The Universe - Explained, Condensed and Exploded

by Richard Osborne

Where did the Universe come from? The single biggest and most difficult question that there is. From early religions through Greek Philosophy and Western Science man has always attempted to discover the meaning of our place in the Universe. In the last twenty years these debates have all been stood on their head by amazing discoveries, big bang theory and ideas about new sub-atomic layers. The nature of Time and Space are truly up for grabs. With a witty and accessible style Osborne leads us on a historical and informative journey through the philosophies of the universe including the importance of telescopes, mathematics and relativity theory and ending with contemporary mind-expanding concepts such as the reversibility of time and parallel universes. Chapters include:The Beginnings of CosmologyFrom Stars In Their Eyes to Telescopes and BeyondThe Newtonian Revolution: Mechanics and MaestrosThe Rise of Modern Cosmology: From Here to EternityNew DimensionsHoles, Bangs and Curvature: Eternity Gets Bigger

Genres: Nonfiction, Science, Astronomy

148 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Pseudonym for Robert Tine

Reviews

[Mohamed Asraf · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5. An engaging exploration of humanity's evolving understanding of the cosmos. Blending history, philosophy, and science, Osborne traces our journey from ancient religious and philosophical interpretations to modern scientific theories, including the Big Bang, relativity, and quantum mechanics. He presents complex ideas such as the reversibility of time and the possibility of parallel universes in an accessible and often humorous style.

[Johan Syahriz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the 2016 republished version. Though they didnt add any new chapter since 2007 ( We all know there was so many discoveries especially gravity waves) they did however added a post script indicating the progress scientist made.

It is a fun book to read. Easy to understand, simplified and entertaining.

[Niels Mejia Ibarra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great

It was really understandable and I learned a lot from it. It is easy to read and follow too. I enjoyed it.

[S S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stimulation for grey matter

[Nathalia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This guy was hilarious, but I don't agree with his views on certain stuff.

[Nessy ✶⋆.˚ · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit too general but easy to read. Basic information about the laws os the Universe.

[Daphne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked it a lot, though I feel it needs a reprint with a couple more chapters of updates. Lots of new research since 2007. What I liked the most was the author's writing style and sense of humour, it was like reading a scientific Terry Pratchett.

[Jussi Kenkkilä · Rating 3 out of 5]

The religion bashing (especially of Catholicism) was too much even for an atheist like me. Also, knowing anything about the theological and philosophical thinking of Newton would have made him less of an enigma as presented here.

[Sambasivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written with a lot of humour and with a view to simplifying the various theories. In some places it looks oversimplified. Otherwise a fine book.