbook and more cosmology. Still a very interesting book.
October 22, 2010
A quick read on how, over the eons, the Universe started being just gas and through the life & death of stars (of all sizes) came to be filled with at leat one life-bearing planet.
I speculate that we'll find extraterreatrial life within a decade.
I speculate that we'll find extraterreatrial life within a decade.
June 4, 2013
"We are made of stardust. Every atom of every element in your body except for hydrogen has been manufactured inside stars, scattered across the Universe in great stellar explosions, and recycled to become part of you."
So beautiful.
So beautiful.
May 7, 2025
Eine kurze Erklärung der Entwicklung des Universums von kurz nach dem Urknall bis hin zu den ersten organischen Molekülen im All und unserem Sonnensystem. Interessant geschrieben und auch für Laien verständlich, obwohl es leider ein paar Druckfehler enthält, die das Verständnis erschweren.
June 23, 2008
Astrobiolgy, origins of the cosmos, extrasolar planets, organic and inorganic life, a great springboard to keep up with the latest research in this exciting field.
January 8, 2014
A great way to get an insight into our origins and destiny via this enlightening book!
Oh and by the way my copy was published in 2001 first published 2000
Oh and by the way my copy was published in 2001 first published 2000
April 2, 2017
Fantastic, fast paced educational book.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews