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The Story of Astrophysics in Five Revolutions
A concise, elegant overview of how five of the most extraordinary moments of vision and intuition in science history forever transformed our understanding of the cosmos—and what we may yet discover in revolutions still to come.
When Neil Armstrong first set foot in the lunar dust, the Earth held its breath. That one small step forever changed our view of what was possible, sparking a dramatic expansion of humankind’s cosmic awareness. When we gain a new perspective, a transformation begins, profoundly altering the understanding of the world our human experience had previously granted us.
In The Story of Astrophysics in Five Revolutions, astrophysicist Ersilia Vaudo explores five such turning points in the history of Newton’s realization that gravity governs the celestial world; Einstein’s dual theories of relativity, linking space with time and gravity with acceleration; Hubble’s revelation of an expanding, rather than static, universe; and the emergence of antiparticles from a mathematical equation and their implications for our cosmic evolution.
In poetic prose, Vaudo illuminates the key insights that have led us to where we stand now. At the same time, she urges us to look beyond—to be open to the transformative realizations yet to come in our ongoing quest to understand the extraordinary, and still largely mysterious, universe to which we belong.
When Neil Armstrong first set foot in the lunar dust, the Earth held its breath. That one small step forever changed our view of what was possible, sparking a dramatic expansion of humankind’s cosmic awareness. When we gain a new perspective, a transformation begins, profoundly altering the understanding of the world our human experience had previously granted us.
In The Story of Astrophysics in Five Revolutions, astrophysicist Ersilia Vaudo explores five such turning points in the history of Newton’s realization that gravity governs the celestial world; Einstein’s dual theories of relativity, linking space with time and gravity with acceleration; Hubble’s revelation of an expanding, rather than static, universe; and the emergence of antiparticles from a mathematical equation and their implications for our cosmic evolution.
In poetic prose, Vaudo illuminates the key insights that have led us to where we stand now. At the same time, she urges us to look beyond—to be open to the transformative realizations yet to come in our ongoing quest to understand the extraordinary, and still largely mysterious, universe to which we belong.
215 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 29, 2025
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4246 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
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May 10, 2025The Universe revealed itself this time with a shiver.
some chapters i understood better than others—the one on gravity was excellent, the one on special relativity lost me—but i loved the way my brain felt as it tried to make sense of these questions and answers. i’ve been thinking a lot about the sense of scale that has to get blown open in order to think about the universe and how what we can see, as complex as it is, is only a very small part.
i loved the constant engagement with poetry and art. even as it shoved humanity out of the center, it stays connected to humanity and its creations. genuinely poetic at turns and extremely interesting. mostly i enjoyed reading it aloud to my sister.
some chapters i understood better than others—the one on gravity was excellent, the one on special relativity lost me—but i loved the way my brain felt as it tried to make sense of these questions and answers. i’ve been thinking a lot about the sense of scale that has to get blown open in order to think about the universe and how what we can see, as complex as it is, is only a very small part.
i loved the constant engagement with poetry and art. even as it shoved humanity out of the center, it stays connected to humanity and its creations. genuinely poetic at turns and extremely interesting. mostly i enjoyed reading it aloud to my sister.
April 26, 2023
Bello bello, le origini delle grande idee della fisica e dell'astrofisica - gravità, big bang ed antimateria solo per dirne alcune - e quello che hanno generato in termini di comprensione del mondo che ci circonda e di nuove ipotesi da verificare. Per chi si approccia per la prima volta all'argomento e anche per coloro che invece si interrogano sulle origini delle grandi scoperte scientifiche.
August 27, 2025
I've read enough books on astrophysics (and even studied a bit more formally!), but I think that this is one of the more accessible and enjoyable of them, not to mention hopeful and intriguing. It's not too heavy a read, without sacrificing on actually including scientific explanations, but they're clearly laid out in a way that I don't think you really need much background to appreciate. And it's just... enjoyable to read something so neatly laid out. I appreciated the "five revolutions" framing (and title pun!) quite a bit. Very much my sort of book.
February 23, 2024
Che bellissima avventura.
November 24, 2025
“The Story of Astrophysics in Five Revolutions,” by Ersilia Vaudo is an interesting read, although why it was shelved with my local library’s “best” new books I can’t say. Translated from the original Italian by Vanessa DiStefano, its publishers seem to have thought—and who knows, they may be be proven right—that Vaudo, whose writing reads like a lesser imitation of fellow Italian physicist and blockbuster pop-science writer Carlo Rovelli, would sell as many books as Rovelli has. And Vaudo’s writing is certainly reminiscent of Rovelli’s: she has the same poetic bent as Rovelli (and the same tendency to frequently quote famous poets); like him she favors short, crisp sentences; and she has a penchant for offbeat analogies. But where Rovelli’s unconventional analogies—as well as his habitual poetic allusions and philosophical digressions—almost always tend to reveal something deeper about his subject, Vaudo’s similar tendencies fall somewhat flat for me. To be sure, this may just be more a matter of personal taste. Others might find Vaudo’s book to be as refreshingly novel and fascinating as I found Rovelli’s early publications to be (most especially “Reality Is Not What It Seems” and Seven Brief Lessons on Physics” - notice how the title of Vaudo’s book conveniently echoes that of Rovelli’s most popular [both of which echo Richard Feynman’s evergreen classic “Six Easy Pieces”]).
But maybe I’m being a snob. After all, Vaudo’s book can be quite engaging. For me, though, there just isn’t much to differentiate it from the absolute glut of pop science books published every year. For anyone with an interest in physics who hasn’t yet read much on the subject, Vaudo helpfully recapitulates many of the major breakthroughs in physics (focusing on seven of the most important, as the title suggests), from Brahe and Kepler to Schrödinger and Fermi, and she never gets overly technical. This can surely be regarded as a feature for many who, as I said, have an interest in science but are just starting to explore the subject. For anyone with more than one or two popular physics books already under their belt, however, it will probably seem a bit repetitive, not to say overly didactic. And if you are just beginning your physics journey, there are approximately twenty thousand incredible books on the subject that you should read before this one—and the aforementioned books by Feynman and Rovelli would make it twenty thousand and three.
But maybe I’m being a snob. After all, Vaudo’s book can be quite engaging. For me, though, there just isn’t much to differentiate it from the absolute glut of pop science books published every year. For anyone with an interest in physics who hasn’t yet read much on the subject, Vaudo helpfully recapitulates many of the major breakthroughs in physics (focusing on seven of the most important, as the title suggests), from Brahe and Kepler to Schrödinger and Fermi, and she never gets overly technical. This can surely be regarded as a feature for many who, as I said, have an interest in science but are just starting to explore the subject. For anyone with more than one or two popular physics books already under their belt, however, it will probably seem a bit repetitive, not to say overly didactic. And if you are just beginning your physics journey, there are approximately twenty thousand incredible books on the subject that you should read before this one—and the aforementioned books by Feynman and Rovelli would make it twenty thousand and three.
November 13, 2025
I enjoyed it, well written, it almost didn’t go totally over my head
Was a good pick up from B&N. I think I will try to do more wandering in book stores
Was a good pick up from B&N. I think I will try to do more wandering in book stores
July 10, 2024
"La materia dice allo spazio come curvarsi, lo spazio dice alla materia come muoversi".
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Ci ho preso gusto a leggere libri di cui capisco sì e no il 60%. Però è dannatamente affascinante.
Bellissimo saggio che racconta le più grandi rivoluzioni scientifiche in merito alla nostra idea di universo e che ci porta sul bordo, verso le ultime conquiste di un vastissimo sapere che ci sfugge.
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"La scienza è una lunga lotta contro l'egocentrismo e l'antropocentrismo: un progressivo decentramento che produce dolore narcisistico in alcuni, estasi e liberazione in altri."
