Universe: Exploring the Astronomical World

by Phaidon Press, Kirsty Schaper (Contributor), Paul Murdin (Contributor)

A gorgeous exploration of the ways in which humans have documented the beauty of the cosmos - in a new compact edition

Universe is a groundbreaking survey that celebrates the popular subject of astronomy through 300 images created by those who have tried to understand - or who have been inspired by - the beauty and mystery of stars, planets, and beyond. Carefully chosen by an international panel of experts and arranged to highlight thought-provoking contrasts and similarities, the selection includes paintings, photographs, sculpture, animation, prints, sketches, and digital renderings with iconic works by renowned photographers, artists, and astronomers alongside previously unpublished finds.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, Art, Space, Coffee Table Books, Photography, Astronomy

352 pages, Hardcover

Published September 25, 2019

About the author

Phaidon Press is a global publisher of books on art, architecture, design, fashion, photography, and popular culture, as well as cookbooks, children's books, and travel books. The company is based in London and New York City, with additional offices in Paris and Berlin. -wikipedia

Reviews

[Bill · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very visual book. An interesting mix of ancient drawings or manuscripts that show man’s fascination with the cosmos, along with artistic representations and simulations, along with photos from earth’s telescopes and exploratory spacecrafts. All are briefly explained. It gets a bit overwhelming but many are very famous images and all of it is informative.

[Dray · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful book! Although not a formal exploration of current astronomical knowledge the book is a visual encyclopedia of mankind's long artistic and scientific experience of the cosmos. The selection of beautiful drawings, paintings, photographs and art is stunning. There were many pieces that made me pause and "hang out" with the piece.

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This gorgeous coffee table book exhibits an exceptional collection of astronomical photographs, artwork, manuscripts and other ephemera, both historical and contemporary. I'm a mediocre at best appreciator of art, so I was most taken with the photography and ancient writings. Three images which particularly resonated with me were Curiosity's "selfie," the photo of astronaut Bruce McCandless' untethered space walk (this gave me chills, as I have recurring dreams about hurtling through the vastness of space), and the New Horizons' 2015 photo of Pluto. The ashes of Clyde Tombaugh, who discovered Pluto in 1930, are aboard the spacecraft, which makes Tombaugh the furthest any human (alive or dead!) has ever traveled in space. Awesome. It's a lovely book to simply page through at leisure.

[Kimberley Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an astronomy lover, this book satisfied my need to see the incredible pictures NASA took through the years. This was kindly gifted to me by my friends because they know my nerd tendencies for anythings space related haha.

[Blawnin Clancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it, full of amazing photos and great text too by a variety of authors. I will come back to it again for more research.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing, depicting humans love of the cosmos throught history. From ancient art to modern space exploration, humans have always looked up in wonder. Across civilizations around the world, one thing we all have in common is our fascination with the heavens. The connections from past to present, from civilizations around the globe, the book showcases mankind's obsession with the stars.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Moon Dreaming by Mick Namarari Tjapaltjarri: https://www.google.com/culturalinstit...

Visions of the Future by The Studio, JPL: https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/visions-of-t...

[Travis Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating compare and contrast about nature inspiring art.

[Phyllis M. Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't do much reading, but the photos are wonderful!

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A looking book. Incredible images.

[Ryan Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book best served as a coffee table read for people to glance at now and again. Every page is teeming with beauty or information, with a fantastic cover to entice readers.

[Chevonne Le · Rating 5 out of 5]

Learnt a lot from it and loads of good quality images. Very hefty and expensive but really high quality