Cosmology: The Science of the Universe

by Edward R. Harrison

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.

Genres: Science

448 pages, Hardcover

First published April 30, 1981

Reviews

[Jean-Pierre Labonté · Rating 5 out of 5]

I purchased this book thirty years ago and recently read it again. It is amazing to see how Harrison is able to cover in details a subject such as cosmology without overwhelming the reader with mathematical equations, even as he introduces special and general relativity. This book is not just about the science itself, it is also about the scientists, philosophers and other contributors who made cosmology what it is today (in this case, today = 1981). Each chapter is followed by a section titled "reflections", where the author invites the reader to ponder certain aspects of what was just covered, either by suggesting thought experiments, quoting various authors or simply expanding on a particular topic.

[Arifd · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so glad i was able to find a used copy. While physics has moved on since the 1980s this still is one of the most understandable and yet detailed summaries of cosmology and its history.

[Lulu]

Cosmology