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Ci ho preso gusto a leggere libri di cui capisco sì e no il 60%. Però è dannatamente affascinante.
Bellissimo saggio che racconta le più grandi rivoluzioni scientifiche in merito alla nostra idea di universo e che ci porta sul bordo, verso le ultime conquiste di un vastissimo sapere che ci sfugge.
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"La scienza è una lunga lotta contro l'egocentrismo e l'antropocentrismo: un progressivo decentramento che produce dolore narcisistico in alcuni, estasi e liberazione in altri."
February 18, 2025
An absolutely brilliant story of the start of astrophysics through to the present and ending with a hope for the future of science. A very quick read and easy book to follow, even for an amateur scientist, but with ideas that will leave your mind spinning. This book peaked my interest in astrophysics and left me wanting more. I would recommend this book to anyone who is curious about the amazing intricacy of the universe and the physics behind what makes it expand.
May 10, 2025
Thought provoking!
A well organized treatise that provides a good overview of this very complex topic. It does a good job of explaining some complex topics and encourages further investigation.
A well organized treatise that provides a good overview of this very complex topic. It does a good job of explaining some complex topics and encourages further investigation.
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November 20, 2025"The unknown is not necessarily a darkness that knowledge gradually illuminates. A mystery can go full circle, taking a turn only to come back around again."
This book was very entertaining because a) the history of science as a series of revolutions is an interesting story and b) the poetry of atheistic science is mind-bending and eerie. I think the style is even more entertaining because it's translated from Italian.
I'm amazed that the author made the ideas of each revolution so accessible that I feel I understand them conceptually after only 200 little pages.
"Science is a long battle against geocentrism and anthropocentrism, a progressive decentralization..."
"It is a yearning that never ends. It is science. The greatest of all adventures."
The earth is not the center of the universe, nor is humanity—the more we come to terms with that reality, the more wonderful it is to know that we are humanity, we have life and the capacity to study the universe. That makes science a great adventure, even more so if you know that the greater adventure is knowing God's love as you study his majesty in the universe.
TLDR: Psalm 8
This book was very entertaining because a) the history of science as a series of revolutions is an interesting story and b) the poetry of atheistic science is mind-bending and eerie. I think the style is even more entertaining because it's translated from Italian.
I'm amazed that the author made the ideas of each revolution so accessible that I feel I understand them conceptually after only 200 little pages.
"Science is a long battle against geocentrism and anthropocentrism, a progressive decentralization..."
"It is a yearning that never ends. It is science. The greatest of all adventures."
The earth is not the center of the universe, nor is humanity—the more we come to terms with that reality, the more wonderful it is to know that we are humanity, we have life and the capacity to study the universe. That makes science a great adventure, even more so if you know that the greater adventure is knowing God's love as you study his majesty in the universe.
TLDR: Psalm 8
September 24, 2025
I felt like I actually gained some brain cells by reading this.
March 2, 2025
As someone who received an advance copy, I found "The Story of Astrophysics in Five Revolutions" to be an exceptional read worthy of its five-star rating. The book captures the same sense of wonder and accessibility that made the Cosmos television series so impactful.
The author expertly guides readers through five transformative periods in astrophysics, presenting complex scientific concepts in an engaging and understandable way. Each revolution is explored not just for its scientific significance but also within its human and historical context.
The book strikes an excellent balance between scientific detail and narrative flow. Explanations are clear enough for newcomers while still offering substance for those with background knowledge. The included illustrations effectively visualize difficult concepts and celestial phenomena.
What particularly stands out is how the book connects these scientific breakthroughs to our broader understanding of our place in the universe. It reminds us that astrophysics isn't just about distant stars and galaxies but about our continuous quest to understand the cosmos we inhabit.
For anyone with an interest in astronomy or the history of science, this book is both informative and inspiring—a valuable addition to any collection.
The author expertly guides readers through five transformative periods in astrophysics, presenting complex scientific concepts in an engaging and understandable way. Each revolution is explored not just for its scientific significance but also within its human and historical context.
