The Birth & Death of the Sun

by George Gamow

A lucid explanation of stellar evolution and atomic energy. Professor George Gamow outlines in simple terms the fundamental discoveries and theories of modern physics that illuminate the evolution of our world. Includes an Index.
"A most significant and scholarly book, it encompasses such vast reaches of astronomical knowledge that one's imaginagtion is stimulated and one's intelligence richly satisfied."

Genres: Science, Physics, Astronomy, Nonfiction, Popular Science

219 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1945

About the author

George Gamow (Russian pronunciation: [ˈɡaməf:]; March 4 [O.S. February 20:] 1904 – August 19, 1968), born Georgiy Antonovich Gamov (Георгий Антонович Гамов), was a theoretical physicist and cosmologist born in the Russian Empire. He discovered alpha decay via quantum tunneling and worked on radioactive decay of the atomic nucleus, star formation, stellar nucleosynthesis, big bang nucleosynthesis, cosmic microwave background, nucleocosmogenesis and genetics.

Reviews

[Peter Grant · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating book written by one of the leading cosmologists of his day. In a series of relatively easy to follow steps, this enthusiast for his profession takes the reader through the cutting edge of star science and associated nuclear physics as it stood in the 1940s. And the enthusiasm, along with his idiosyncratic diagrams, really make the topics come alive. As someone who has read a number of books on the subject, and is therefore a well qualified armchair critic, it was interesting to note the things that were missing - no mention of the big bang or black holes and galaxies referred to as extra galactic nebulae. I'm also not sure the carbon/nitrogen cycle is quite as key to stellar nuclear reactions as he seems to think. But, who cares? This shows science in development, a snapshot on the way to a bigger picture. It's easy to forget this book was written over 80 years ago - I'm sure a cosmology book written in 2100 would make even a Brian Cox book appear error ridden! So, when viewed through the correct lens, this is a terrific little book.

[Zach S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Old book with some outdated info, however it still has a lot of value in my opinion. The topics are old enough and education has advanced enough to where the book has become a lot easier to read/comprehend due to a lot becoming common knowledge. That combined with Gamows ability to dissect complex studies makes this a great book.

[Dan Zarfati · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is old, however has historic value and it is an easy read and has a pleasureable text.

[Erik Graff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recall reading an ancient, even then, paperback edition of this book in the verdant front yard of the maternal grandparents' duplex on Prestigaardsv'n 1 in Oslo shortly after arriving there during the summer of 1962. It was probably Morfar Fin's copy as I don't recall obtaining it from a used bookstore.

Embarrassing to admit, but the contents of this book and of his The Creation of the Universe still constitute most of the little I know of "contemporary" cosmological theory: Hoyle's "Steady State" to Gamow's own "Big Bang." When it was written there was still considerable controversy. For the time being, however, it seems that the bangers have won the debate.

[Malli · Rating 3 out of 5]

George Gamow rates as one of my favourite physics writers. He writes with love, passion and a genuine desire for the reader to understand. The only reason I give a 3 is because some of the content in the book is outdated. Would still recommend as a good intro to understanding the thermonuclear reaction that our Sun is.

[Lewis Cunningham · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun read. Outdated of course, but still well written and a glimpse of the knowledge at the time it was written.