The book strikes an excellent balance between scientific detail and narrative flow. Explanations are clear enough for newcomers while still offering substance for those with background knowledge. The included illustrations effectively visualize difficult concepts and celestial phenomena.
What particularly stands out is how the book connects these scientific breakthroughs to our broader understanding of our place in the universe. It reminds us that astrophysics isn't just about distant stars and galaxies but about our continuous quest to understand the cosmos we inhabit.
For anyone with an interest in astronomy or the history of science, this book is both informative and inspiring—a valuable addition to any collection.
June 21, 2024
"Sono due le voci narranti che, intrecciandosi o in controcanto, ci raccontano l’universo: la luce e la gravità.
Nella storia che ne emerge, l’invisibile è la regola. Ciò che possiamo osservare, solo un’eccezione."
Storie complicatissime raccontate in maniera affascinante, tanto che viene quasi da sospettare di avere capito ciò che nella comfort zone newtoniana è assai difficile anche solo intuire.
Nella storia che ne emerge, l’invisibile è la regola. Ciò che possiamo osservare, solo un’eccezione."
Storie complicatissime raccontate in maniera affascinante, tanto che viene quasi da sospettare di avere capito ciò che nella comfort zone newtoniana è assai difficile anche solo intuire.
August 8, 2025
The eternal silence of these infinite spaces terrifies me. ( Blaise Pascal )
March 13, 2025
It was a good read.
June 11, 2025
The author knows so much about so many subjects- not just astrophysics. Now I would like to read it in its original Italian version. Wish it had had illustrations.
September 4, 2025
I don’t usually read about astrophysics, and I’m not a scientist, so I found parts of The Story of Astrophysics in Five Revolutions challenging but ultimately rewarding. What made this book stand out to me was how approachable it felt, even when the concepts were complex. The author doesn’t just explain astrophysics; she humanizes it. She draws from philosophy, history, and everyday analogies to illuminate what might otherwise feel like distant, abstract ideas.
Each of the five "revolutions" is presented not just as a breakthrough in science but as a shift in how we understand reality. I loved how the book made clear that these moments didn’t just change the field of astrophysics; they reshaped our entire worldview. There’s a deep respect here for the development of the scientific mind, which I think is especially meaningful in a time when critical thinking, questioning, and the value of evidence often seem to be under threat.
The book ends by presenting a list of open questions and a humbling reminder of how much we still don’t know. This felt like a quiet celebration of curiosity, humility, and the unfinished nature of knowledge.
Each of the five "revolutions" is presented not just as a breakthrough in science but as a shift in how we understand reality. I loved how the book made clear that these moments didn’t just change the field of astrophysics; they reshaped our entire worldview. There’s a deep respect here for the development of the scientific mind, which I think is especially meaningful in a time when critical thinking, questioning, and the value of evidence often seem to be under threat.
The book ends by presenting a list of open questions and a humbling reminder of how much we still don’t know. This felt like a quiet celebration of curiosity, humility, and the unfinished nature of knowledge.
June 15, 2025
I received an advance reading copy via a Goodreads giveaway.
As someone who is unfamiliar with astrophysics in general, I think this was a great introductory book into understanding the basics of astrophysics. The best part of the book in my opinion is how it demonstrated the many scientist's thought processes when it came to discovering and understanding the natural laws of the world.
If there is one demerit for the book, I would, the last 30 pages were a bit overwhelming. The topics covered in the last 30 pages were very complex and needed more explanation. I felt that there should have been chapters dedicated to each of these topics.
In any case, it was a fun read.
As someone who is unfamiliar with astrophysics in general, I think this was a great introductory book into understanding the basics of astrophysics. The best part of the book in my opinion is how it demonstrated the many scientist's thought processes when it came to discovering and understanding the natural laws of the world.
If there is one demerit for the book, I would, the last 30 pages were a bit overwhelming. The topics covered in the last 30 pages were very complex and needed more explanation. I felt that there should have been chapters dedicated to each of these topics.
In any case, it was a fun read.
May 30, 2025
So cool to know there are people out there that have brains that can unravel the mysteries of the universe. Although it was still a bit much for me to comprehend fully, I think that it was at a level where anyone with an interest in astrophysics, or even in the history of scientific discovery would enjoy reading about the “revolutions” in astrophysics. Points in the field that rewrote our understanding of how it all works. 4 stars.
October 28, 2025
A summary of the five major revolutions in astrophysics.
The discovery of gravity.
The speed of light becoming relative, intertwining it with spacetime.
The discover of general relativity; how gravity bends spacetime.
The Big Bang.
The discovery of antimatter.
Vaudo writes very well and the work is accessible! Loved it!
The discovery of gravity.
The speed of light becoming relative, intertwining it with spacetime.
The discover of general relativity; how gravity bends spacetime.
The Big Bang.
The discovery of antimatter.
Vaudo writes very well and the work is accessible! Loved it!
June 15, 2025
Ripasso e puntualizzazione sul tema: "a che punto sono le nostre conoscenze fisiche?", con l'argomentata conclusione: "L'invisibile è la regola. Ciò che possiamo osservare, solo un'eccezione.[...] La porzione che ci sfugge è un immenso novantacinque per cento". Intrigante.
December 28, 2025
One of these days I’ll understand astrophysics. Vaudo takes me closer to that understanding in a way that doesn’t require me to completely understand astrophysics, if that makes sense. The book helps me appreciate the beauty of the universe.
August 15, 2025
This book is very good, though its complexity ranges from paragraph to paragraph. A great introduction for people who want to understand modern astrophysics
October 21, 2025
I like that it covers a bunch of concepts from Astrophysics. It is interesting. It also mentions some famous scientists in it.
January 15, 2024
“Navighiamo fra punti di riferimento che cambiano, convinzioni lasciate alle spalle, osservazioni che ci sorprendono, tecnologie che evolvono. Impazienti. In attesa di altre misure, di domande inedite e di nuove intuizioni. E’ un anelito che non si esaurisce. La più grande delle avventure.” dall’explicit del libro.
Ho apprezzato molto questo saggio, che racconta come sono nate le grandi idee della fisica e dell’astrofisica Tra i temi trattati: la gravità,lo spazio-tempo, il big bang, l’antimateria, le nuove ipotesi ancora da verificare. Con linguaggio coinvolgente e suggestivo, Ersilia Vaudo, astrofisica dell’Agenzia Spaziale Europea, ci spiega come questi temi ci avvicinano alla comprensione dell’universo, mentre moltissimi aspetti restano ancora oscuri e moltissime quindi sono le domande per le quali non c’è risposta.
Lo consiglio vivamente a tutti coloro che sono interessati all’argomento.
Ho apprezzato molto questo saggio, che racconta come sono nate le grandi idee della fisica e dell’astrofisica Tra i temi trattati: la gravità,lo spazio-tempo, il big bang, l’antimateria, le nuove ipotesi ancora da verificare. Con linguaggio coinvolgente e suggestivo, Ersilia Vaudo, astrofisica dell’Agenzia Spaziale Europea, ci spiega come questi temi ci avvicinano alla comprensione dell’universo, mentre moltissimi aspetti restano ancora oscuri e moltissime quindi sono le domande per le quali non c’è risposta.
Lo consiglio vivamente a tutti coloro che sono interessati all’argomento.
February 10, 2024
Strano l'effetto che ho avuto nel leggere questo libro. Da un lato ho capito che la fisica non è il mio campo. Dall'altro ho trovato gli argomenti trattati affascinanti, curiosi, non facili da comprendere ma che allo stesso tempo hanno stimolato la fantasia. Scritto con passione. Non per tutti.
August 19, 2023
Molto bello, tratta dei macro argomenti della fisica e anche della loro storia, molto interessante e non troppo complicato da capire.
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